Saturday, April 23, 2022

Everything you need to internal audit

 Having an adequate inspection and control system is the key to meeting the organization's objectives.

 Introduction

 Having a control system within risk management allows us to monitor and monitor the correct operation of the processes. There are a large number of audits , but the internal one focuses on meeting the organization's objectives. This is an activity that is done independently in order to generate value and improve business operations.

 Sometimes it is carried out by agents external to the company, better known as auditors who are in charge of carrying out an evaluation of the organization, to verify if the management system is adequate, efficient and effective.

 In the following eBook you will find all the information related to internal Auditors in Dubai, the types that exist, its mission, the principles on which it is based, the stages and phases that are carried out, and who is responsible.

 What is internal audit?

 It is an evaluation or an examination carried out by organizations to verify whether the operation of the different areas is correct , in order to guarantee the proper functioning of the established controls. 

 According to the Institute of Internal Auditors of the United Arab Emirates. "It is an independent activity that takes place within the company and is aimed at the review of accounting and other operations, in order to provide a service to management."

 This is given by the need for organizations to maintain control in order to make their operation more efficient. In this case, a review of the internal control system is carried out , as well as the policies and procedures defined to protect business assets , in order to avoid fraud, sabotage, and increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.

 When companies begin to have notable growth, it is when the appearance of internal auditing is most necessary, since it becomes almost impossible to have direct control of all operations.

 “Internal audit is an independent and objective assurance and consultation activity, designed to add value and improve the operations of an organization. It helps companies meet their goals by providing a systematic and disciplined approach to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes,

 Goals

 The main objective of the internal audit is to comply with the functions, activities, responsibilities and processes established within the company's policies.

 On the other hand, verify that the accounting information is reliable and monitor that the control system is working properly. This must start from a previously established plan, which highlights the policies and procedures to be implemented.

 Fundamental principles

 These are in charge of generating the effectiveness of the internal audit . In order to have an adequate inspection system, it is important that all the principles are integrated and operate at the same time within the organization.

 1.       Demonstrates integrity: The integrity of internal auditors establishes trust and, consequently, provides the basis for trusting their judgment.

2.       Demonstrates competence and due professional care: The Internal Auditor is always trained to perform his job and profession in the best way possible.

3.       It is objective and free from influences (Independent): There should be no coercion or limitation for the development of the internal audit, all in order not to lose objectivity and the proper focus that the audit should have.

4.       Aligns with the strategies, objectives and risks of the organization: Every internal auditor adapts to the needs and policies of the organization.

5.       It is appropriately positioned and has adequate resources: It has all the necessary resources, giving the auditor access to everything essential to carry out the audit.

6.       Demonstrates quality and continuous improvement: The auditor never limits himself, always gives feedback on his learning and constantly seeks change and internal improvement.

7.       Communicates effectively: The internal auditor has the ability and ability to work as a team and use the right means of communication to effectively develop his audit.

8.       Provides risk-based assurance: The auditor focuses his work on a risk-based audit, since he understands the importance of auditing risk-focused processes (risk plan of the organization); thus achieving an effective audit.

9.       Makes deep analysis, is proactive and future-oriented: It is always at the forefront, since it is known that an auditor does not wait to adapt to change, but rather anticipates change and generates change, demonstrating and developing their ability to always orient themselves to the future through your analysis and observations.

10.   Promotes organizational improvement: The internal auditor is a generator of change, contributing through his audit a true continuous improvement for the organization.

 Audit plan

 Knowing how to carry out a risk-based audit process will help you identify and take action regarding technical and organizational risks that may arise from the external, internal, technical or human part. Below we share the step by step you can follow to carry out the annual audit plan stage.

 It is no secret that audits with experts in protection systems and comprehensive risk management are essential to obtain an objective overview of the state of the organization.

 1. Determination of the audit universe

 Depending on the stages and phases of the internal audit , it is necessary to carry out a general analysis of the organization to be audited. That way, the audit team can have a better understanding of how the processes work and what the entity's objectives are.

 Specifically, the audit universe refers to the set of areas of the organization that are susceptible to auditing (human talent management, financial management, technology management, commercial management, communications management) in order to provide adequate assurance to each one of those business functions.

 2. Establishment of the internal audit plan

 In line with the stages and phases of the internal audit , the plan should be based on the data collected in the first step, and contain information such as: objectives, scope and criteria of the audit, units and areas that will be audited within the company, officials in charge of the quality of the processes, priority aspects, time and duration of the inspections, among others.

 The work plan should also be based on documented information and feedback from senior management and the board should be taken into account. The auditor who coordinates the implementation of the annual plan is in turn responsible for communicating the resources required for the internal audit and the possible impact in the event that these resources are limited.

 To carry out the annual plan, it is necessary to evaluate the level of risk inherent in the processes, identify the requirements of the audit committee and management, know what the legal requirements are for internal audit and document possible findings and opportunities for improvement that arose in plans. From earlier times.

 Read also: Business Valuation in UAE, Dubai | Business Consultant in UAE       

 3. Annual audit plan vs. resources

 Depending on the projects that arise in the plan, it is necessary to allocate the human, financial and time resources that will be required to carry out the plan. According to the availability of these resources, it will be possible to choose the projects that can be attended, according to the level of priority.

 4. Communication and approval of the plan

 Finally, the annual audit plan must be presented to senior management in order to obtain final approval from the board of directors or the audit committee. In this presentation, it is necessary to demonstrate that actions were taken in case of resource limitation.

 In turn, we advise you to inform senior management and the board about the Internal Audit and control system reviews in Dubai work that has been rescheduled, what the compelling reasons for this change are and what is the degree of risk associated with the rescheduled work.

 

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