Effective Report Writing (ERW)

The aim of this course is to enable participants to effectively present the results of their internal audit engagement.

Course Content:

After completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and develop constructive audit findings
• Discuss audit findings with clients
• Obtain agreement with management to take corrective actions
• State the objectives and methods of reporting
• Develop an audit report outline
• Compile an effective report and
• Provide guidance and constructive feedback on a report
• Introduction and Setting of Objectives
• The IIA Standards – audit and reporting process
• The Audit and Reporting Process (as per the Standards)
  • Sources of audit findings
  • Elements of audit findings
  • Determining the audit objective
  • Assessing the condition
  • Establishing the impact
  • Determining the cause / contributing factors
  • Developing the audit finding and recommendation
  • Audit communication (including interviewing, reporting and presenting to management – discussion with management and incorporating their comments)
• Overcoming resistance to change through effective communication
• Agreeing action and resolving disagreements
• Developing the audit report (structure for impact)
• Following up on reports
• Effectiveness of reporting (characteristics of an effective report)
• (New section included): English Writing Tips (high level pointers (1 hour session)
• Case studies: Please refer to “Method of Evaluation” below
• Conclusion – What have we learned?