TOOLS & TECHNIQUES FOR AUDIT MANAGER
“Strengthening Internal Audit Leadership through Advanced Tools, Risk Insight, and Strategic Influence”
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 27 – 31 Jan 2025 | Dubai, UAE | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
Audit managers today operate in an increasingly complex environment where expectations from boards, regulators, and management continue to grow. Moving beyond compliance, audit managers are now expected to add measurable value, lead audit teams, and communicate risk perspectives that shape decision-making. This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to elevate the skills of audit managers through a deep dive into the latest tools, techniques, and leadership strategies for managing modern audit functions. Participants will gain hands-on experience in planning, execution, risk-based audit design, stakeholder communication, and leveraging data analytics for assurance.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Lead risk-based audit planning and resource management.
- Apply advanced tools for audit execution and documentation.
- Use data analytics and automation to increase audit efficiency.
- Evaluate internal controls and design effective testing programs.
- Deliver impactful audit reports and engage with executive stakeholders.
- Develop team performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Benefits of Attending
- Upgrade your audit management skills to meet evolving global standards.
- Learn proven tools and templates to plan, lead, and monitor audits.
- Gain strategic insight to influence risk response and organizational decisions.
- Build stronger relationships with management and audit committees.
- Manage audit teams and projects more effectively for better performance.
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
- Internal audit managers and supervisors
- Senior auditors transitioning to managerial roles
- Heads of audit or compliance professionals
- Risk officers involved in audit coordination
- Quality assurance professionals and governance specialists.
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
- Audit project management
- Risk-based audit planning and scoping
- Communication and negotiation with audit stakeholders
- Supervision, review, and coaching techniques
- Innovation in audit tools and automation
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
- Enhanced audit performance and efficiency
- Stronger risk identification and control evaluation
- Improved audit team management and retention
- Better audit committee engagement and insight delivery
- Increased audit value through strategic alignment.
Instructional Methdology
- Lectures – Internal audit frameworks, tools, and industry best practices
- Interactive Workshops – Planning, scoping, and testing exercises
- Group Activities – Simulated audit planning and review sessions
- Templates – Risk registers, audit workpapers, checklists, dashboards
- Case Studies – Practical audit challenges and board-level communication
- Peer Exchange – Real-world experience sharing and problem-solving
Course Outline
Detailed 5-Day Course Outline
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Strategic Audit Planning and Scoping
Module 1: Internal Audit’s Expanding Role (07:30 – 09:30)
- Shifts in expectations and audit leadership trends
- The audit manager’s responsibilities and success drivers
- Aligning audit with strategy and enterprise risk
Module 2: Risk-Based Audit Planning (09:45 – 11:15)
- Risk assessment and risk mapping
- Selecting audits based on risk appetite
- Engaging stakeholders in plan development
Module 3: Annual Audit Plan Development (11:30 – 01:00)
- Plan design, resource estimation, and timing
- Planning dashboards and board reporting
- Adjusting plans in response to new risks
Module 4: Group Activity – Drafting an Annual Plan (02:00 – 03:30)
- Build and present an annual plan using provided templates
Day 2: Audit Execution Tools and Testing Techniques
Module 5: Audit Program Design and Execution (07:30 – 09:30)
- Developing work programs based on objectives and risks
- Scoping audits and selecting procedures
- Assigning roles and managing deadlines
Module 6: Internal Control Evaluation and Testing (09:45 – 11:15)
- Control design vs. operating effectiveness
- Sampling methods and testing tools
- Documentation of walkthroughs and testing
Module 7: Audit Workpapers and Evidence Standards (11:30 – 01:00)
- Workpaper format, review protocols, and digital tools
- Audit file structure and supervision checklists
- Common mistakes and how to prevent them
Module 8: Simulation – Control Testing & Documentation (02:00 – 03:30)
- Hands-on workpaper preparation and peer feedback
Day 3: Data Analytics and Stakeholder Engagement
Module 9: Audit Analytics and Technology Tools (07:30 – 09:30)
- Leveraging Excel, ACL, IDEA, and audit bots
- Data integrity and trend analysis
- Creating exception reports and dashboards
Module 10: Stakeholder Communication and Influence (09:45 – 11:15)
- Navigating difficult audit conversations
- Communication styles and influence without authority
- Leading kickoff and closing meetings effectively
Module 11: Writing Impactful Audit Reports (11:30 – 01:00)
- Structure and tone of audit reports
- Root cause vs. symptom reporting
- Report review and escalation protocols
Module 12: Exercise – Audit Report Development (02:00 – 03:30)
- Writing and presenting key findings with recommendations
Day 4: Managing the Audit Function and Teams
Module 13: Supervising and Reviewing Audits (07:30 – 09:30)
- Real-time supervision and review techniques
- Time management and resource balancing
- Coaching for quality and efficiency
Module 14: Managing Audit Projects and Deadlines (09:45 – 11:15)
- Project planning tools for audit managers
- Monitoring progress and addressing delays
- Dealing with overlapping audits and shifting priorities
Module 15: Enhancing Team Performance and Morale (11:30 – 01:00)
- Performance appraisals and development planning
- Encouraging innovation and feedback culture
- Addressing underperformance professionally
Module 16: Workshop – Leading a High-Impact Audit Team (02:00 – 03:30)
- Team case simulation and leadership role play
Day 5: Governance, Risk Insights, and Final Assessment
Module 17: Board Reporting and Audit Committee Engagement (07:30 – 09:30)
- Preparing concise board reports
- Communicating risk insights with impact
- Anticipating director questions and priorities
Module 18: Emerging Risks and Audit Innovation (09:45 – 11:15)
- ESG, cyber, fraud, AI and culture risk audits
- Agile auditing and continuous assurance
- Integrating risk intelligence into audit strategy
Module 19: Internal Audit Maturity and Self-Assessment (11:30 – 01:00)
- Internal Quality Assurance Reviews (QARs)
- Benchmarking with IIA standards and peers
- Roadmap to elevate audit function impact
Module 20: Course Wrap-Up and Action Planning (02:00 – 03:30)
- Action plan development
- Final peer discussion and instructor coaching
Certification
Participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion in Tools & Techniques for Audit Manager, recognizing their advanced leadership capabilities in managing risk-based audit functions, teams, and stakeholder relationships.