How to prepare an effective audit manual for an internal audit department

An internal audit manual documents how your department performs its work and keeps each audit in line with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards. This 90-minute webinar shows how to develop one, with start-to-finish instructions and templates for performing different types of audits based on the project description.

You'll cover gathering pre-audit background information, the most common types of internal audit projects, and planning audit objectives, scope and the work program. The session then moves through fieldwork, reporting and follow-up, work-paper filing and project closure.

It also explains how to adapt the manual for consulting engagements and confidential internal investigations, with real-life examples drawn from the instructor's experience.

• Identify the elements an effective internal audit manual should include
• Present different types of audits in line with IIA standards
• Plan, perform and report on internal audits, consulting engagements and confidential investigations
• Use templates for each step of the audit process
• Manage follow-up, work-paper filing and project closure

• Identifying and collecting pre-audit background information
• The most common types of internal audit projects
• The areas an audit manual covers: engagement letters, planning documents, audit programs, progress update templates and final reports
• Audit planning: objectives, scope and the audit work program
• Audit fieldwork
• Audit reporting and follow-up, work-paper filing and project closure
• The audit manual for consulting engagements and confidential investigations
• Real-life examples from the instructor's background

Without a solid audit manual, auditors lack the guidance they need to work consistently. A well-written manual supports effective audits, consulting engagements and confidential investigations, can save costs, and gives management assurance that auditors follow IIA standards.

It suits internal audit staff and managers, professionals who write audit manuals, and leaders concerned with audit department efficiency.

• Internal audit personnel who perform audits and develop audit manuals
• Internal audit management is interested in developing an audit manual for different types of audits
• Professionals responsible for developing manuals for performing audits
• Management concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit department

Marna Steuart has been in the audit industry for over twenty years. Ms. Steuart began her career with a big four firm as an external auditor, then as an internal auditor in different capacities in various industries. Ms. Steuart has performed collective bargaining contracts, and construction contract audits of several third-party contracts. She has also performed vendor contract audits of purchase power contracts and third-party vendor contracts for services throughout her career as an internal auditor. She has firsthand knowledge of where to look in a contract for possible risks and of case studies that would save thousands of dollars’ for organizations.