Internal Audit Report Writing Skills
INTRODUCTION
A good internal audit report is one that clearly communicates the objectives, scope, and findings of an audit engagement and in doing so motivates its readers to take the internal audit s recommended actions. This course is designed to help internal auditors to understand best practices in internal audit reporting. The course also provides knowledge to demonstrate your ability to develop a collaborative approach while completing the audit and Enhance your communication skills, Focus on core findings to maximize outcomes, also Focus on strategic organizational risks while reporting and Add value for your organization and for the auditee
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Distinguish barriers to e ective written communication and identify ways to overcome them
Identify the target audience and adapt writing accordingly
Structure the audit report for greater impact
Present audit ndings in a clear and concise manner
Produce a concise and compelling executive summary
Learn ways to review their own and others work constructively and efficiently
WHO SHOULD ATTEND ?
Professionals in internal audit functions who would like to learn best practices in report writing in order to close the audit process adequately.
COURSE OUTLINE
Day 1
Introduction to report writing ·
Value of the audit report
Measuring return
Ensuring a "needs" fit
Maintaining quality control
Elements of written communication
Barriers to written communication ·
Constructs of written communication ·
Clear writing techniques ·
The writing acts · Preparing to write ·
Writing the first draft
Day 2
The audit report findings and structure
· Audit findings and their presentation
· Structuring an audit report
· Areas to cover
Determine the audience
·
Likely findings
Technical appendices
· Summarizing working papers into reportable narrative
· Use of planning worksheets
Day 3
Drafting the audit report
· Analysing the prospective audience
· Who the audience is
· Number of readers
· Organizational status
· Knowledge background
· Attitude to audit
· Personal agendas
· Hot topics
· Key stakeholders
· Writing the draft
· Scheduling time
· Writing as you go
· Structuring your thoughts
· Draft quickly and polish later
· Use of clear writing techniques
· Evaluation of the draft
· Checking for substance and strategy
· Capturing and maintaining the reader s attention
Day 4
Editing the audit report
Editing the report
Bottleneck
Causes of auditor frustration ·
·
The "Kilroy was here" syndrome
Editing for substance, readability, correctness and style ·
·
Editing others work ·
Applying appropriate levels of editing
To change or not to change?
Build the writer's pride of authorship ·
Building a desire to write well
Day 5
The final audit report ·
Production of the final version ·
Polishing the report ·
Deciding distribution ·
Management responses ·
Audit replies
· Selling the report ·
Writing the summary ·
Supporting evidence ·
Conducting report presentations ·
Responding to questions
