Writing Effective Audit Observations

Why Should You Attend:

An audit report typically represents the conclusion of weeks of reviews, analyses, interviews and discussions. It demonstrates the value of your work as it provides information on the areas you reviewed and that needs to be addressed. Effectively communicating the results can positively influence readers and get the results you are seeking. A well written audit report adds value to your clients by providing:

• Concise and persuasive reports
• Observations and conclusions that can be easily communicated to a broad audience
• Conclusive data that will enable them to take necessary action

The keys to an effective audit report are:

• Knowing your reader and how to craft an audit report that will get their attention
• Understanding the IIA Standards for report writing
• Developing the best audit report structure for your situation
• Knowing how to write effective audit findings
• Understanding techniques to enhance the quality and look of your report

Learning Objectives:

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the report writing provisions in the Standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Write audit reports that meet the needs of your audit clients and prompt them to take action on your recommendations.
• Write audit findings using the five elements of an audit observation: criteria, condition, cause, consequences, and corrective action.
• Understand the typical audit report structure for various types of reports.
• Understand the mandatory information required for every audit report and other best practices.
• Improve the quality of your audit reports through techniques that address tone, clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Identifying the Audit Report Provisions in the IIA Standards
• Audit Report Writing Purpose
• Types of Audit Reports
• Elements of an Audit Report
• Five Cs of an Audit Finding
• Audit Report Quality
• Audit Report Enhancements
• Wrap Up and Review

Who Will Benefit:

• Chief Audit Executives
• Audit Directors
• Audit Supervisors
• Audit Managers
• Staff Auditors
• Government Auditors
• Compliance Auditors
• Internal Control Specialists
• Public Accountants
• Accounting Analysts
• Business Analysts
• Quality Control Specialists
• Manual Developers
• Accounting Managers
• Quality / Operations VPs
• Directors
• Payroll Managers
• Finance Managers

Jonnie T Keith
Internal Audit Consultant, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Learning Center

Jonnie Keith has been in auditing for over 40 years. He retired in 2012 as the assistant general manager (AGM) of internal audit with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta, GA. He served in that capacity for over 10 years and was responsible for administering their overall audit activities. He was also responsible for the review and approval of all internal audit correspondence including audit reports, executive summaries, internal and external correspondence, etc.

Prior to that, he worked at MARTA as the operational audit manager and senior contract compliance auditor. He also worked at Norfolk Southern Railway (Southern Railway) as a senior operational auditor and started his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as a bank examiner.

Mr. Keith received a BA degree in economics from Clark Atlanta University (formerly Clark College). His certifications include: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA).

He has been a volunteer seminar instructor for the National Office of the Institute of Internal Auditors for several years and has taught numerous classes including: audit report writing, communication skills for auditors, advanced operational auditing, leadership skills for auditors, CIA review course, and more.

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