Project Management For Internal Auditors: Streamlining Audits For Efficiency And Impact

Introduction:

Internal audit engagements, like any project, benefit significantly from structured project management. This comprehensive training course on Project Management for Internal Auditors equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to apply project management methodologies to audit engagements. Participants will learn how to plan, execute, monitor, and close audits effectively, leading to improved efficiency, better resource allocation, and increased impact. This course bridges the gap between traditional auditing and project management best practices, empowering internal audit professionals to become more organized, strategic, and results-oriented.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for internal audit professionals who want to enhance their project management skills and apply them to audit engagements, including:

• Internal Auditors
• IT Auditors
• Financial Auditors
• Compliance Auditors
• Audit Managers
• Anyone involved in planning and executing audit engagements

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Project Management for Internal Auditors training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and frameworks of project management (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2).
• Apply project management methodologies to audit engagements.
• Develop a comprehensive audit project plan.
• Define audit scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Estimate audit resources and timelines.
• Manage audit budgets and track expenses.
• Monitor audit progress and identify potential roadblocks.
• Communicate effectively with audit teams and stakeholders.
• Manage risks and issues throughout the audit engagement.
• Close audit engagements effectively and capture lessons learned.
• Improve audit efficiency and effectiveness.
• Enhance stakeholder satisfaction with the audit process.
• Deliver audits on time and within budget.
• Become a more organized and strategic auditor.
• Increase the impact and value of audit work.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Project Management for Internal Auditors

• Why project management is essential for internal audit success.
• Key project management concepts and terminology.
• The relationship between project management and internal audit methodologies.
• Benefits of applying project management principles to audit engagements.
• Overview of project management frameworks (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2) and their relevance to auditing.

Module 2: Initiating and Planning Audit Projects

• Defining audit project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Developing a project charter for audit engagements.
• Conducting stakeholder analysis and communication planning.
• Identifying and documenting audit project requirements.
• Establishing clear success criteria for audit engagements.

Module 3: Developing the Audit Project Plan

• Creating a detailed audit project plan.
• Defining audit tasks and activities.
• Estimating audit resources (time, budget, personnel).
• Developing a realistic audit schedule and timeline.
• Creating a risk management plan for audit engagements.

Module 4: Executing and Monitoring Audit Projects

• Managing audit project execution and progress.
• Tracking audit activities and milestones.
• Monitoring audit budgets and expenses.
• Managing audit resources and team members.
• Identifying and addressing project roadblocks and issues.

Module 5: Managing Audit Project Risks and Issues

• Identifying and assessing potential risks to audit engagements.
• Developing risk response strategies and mitigation plans.
• Tracking and monitoring identified risks and issues.
• Escalating critical risks and issues to appropriate stakeholders.
• Managing changes to the audit project plan.

Module 6: Communicating and Reporting on Audit Projects

• Developing a communication plan for audit engagements.
• Communicating regularly with audit teams and stakeholders.
• Providing progress updates and reports.
• Managing stakeholder expectations.
• Reporting audit findings and recommendations.

Module 7: Managing Audit Project Teams

• Building and motivating high-performing audit teams.
• Delegating tasks and responsibilities effectively.
• Providing coaching and feedback to team members.
• Managing team dynamics and conflicts.
• Recognizing and rewarding team accomplishments.

Module 8: Closing Audit Projects and Capturing Lessons Learned

• Conducting audit project closure activities.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices.
• Conducting post-audit reviews.
• Archiving audit documentation and records.
• Transitioning audit findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Module 9: Continuous Improvement in Audit Project Management

• Evaluating audit project performance.
• Identifying areas for improvement in audit project management.
• Implementing process improvements and best practices.
• Staying up-to-date with project management trends and methodologies.
• Integrating project management principles into the audit function's overall strategy.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.