Chief audit executives, their deputies, and internal audit managers play a pivotal role in ensuring organizational success. They are required to collaborate effectively with business leaders, boards, audit committees, peers, and their own teams. Leadership, stakeholder relations, and influencing skills are now as crucial as the technical aspects of audit management, making it essential for audit leaders to be not just managers but strategic partners. The High Impact Internal Audit Leadership training course is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by internal audit leaders. This course will equip participants with the necessary skills to make meaningful contributions at a strategic level, thereby adding value and enhancing productivity within the audit function. Through a combination of practical methods, discussions, and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to lead their teams more effectively, manage key relationships, and deliver impactful internal audit work that drives organizational success.

Course Objectives

By the end of this High Impact Internal Audit Leadership course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate greater confidence in interacting with senior leaders.
• Assess what it takes to be an effective internal audit leader.
• Make valuable contributions at a strategic level that align with overall business success.
• Apply practical methods to manage relationships with the audit committee, senior management, and peers.
• Add value through the implementation of efficient and effective internal audit practices.
• Identify key priorities to maximize the contribution of their audit departments to the organization.

Duration:           1 Week

Who Should Attend

This High Impact Internal Audit Leadership course is ideal for:

• Chief Audit Executives
• Deputy Heads of Audit
• Internal Audit Managers
• Senior Internal Auditors
• Professionals leading or managing members of the internal audit team
• Both in-house and outsourced internal audit teams

Course Content

Internal Audit Leadership

• Fundamentals of effective leadership
• The importance of stable management practices
• Qualities of a successful internal audit leader
• Leadership and management Theory essentials
• The role of inspiration in internal audit leadership
• Managing large vs. small internal audit teams
• Understanding the mission statement and definition of internal auditing
• Relevant attribute and performance standards
• Common challenges faced by internal audit leaders and strategies for resolution

Effective Internal Audit Planning

• Assessing risk maturity within the organization
• Designing a risk-based assurance universe
• Developing a robust internal audit strategy
• Coordination with other assurance providers: pros and cons
• Setting up and executing the annual or semi-annual internal audit plan
• Agile delivery of the internal audit plan
• Best practices in internal audit planning and building team capability

Maximizing Internal Audit Resources

• Securing the necessary resources for internal audit
• Managing and optimizing internal audit resources
• Addressing the challenges of managing a dispersed team
• Ensuring an effective internal audit engagement process
• Strategies for maximizing efficiency within the audit function
• Managing co-sourcing and outsourcing contractors
• Risk management strategies specific to internal audit functions

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Understanding internal audit perceptions within the organization
• Conducting stakeholder analysis
• Best practices for managing stakeholder relations
• Effective marketing of the internal audit function
• Product mix and services offered by internal audit
• Techniques for effective reporting and recommendations
• Managing conflict, negotiation, and persuasion within the audit process
• Networking strategies and resolving conflicts Insight, Added Value, and Quality Assurance
• Defining and delivering insight within internal audit
• Strategies for enhancing and protecting organizational value
• Adding value through assurance and consulting services
• Navigating the advisory role and its potential pitfalls
• Implementing a quality assurance and improvement program
• Conducting internal and external assessments
• Key elements of a successful improvement program