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October 27, 2014

Internal Audit: The Power of Shoutouts

I met a behavioral psychologist at a recent conference who told me he thinks internal auditors “get it all wrong” when it comes to changing our […]
October 13, 2014

5 Bold Steps to Transform Internal Audit’s Image

Over the years, I have addressed many internal audit audiences around the world on the importance of aligning with stakeholder expectations. I often close my message […]
October 6, 2014

Good Internal Audits Focus on the Roots, Not Just the Trees

As internal auditors, we are often tempted to stress in our reports the conditions we observe. After all, conditions that result from risk management or control […]
September 30, 2014

How Long Should Former CAEs Blame Themselves for Subsequent Calamities?

When there’s a serious breakdown in controls, sooner or later someone will pose the inevitable question of “where were the internal auditors?” It’s not just a […]
September 22, 2014

Internal Auditing in a Tone-deaf Environment

As internal auditors, we understand the importance of a strong tone at the top. It defines an organization’s culture and often the organization itself. A strong […]
September 15, 2014

Are Internal Audit Clients Always Right?

When customers are unhappy, most organizations will scramble to fix the situation. As the old adage goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, even when a […]
September 8, 2014

When the Whistle Is Blown, All Lines of Defense Have Failed

When federal whistleblowers rules were enacted, it was understood that even internal auditors could be eligible under certain conditions. But the first payout ever – $300,000 […]
September 2, 2014

It’s Hard to Be a Watchdog When Your View Is Obstructed

I was fortunate during my tenure as inspector general of the Tennessee Valley Authority and deputy inspector general of the U.S. Postal Service to have boards […]
August 25, 2014

CAE to Audit Committee: I Know You Are Behind Me, but Will You Be With Me?

Ask almost any CAE if he or​ she has the full support of the audit committee, and the answer will usually be “yes.” But, in reality, […]
August 18, 2014

From Good to Great: Strategic Planning Can Define an Internal Audit Function

When you compare internal audit functions, you can expect to find quite a few differences. High-performing departments stand apart in their mindset and how they approach […]