...Internal Audit Guidebook Providing a framework for understanding and delivering Grant Thornton’s Internal Audit Services in a consistent, high-quality way 2012 Internal audit guidebook 1 Contents Page Introduction 2 Common service delivery methodology 6 Determine client needs 8 Scope and arrange work 10 Plan 13 Analyze and assess 20 Report and recommend 28 Implement 32 Evaluate 33 Determine business and technology context 36 Manage engagement performance, quality and risk 38 Communicate and enable change 40 Appendix 42 Internal audit engagement checklist 43 © Grant Thornton LLP. All rights reserved. Updated August 1, 2012 Internal audit guidebook 2 Introduction What is internal audit? The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines internal auditing as: Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. (1010) An internal audit objectively assesses the management of risks that a company faces. (2100 series) The aim is to • understand the current state, • assess the current state using appropriate standards and criteria, and • develop findings and recommendations...
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...Jamie, 2004). Organisations maintain their financial reports with the help of accounting theories and policies. The international financial reporting standards also help to keep the accounting practice effectively, efficiently, and correctly. The efficient management will be built if the organisation follows the international reporting standards accurately. As a mandatory course unit of myself I need to prove my understanding about the financial systems and auditing through this report. I will gradually demonstrate my understanding on the purpose, use, importance of accounting records, accounting systems, computerised accounting system, manual accounting systems, business risk, audit risk, internal and external control systems, importance of auditing, and planning audit assignment as well as preparing audit report in the body part of my report. Task One Purpose and Use of Different Accounting Records Accounting records represents the management of all source of information in different records books. These records are ledger, journals, bank statements, adjusting journals, statement verification, invoice, brochure, and etc. The purpose and use of different accounting record in the following. Purpose To illustrate the purpose of accounting records we chose main two types of accounting record. These are journal and ledger. The journal represents the original entry. The purpose of journal entry is given below. * Knowing the date of transaction * Determining the accounting...
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...Internal Control Understanding and Documentation Project- EICO Iman H. Al Shawab Table of Contents Part I - Understanding of Entity and Business Environment: 3 Business Overview: 3 Suppliers: 3 Operations: 4 a. Suppliers 4 b. Customers: 5 Part II- Understanding of the Entity’s Internal Control Design and Implementations: 6 Part III: Audit EICO 11 Accepting the Audit and Perform Initial Audit Planning 11 Part I - Understanding of Entity and Business Environment: Business Overview: Emirates Industrial Converting Factory (abbreviated EICO) which is divided into three separate divisions, carton, plastic and tissue. EICO is a manufacturing company which is owned by a local investor Mr. Bader Fares, hence it is a sole proprietorship. It is located in Industrial Area # 15 – Sharjah, UAE. As the other companies in the region, the main contacting channels of this company are through phone +97165344122, fax +97165344133, P.O Box 27074 and email eico@emirates.net.ae. In order to get the information needed to analyze the internal control procedures of this company we needed to carry out interviews with the responsible manager at the carton division at EICO. Specifically, we interviewed the Administration manager at EICO Mr Amer Al Meslat. As stated above, EICO is divided into three divisions and this paper will be concentrating on the carton division. This division operates in the carton industry, specifically in the packaging part of the industry. Furthermore...
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...route to organisational excellence A Scottish Housing Association case study James Sheffield Comhairle, The Scottish Centre for European Public Sector Studies, University of Paisley, Paisley, Scotland, and 484 Siobhan White Division of Accounting and Finance, Glasgow Caledonian University Business School, Glasgow, Scotland Keywords Scotland, Housing, Financial management, Auditing, Corporate governance Abstract Control self-assessment (CSA) has been discussed as an audit technique, but little practical guidance is available in the UK on the subject. A limited number of public sector organisations have implemented it. This paper describes a case study of CSA implementation in a Scottish Housing Association. The case study details the decision processes that led to the choice of CSA as a favoured audit technique, and the development of CSA skills within the organisation. This paper examines the broader benefits of a CSA approach, in terms of performance management and employee empowerment. This paper also uses a cost benefit analysis to examine the efficacy of CSA for small organisations. Managerial Auditing Journal Vol. 19 No. 4, 2004 pp. 484-492 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0268-6902 DOI 10.1108/02686900410530493 Introduction West of Scotland Housing Association (WOSHA) is a provider of social housing, whose homes are rented to people who apply to the Housing Association to become members. Once an individual (or family) has become part of the Housing Association...
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...The independence of internal auditing in China Term Paper Advanced Auditing February, 15 * The independence of internal auditing in China Abstract China’s rapid economic growth boosted its accounting system that has evolved at a singular rate. The national government encourages foreign investors to participate in the domestic capital market actively. The government also strictly supervises the different national economic activities; as a result, the credibility of the auditing system plays a important role. Chinese government as well as some firms seek reliable and independent internal audit services. This paper will examine some factors which may cause lack of independence in Chinese internal audit systems, the difference between the internal auditing in China and in western countries. Based on interviews and questionnaires, suggestions are made for future improvement on the internal audit system in China. Key words: internal auditing, audit independence I INTRODUCTION The globalization of economy, complexity of business and allegations of fraudulent financial reporting have recently sharpened the ever-increasing attention to internal controls and internal auditing. (Karagiorgos et al., 2009) The role of internal auditing is also evolving as reflected in the following definition ‘an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing...
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...International Copyright 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Florence, Italy, 19–22 September 2010. This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright. Abstract Auditors are trained to make detailed examinations of the internal control systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 29001, ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001, API, accounting systems and various legislative requirements and; focus their audit planning, testing, and reporting on internal controls in the business process. The Evaluation of controls without first examining the purpose of the business process and its risks provides no context for the results. How can the internal auditor know which control systems are most important, which are out...
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...Hi, Thanks for the opportunity for this site to be used and for the sharing of the information. Audit working papers are the documents which record all audit evidence obtained during financial statements auditing, internal management auditing, information systems auditing, and investigations. Audit working papers are used to support the audit work done in order to provide assurance that the audit was performed in accordance with the relevant auditing standards. They show the audit was: * Properly planned; * Carried out; * There was adequate supervision; * That the appropriate review was undertaken; & finally and most importantly; * That the evidence is sufficient and appropriate to support the audit opinion. The Institute of Internal Auditors, a global professional audit standards body, has issued practice advisory 2330-1 stating the goals of audit working papers are to:[1] * Document the planning, performance, and review of audit work; * Provide the principal support for audit communication such as observations, conclusions, and the final report; * Facilitate third-party reviews and re-performance requirements; and * Provide a basis for evaluating the internal audit activity’s quality control program. Audit working papers are the property of the auditor. In order to keep professional ethic, it cannot discover to third party without consent of the client unless limited specified situations mentioned in ISA 230 Documentation and required...
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...THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIT Professor PhD Atanasiu Pop, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: apop@econ.ubblcuj.ro PhD Student Cristina Boţa-Avram, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavram@gmail.com PhD Student Florin Boţa-Avram, „Babeş Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavramflorin@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: Analyzing the evolution process of internal audit, from its beginnings and so far, we can easily notice that internal audit function was born through detaching of some activities from external audit, the result being that there some situations when these two functions could be easily confused. The reality is that internal audit and external audit are two distinctive functions; net differenced, but which are also characterized through some complementary relationships. In this paper, we try to give our contribution at the clarification of the similarities and differences between these two functions, making a literature review that allowed us to identify some very interesting studies that permitted us to emphasize the main criterions that influenced the relationship between internal audit and external audit. Keywords: internal audit, external audit, objectivity, competence JEL Codes: M42 1. Introduction The coordination of internal audit activity with external audit activity is very important from both points of view: from external audit’s point of view is important because, in this way, external ...
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...Chapter 1 Internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It help an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management control, and government processes. Objective- what an organization wants to achieve. Strategy- how management plans to achieve to organization’s objective. 4 types of objectives -Strategic objectives: value creation choices management makes on behalf of the organization’s stakeholders. -Operations objectives: effectiveness of and efficiency of the organization’s operations. -Reporting objectives: reliability of internal and external reporting of financial and nonfinancial information -Compliance objectives: adherence to applicable laws and regulations Governance is the process conducted by the board of directors to authorize, direct, and oversee management toward the achievement of the organization’s objectives. Risk management is the process conducted by management to understand and deal with uncertainties that could affect the organization’s ability to achieve its objectives. Control is the process conducted by management to mitigate risks to acceptable levels. Independence is the freedom from conditions that threaten objectivity or the appearance of objectivity. Objectivity is an unbiased mental attitude that allows internal auditors to perform...
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...information acquired in the course of duties. Not to use information for any personal gain or in a way that would be contrary to the law or detrimental to the ethics. Professional behavior Members should behave with courtesy and consideration towards all with whom they come into contact during the course of performing their work. Ethical threats Self-interest threat It occurs when auditor could benefit from a financial interest in an audit client. Self review threat It occurs when the audit from a member or audit team put itself in a position of reviewing the subject that previously the member is responsible Familiarity threat It occurs when auditor has a close relationship with the client Advocacy threat It occurs when the audit from a member of the audit team promotes/support or may be perceived to promote an audit client’s position or opinion. Intimidation threat It occurs when a member of the audit team may be deterred from acting objectivity and exercising professional judgment due to pressure given by the audit client to terminate the service. Auditors have an obligation to disclose -where the courts order them to do so -where they suspect their client...
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...Internal Audit of Al Fresco Audit Program Objective: To find out whether their financial information is free from irregularities. Audit Steps to Be Completed I. Planning and Administration Section 1. Prepare permission letter and engagement letter, and obtain approval from the audit director and the auditee. 2. Conduct audit planning, and the following should be discussed: * Timing of audit and planned participants * Timing of fieldwork * Internal control checklist * Risk areas/ internal controls * Assignment of audit objectives * Testing to be performed * Budgeted hours * Permission letter * Engagement letter 3. Conduct pre-audit interview with auditee and document discussions held. 4. Set the schedule of the preliminary audit with the applicable management and discuss the following: * Timing of the audit * Audit objectives * Key contacts for the audit 5. Obtain permission to access relevant information like: * Organizational chart * Relevant reports utilized by the auditee * Strategic documents 6. Prepare and review the internal control questionnaire: * What is the Al Fresco’s perceived internal controls strengths and weaknesses? 7. Inquire of the auditee as to whether any relevant process flowcharts exist. If not, consider developing one for the permanent file. II. Fieldwork First Objective: To ascertain whether the use and recording of petty cash funds...
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...Chapter 5: Audits were scheduled after a comprehensive risk assessment of the entire organization was performed. Thus, the internal auditing organization tried to ensure that important risks were being addressed. Douglass said he wished the FBI worked that way, instead it was forced to constantly react to emergencies. The first thing you do when you are assigned an internal audit or an external audit is to set audit objectives. This task is what makes it an audit and not a fishing expedition. Generally, the audit objectives of an internal audit will correspond to the type of audit: operational, financial, or compliance. After the audit objectives are known, then a preliminary survey is done to understand as much about the auditee’s operations as possible. This survey entails interviewing key employees, observing operations, and reading or examining documents and records. When the preliminary survey is completed, then an audit program is written, listing the audit procedures that will be done during the audit. A budget is then estimated based on the audit program. For large, public companies a brainstorming session is required. Once they have completed the audit tests, the auditors can review the evidence gathered and reach conclusions which are then reported to management. Once the report is issued and managements responds, then a follow-up visit is made to ensure that the issues identified in the audit report are addressed. Walker told Douglass that the modern internal auditing...
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...Internal Audit Chapter 5 Review 1. A business process is the set of connected activities linked with each other for the purpose of achieving an objective or goal. 2. Two general types of business processes are present in most organizations that deliver goods and services: the operating processes and the management and support processes. The operating processes include strategic planning, product and service design and development, marketing, production/delivery, invoicing, and collection. The management and support processes include obtaining and managing the organization’s human resources (this could include hiring, training, benefits), managing financial resources (including budgeting, financial accounting, treasury), managing the information technology resources, managing physical resources (facilities management, security, maintenance, etc.), the organization’s compliance and governance systems, and the process for managing the organization’s external stakeholders (government relations, public relations, etc.). 5. A top-down approach begins at the entity level with the organization’s objectives, and then identifies the key processes critical to the success of each of the organization’s objectives. A bottom-up approach begins by looking at all processes directly at the activity level, and then aggregates the identified processes across the organization. 7. The two common methods used to document processes are process maps and process write-ups. Process...
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...SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF GHANA: THE ROLE OF THE INTERNAL AUDITOR 5/5/2009 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST, GHANA ISHMEAL OFORI AMPONSAH (STUDENT) Table of Contents Introduction........................................................................................ ........................3 Background of the Study ........................................................................................3 Problem Statement............................................................................................ ......4 Research Questions: .................................................................................. .........4 Hypothesis:..........................................................................................................4 Objectives............................................................................................................... .5 Significance of Study............................................................................... ................5 Literature Review.................................................................................................... ....6 Definition of Internal Audit...................................................................................6 Role of the Internal Auditor in governance ..........................................................7 Methodology...........................................................................
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...their money out of the markets and some of the largest corporations in America were going bankrupt. Congress quickly looked for answers as to how this could happen and discovered a myriad of factors. Many factors combined to create a culture where small changes to the financials were overlooked and over time those small changes accumulated into larger changes, and bigger issues. Eventually the once small changes became too large to ignore any longer and resulted in collapse. One major factor uncovered by Congress was the effect of auditor conflicts of interest might be having on auditor independence. Auditors were performing tax, consulting and attestation services, to name a few, in addition to the audit. Often time the fee from the other services was greater than their audit fee. The auditor had a conflict of interest in keeping the large client, and its enormous fees, or reporting crooked financials and losing a large account. Congress took notice of the...
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