Course Overview

Effective internal auditing and control systems are essential for helping organisations manage risk, maintain accountability, strengthen governance, and improve operational performance. While internal auditing has traditionally been viewed as a regulatory or compliance-driven activity, its role has evolved significantly to become a strategic function that supports organisational improvement and informed decision-making.

This course provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to the principles, practices, and functions of internal auditing. Beginning with the fundamentals of audit concepts and methodologies, the programme gradually progresses into practical areas such as audit planning, risk assessment, internal control evaluation, and audit execution. Through practical examples and applied discussions, participants will connect theoretical concepts with real-world organisational challenges.

A key focus of the course is understanding how internal controls are designed, implemented, evaluated, and monitored. Participants will explore common control weaknesses, techniques for testing control effectiveness, and methods for identifying operational and compliance risks. The programme also examines the collection and evaluation of audit evidence, audit documentation practices, and the development of clear and effective audit findings.

In addition, the course emphasises the importance of communicating audit results through professional reporting, interviews, discussions, and formal presentations to stakeholders and management.

This programme is ideal for professionals working in finance, auditing, compliance, governance, risk management, and operational functions. Although prior audit experience is not mandatory, a basic understanding of organisational processes and systems will be beneficial. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to apply internal audit techniques confidently and contribute effectively to organisational governance, risk management, and internal control objectives.

Agenda

Day — 1 Introduction to Internal Auditing

• Understanding the definition of internal auditing and its importance in organisational governance and accountability
• Exploring key internal auditing functions, types of audits, and practical examples of audit activities
• Reviewing the roles and responsibilities of internal auditors within organisations
• Understanding the differences and relationships between monitoring, evaluation, and auditing processes
• Examining the internal audit process, auditing principles, and professional audit practices

Day — 2 Risk Assessment and Internal Audit Planning

• Defining audit risk and understanding its main categories, including:
  • Inherent Risk
  • Control Risk
  • Detection Risk
• Exploring tools and techniques used for risk assessment and risk management, including:
  • Risk Matrices
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Delphi Techniques
  • Monte Carlo Simulation
• Understanding the internal audit planning process and its key stages and activities
• Discussing the integration of control-based risk assessment approaches into audit planning and execution
• Reviewing best practices for conducting effective opening conferences and stakeholder engagement sessions during audits

Day — 3 Internal Control Systems Evaluation

• Introduction to the role and importance of internal control systems within the audit process
• Exploring tools and techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of the internal control environment
• Understanding the key differences between preventive controls and detective controls
• Examining the role of technology, automation, and digital systems in strengthening internal control processes
• Understanding audit documentation requirements, control documentation standards, and reporting practices

Day — 4 Evidence Gathering and Testing

• Exploring tools and techniques used for collecting and evaluating audit evidence, including:
  • Physical Examination
  • Confirmations
  • Documentation Review
  • Analytical Procedures
• Understanding substantive testing methodologies and their role within internal audit activities
• Exploring and comparing different data testing techniques and their practical applications in auditing
• Understanding attribute sampling techniques and their use in internal audit testing and evaluation
• Discussing the importance of aligning audit working papers, evidence, and documentation with audit findings and conclusions

Day — 5 Audit Interviews and Exit Conferences

• Exploring effective interviewing skills and communication techniques for internal auditors
• Discussing conflict resolution approaches and professional conduct during audit interviews
• Identifying strategies for communicating and presenting audit findings clearly and effectively
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality, ethics, and professional integrity throughout the auditing process
• Reviewing best practices for conducting effective exit conferences with stakeholders and management
• Course recap, participant discussions, and programme evaluation

Learning Outcomes

By attending this Skills of Auditing and Internal Control training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of internal auditing and internal controls in supporting governance, accountability, and organisational performance
• Explain the role and responsibilities of an internal auditor and develop the professional skills required for effective audit practices
• Apply risk assessment and risk management techniques to identify high-risk processes and operational areas within an organisation
• Develop audit plans based on control risk assessments, audit objectives, and organisational priorities
• Evaluate internal control systems by mapping, reviewing, and analysing organisational workflows and operational procedures
• Select and apply appropriate tools and techniques for collecting, testing, and analysing audit evidence
• Develop structured approaches for planning, conducting, and analysing internal audit interviews
• Enhance audit interviewing and communication skills to support effective audit evaluations and reporting

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals involved in internal auditing, internal control, governance, and compliance functions, including:

• Internal Auditors
• External Auditors transitioning into internal audit roles
• Finance and Accounting Professionals
• Risk Management and Compliance Officers
• Operations Managers and Department Heads
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Professionals