Conference on Optimizing and Monitoring the Internal Audit Function

Overview:

Introduction:

This conference focuses on strengthening the internal audit function through effective development, continuous improvement, and performance monitoring. It empowers participants with the tools and strategies needed to enhance the audit function’s value, improve audit processes, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.

Objectives:

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Develop and establish an effective internal audit function.

• Implement continuous improvement strategies within the audit department.

• Monitor and measure the performance of internal audit activities.

• Align internal audit practices with organizational objectives and risks.

• Drive greater value through improved audit processes and methodologies.

Target Audience:

• Chief Audit Executives (CAEs).

• Internal Audit Managers and Supervisors.

• Senior Auditors.

• Risk and Compliance Officers.

• Professionals involved in auditing and internal controls.

Conference Outline:

Unit 1:

Establishing and Developing the Internal Audit Function:

• Defining the role and scope of internal audit within an organization.

• Key steps in developing an internal audit department from scratch.

• Structuring the internal audit function for maximum effectiveness.

• Setting audit objectives and aligning them with business goals.

• Identifying and allocating resources for the internal audit function.

Unit 2:

Enhancing Audit Processes for Continuous Improvement:

• Conducting a gap analysis of current audit processes.

• Identifying areas for improvement and process optimization.

• Leveraging best practices for audit planning, execution, and reporting.

• Implementing agile audit methodologies for greater efficiency.

• Case study: Process improvement in internal audit leading to enhanced performance.

Unit 3:

Monitoring and Measuring Internal Audit Performance:

• Developing performance metrics for internal audit.

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for audit effectiveness.

• Methods of Conducting internal audit quality assessments.

• Using technology and data analytics to track audit performance.

• Reporting on internal audit performance to stakeholders and management.

Unit 4:

Aligning the Internal Audit Function with Organizational Risks:

• Understanding the organization’s risk profile and its impact on audit focus.

• Aligning internal audit activities with enterprise risk management (ERM).

• Identifying high-risk areas for targeted audits.

• Enhancing collaboration between internal audit and risk management teams.

• Ensuring audit activities support organizational risk mitigation strategies.

Unit 5:

Ensuring Compliance and Driving Value Through Auditing:

• The internal auditor’s role in regulatory compliance and governance.

• Ensuring internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance frameworks.

• Promoting a culture of compliance through audit recommendations.

• Using audit results to drive value and improve organizational performance.

• Continuous monitoring and updating of audit practices to adapt to changing regulations.