Independence and objectivity are two words I hear auditors use incorrectly all the time. Even though the standards describe internal audit as being independent and objective, the truth is very few internal audit functions are truly independent, but we have to remain objective. While we may not be able to control our independence (don’t worry …
Continue reading “E17: Giving Up Some Independence is OK, but Lack of Objectivity Will Kill You”
As we move forward in our career it’s easy to wake up one day and realize we haven’t really invested in ourselves in years. I know, cause I’ve been there too. We get so busy dealing with the day-to-day stresses on our job, trying to balance life-work commitments that we don’t take time to invest …
Continue reading “E16: Invest in Yourself or Nobody Else Will”
Auditors experience resistance from audit clients and others in the organization on a regular basis. Using the six principles of Influence helps build relationships, overcome objections, and help people take action. Incorporating these principles into your work and personal life will help you persuade without manipulation and avoid the extra stress caused by resistance. Jason …
Continue reading “E15: Avoiding Resistance by Using the Principles of Influence with Brian Ahearn”
Most people in internal audit focus a lot of time and energy on technical skills, ignoring soft-skills since those are just “touchy-feely” topics anyway that aren’t that important in internal audit. Think again. You will still get ignored no matter how technically competent you are. The key to being heard and moving to trusted advisor …
Yep, you read the title correctly. Performing an excellent audit, following all of the standards, and writing a great report won’t stop you from getting fired. In fact, sometimes that is what gets you fired. To understand what usually does get you fired, and how to avoid the land mines, take a listen to this …
Continue reading “E13: Doing a Good Job Won’t Stop You From Getting Fired”
Certifications are an important part of developing one’s career, but you need to focus on the right certifications and learning. We’ll discuss the Big-3 certifications (the ones internal auditors should have) and how to make informed decisions about the training and learning needs to move your career forward. Hint: it’s not about just getting alphabet …
Moving to an agile internal audit approach is a big shift in mindset. It is not just performing audits in a more nimble or lean way. It is about using agile methodologies to transform the whole audit process. This method produces a more collaborative approach with the audit client, a more self-managed team mentality, and …
Continue reading “E11: Making the Shift to Agile Auditing with Rick Wright”
Internal audit has established some great traditions over the years. As Tevye, the character from Fiddler on the Roof said: “Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as… as a fiddler on the roof!” Later; however, Tevye realizes, “our old ways were once new, weren’t they?” We have to be willing …
Most Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) struggle with justifying the level of internal audit resources. When internal audit is viewed by stakeholders as a “cost center” this is an annual challenge justifying headcount and annual budgets, especially when the organization is in cost-cutting mode. Many in the profession advocate using benchmarking as a way to “right …
Continue reading “E9: Right-Sizing Internal Audit – Benchmarking is Barking Up the Wrong Tree”
Many professionals get caught in a CPE mindset when it comes to professional development. A CPE mindset will not get you promotions or new positions. In the knowledge revolution, we have to become lifelong learners – those concerned with learning and growing each day, week, and month – not just completing hours of random CPE …
Continue reading “E8: Moving from a CPE Mindset to Lifelong Learning”
