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Course Overview

Internal auditing is a cornerstone of strong governance and compliance. When well planned and executed, audits provide assurance, uncover risks, and strengthen organizational resilience. However, poor planning or ineffective execution undermines audit credibility and value.

This ten-day course from EuroQuest International Training explores audit planning methodologies, scope definition, risk prioritization, evidence gathering, execution techniques, and reporting frameworks. It integrates foresight, governance, and compliance principles, preparing participants to deliver audits that align with strategic objectives while reinforcing organizational trust and accountability.

Course Benefits

• Apply risk-based planning to prioritize audit focus areas

• Strengthen audit execution through structured methodologies

• Use strategic foresight to anticipate audit risks and challenges

• Ensure compliance with international audit standards

• Deliver actionable audit reports that improve organizational performance

Why Attend

Internal audit leaders must balance governance, compliance, and performance improvement. This course enables participants to conduct audits that uncover risks, reinforce accountability, and deliver value to boards, executives, and stakeholders.

Training Methodology

• Structured knowledge sessions

• Case studies of internal audit practices

• Scenario-based planning and execution exercises

• Conceptual frameworks linking governance, risk, and foresight

• Reflective sessions on audit ethics and professional conduct

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Define the role and scope of internal audits in governance

• Plan internal audits using risk-based approaches

• Execute audit fieldwork with structured evidence-gathering methods

• Apply foresight to anticipate and manage audit challenges

• Strengthen internal control evaluation and compliance reviews

• Ensure alignment with international internal audit standards (IIA, ISO)

• Conduct fraud risk and forensic audit procedures

• Prepare comprehensive and transparent audit reports

• Communicate audit findings effectively to stakeholders

• Build continuous improvement into the audit function

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Internal Auditing

• Purpose and role of internal audits

• Governance and accountability frameworks

• Internal audit standards (IIA, ISO, COSO)

• Types of audits: financial, operational, compliance, IT

Unit 2: Risk-Based Audit Planning

• Identifying high-risk areas for audits

• Aligning audit plans with enterprise risk management

• Risk assessment techniques for audit focus

• Developing annual and engagement-level audit plans

Unit 3: Defining Audit Scope and Objectives

• Determining scope and boundaries of audits

• Setting audit objectives aligned with strategy

• Materiality and significance in audit planning

• Building audit charters and terms of reference

Unit 4: Audit Methodologies and Frameworks

• Risk and control assessment frameworks

• Sampling and testing strategies

• Process mapping and control analysis

• Selecting tools and techniques for audits

Unit 5: Strategic Foresight in Audit Planning

• Using foresight to anticipate audit challenges

• Scenario planning for emerging risks

• Early-warning systems for audit gaps

• Adaptive audit planning for resilience

Unit 6: Audit Fieldwork and Evidence Gathering

• Collecting and validating audit evidence

• Interviews, observations, and document reviews

• Analytical procedures in audit execution

• Digital tools and data analytics for audits

Unit 7: Internal Control Evaluation

• Testing effectiveness of internal controls

• Identifying control deficiencies and weaknesses

• Linking controls to risk mitigation

• Best practices in control documentation

Unit 8: Compliance and Regulatory Audits

• Auditing for compliance with regulations and laws

• Anti-corruption, AML, and GDPR considerations

• ESG and sustainability compliance audits

• Reporting frameworks for compliance findings

Unit 9: Fraud Risk and Forensic Audit Techniques

• Identifying fraud indicators in audits

• Investigative approaches in forensic auditing

• Ethical and legal considerations

• Case studies of fraud detection through audits

Unit 10: Audit Reporting and Communication

• Structuring audit reports for clarity and impact

• Communicating findings to boards and executives

• Recommendations and corrective action frameworks

• Ensuring transparency and accountability in reports

Unit 11: Continuous Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Designing follow-up mechanisms for audit recommendations

• Embedding continuous auditing in organizations

• Tracking remediation of audit issues

• Linking audit follow-up to performance improvement

Unit 12: Future of Internal Audit

• Digital transformation in audit practices

• AI, data analytics, and continuous auditing

• Global trends in governance and audit practices

• Future skills for internal auditors

• Consolidation of course insights

Target Audience

• Internal auditors and audit managers

• Governance, risk, and compliance officers

• Finance and operations managers

• Board members and executives overseeing audit functions

• Consultants advising on audit and governance frameworks

Target Competencies

• Risk-based audit planning and execution

• Internal control testing and compliance evaluation

• Strategic foresight in auditing

• Fraud detection and forensic techniques

• Audit reporting and communication skills

• Governance and ethical audit practices

• Continuous monitoring and improvement in audits

Join the Internal Audit Planning and Execution Training Course from EuroQuest International Training to master audit methodologies, strengthen risk management, and deliver value-added assurance that supports governance and organizational resilience.