The CIPFA publication Audit Committees: Practical Guidance for Local Authorities
recommends ‘assessing whether adequate skills and resources are available
to provide an effective audit function’. This is mirrored in The Combined
Code on Corporate Governance by recommending ‘the audit committee
should monitor and review the effectiveness of the internal audit activities’.
This guide is a revised and updated version of CIPFA’s Audit
Training Planning Guide, published in 1994. It has stood the test of time
in assisting internal audit units to determine their auditors short-term training
and longer-term development needs. But there have been significant changes in
the role of internal audit during recent years and the opportunity has been
taken to thoroughly review the skills and competencies, and training and development
needs, that are required to provide the complete and ‘excellent’
service from the internal audit function.
A powerful matrix is provided within the guide which sets out the key skills
considered relevant to carry out the role of an internal auditor. These skills
are broadly generic across all levels of audit staff, and are split into three
main skill sets:
Behavioural skills include:
- Negotiating and influencing
- Communication
- Assertiveness
- Enthusiasm and initiative
- Team work
- Professionalism
Technical skills include:
- Audit methodology and scope embracing risk
- Analytical review techniques
- Devising a testing strategy
- Sampling techniques
- IT skills and techniques
Management skills include:
- Performance management
- People management
- Leadership
The matrix provides the expected competencies in each skill area for the various
roles and levels of auditor in the internal audit unit, from trainee through
to head of internal audit. The management competencies are further expanded
to include risk control and corporate governance.
Practical advice is provided on linking training, skills and competencies to
personal development and alignment to personal development plans, performance
reviews and post-audit assessments. Formats are included using material kindly
provided by Leeds City Council’s highly regarded internal audit unit.
Various sources and types of training are discussed along with a structured
approach to defining and identifying the training need and the head of audit’s
role in managing and monitoring the effectiveness and overall development of
the internal audit function.
This guide will form a key part of your audit planning and is an
essential tool in ensuring that internal audit staff receive ongoing training
and development to meet the challenging and changing needs of the business.
The product package comprises the printed guide plus an interactive CD-ROM
which enables users to conveniently complete the assessment tool and analysis,
and to generate a personal development plan electronically.
Download Contents and Foreword:
£195.00 (excl. VAT) per copy
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