The British Academy for Training and Development offers this training program in "Conducting Internal Audit Engagements", designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to perform internal audit engagements through a structured approach that supports quality, consistency, and reliable results.

The program focuses on the main stages of an audit engagement, beginning with planning, defining the scope, and assessing risks, followed by gathering evidence, examining records, and analyzing information, before moving to the documentation of findings, preparation of audit reports, and follow-up of corrective actions. It also addresses methods for evaluating internal controls and identifying weaknesses and deviations, while clarifying the internal auditor’s role in supporting governance, risk management, and process improvement. Participants will gain a clear framework for conducting and documenting internal audit engagements professionally and effectively.

Who Should Attend?

• Internal auditors and professionals working in internal audit and assurance departments.

• Professionals working in risk management, compliance, governance, and internal control functions.

• Heads of internal audit departments and supervisors responsible for planning audit engagements and reviewing their results.

• Professionals seeking to strengthen their skills in conducting and documenting internal audit engagements.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the main stages of conducting internal audit engagements and the requirements of each stage.

• Develop the ability to plan audit engagements and define their objectives and scope according to risk levels.

• Apply appropriate methods for gathering, analyzing, and evaluating the sufficiency and relevance of audit evidence.

• Improve skills in documenting audit results and formulating professional findings and recommendations.

• Understand the processes for preparing audit reports and following up on corrective actions and agreed procedures.

• Fundamentals of Internal Audit Engagements

  • Definition of an internal audit engagement and its main stages.

  • Role and responsibilities of the internal auditor during the engagement.

  • Principles of independence, objectivity, and professional care.

• Audit Engagement Planning

  • Defining engagement objectives, scope, and audit criteria.

  • Understanding the processes and activities under review and identifying areas of focus.

  • Preparing the audit work plan and determining resources and timelines.

• Risk Assessment and Internal Controls

  • Identifying risks associated with the processes and activities under review.

  • Assessing the design of internal controls and their suitability for identified risks.

  • Prioritizing audit areas according to their level of risk.

• Gathering and Examining Audit Evidence

  • Sources of audit evidence and characteristics of sufficient and appropriate evidence.

  • Methods for examining documents, records, data, and other relevant information.

  • Analyzing evidence and identifying deviations and control weaknesses.

• Audit Documentation and Workpapers

  • Preparing and organizing audit workpapers and supporting documentation.

  • Documenting audit procedures, findings, and supporting evidence.

  • Reviewing the quality of workpapers and ensuring clarity and traceability.

• Formulating Audit Findings

  • Identifying the criteria, causes, and impacts associated with audit findings.

  • Distinguishing between control weaknesses, risks, and non-compliance issues.

  • Developing clear, actionable recommendations proportionate to identified risks.

• Preparing the Internal Audit Report

  • Structure and essential components of an internal audit report.

  • Presenting findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and professionally.

  • Reviewing and approving the report and assigning responsibility for corrective actions.

• Follow-Up of Audit Results and Corrective Actions

  • Methods for monitoring the implementation of recommendations and agreed actions.

  • Assessing the adequacy of corrective actions and whether they address the underlying causes.

  • Preparing follow-up reports and communicating results to the appropriate management levels.