After I left The IIA earlier this spring, I shared five goals for my next chapter on the audit trail. Among those goals were to (1) partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to elevate internal auditing, (2) be a timely and vocal champion for the internal audit profession, and (3) to encourage others by imparting wisdom gained from my 4+ decade journey on the audit trail.

As I considered my options earlier this year, I made a decision to set up my own firm through which I could be an advocate and illuminate opportunities for internal auditors around the world. However; I also wanted to identify the strongest possible partner with which to affiliate as I began my new chapter. I was looking for a proven collaborator with which to join forces as champions for the internal audit profession. It didn’t take long for me to settle on the perfect fit. This week, AuditBoard announced that I am joining them as senior internal audit advisor. In that role, I will be working directly for AuditBoard’s CEO, Scott Arnold, and alongside the company’s founders and senior leadership.

For those who may not be familiar with this dynamic technology company, it is the leading cloud-based platform that is literally transforming how companies manage risks. I have been amazed by how swiftly AuditBoard has become the go-to resource for internal auditors and other GRC professionals seeking an integrated suite of internal audit, risk, controls and compliance solutions. It is no wonder that for the second year in a row, AuditBoard has been named one of the 100 fastest-growing technology companies in North America by Deloitte.

After a few conversations with AuditBoard leadership, it was clear that we had great alignment on our vision for the future. They’re clearly providing innovative, enabling technology to help internal auditors better execute with agility and efficiency in today’s environment, better position for the future of work, and contribute more strategically to their organizations. I’m passionate about helping auditors play a much more strategic and influential role in driving progress, promoting positive change, and helping their organizations succeed by protecting and creating value. We’re on the same page from that standpoint. 

As I looked at AuditBoard, I was impressed not only by their products, services and business model. I was even more attracted to their unwavering commitment to (and investment in) the internal audit profession. Not only is AuditBoard an IIA Principal Partner, they are making unprecedented investments in the internal audit profession. Their decision last year to fund the Elevate scholarship to help internal auditors impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic was yet another example that set the company apart in my view. AuditBoard makes continuous investments in resources that include blogs, industry research, live educational events and webinars, and eBooks. I am looking forward to helping in any way I can to deliver these powerful resources for the profession.

If it isn’t evident by now, I am truly excited about this new relationship! Readers of my books and this blog will know that I am a major proponent of the value of technology in advancing the practice of internal audit. I don’t see how the profession can continue to evolve and advance without transforming how we leverage technology to drive change and value. AuditBoard’s GRC platform has been thoughtfully crafted for members of the profession. It’s modern, and contemporary, designed to align audit, risk and compliance professionals and other key stakeholders across the enterprise. 

While my relationship with AuditBoard will my primary focus going forward, I will continue to champion the profession through other endeavors including this blog series and through Richard F Chambers and Associates. I hope to continue speaking to (and on behalf of) internal audit professionals around the world.

Thanks to those of you who have already sent notes of congratulations. I look forward to serving this profession for years to come.