Internal Audit Report Writing for Impact and Result in Banks

Persuasive communication is an essential skill for auditors at all levels and starts with knowing how to write clear audit report documents. By participating in this seminar, auditors in all sectors will learn how to create reports that elicit management action. By honing this skill, they will distinguish themselves in their current positions and prepare themselves for future advancement.

Participants in this dynamic seminar will learn best practices and current trends specific to reporting on audit engagements. Learn how to create persuasive audit-reporting documents that elicit management action. Gain an understanding of the users and readers of audit reports.

Master the five elements of an observation that shapes writing: causes, effect, conditions , criteria, and recommendations or action plans. Practice writing for logic, clarity, impact, tone, conciseness and readability. Uncover current audit report trends, including collaborative consultative reporting styles.

CONTENT

• • Assessing Objectives, Readers and Structure of the Audit Report
  • Knowing who reads these Documents and Why they Read Them
  • Elements of the Audit Observation: Causes, Effects, Conditions, Criteria and Recommendations or Action Plan
  • Writing Unified, Coherent Paragraphs
  • Unbiased Language
  • Avoid Hasty Conclusions
  • Developing the Audit Observations
  • Receiving Feedback and Revision
  • Developing a Collaborative and Consultative Style
  • Writing Concisely and Readably
  • Writing for Completeness, Accuracy, Objectivity, Persuasiveness and Clarity
  • Qualities of a Good Audit Report
  • State the Facts as they are: Avoid Unnecessary Digression, Be as Brief and Direct as Possible
  • Make Good Use of Headings, Bullet Lists and Appropriate Paragraphing
  • Practical
  • Report Writing Exercises

FOR WHOM:

Auditors at all levels who develop or review audit reporting documents, Auditors responsible for writing audit reporting documents including the writing of clear, concise observations and the structuring of reports. Auditors who develop action plan and other documents for reporting on activities such as consulting reviews and CSAs (Control Self Assessments). Auditors at all levels who wish to re-think the structure, style and process of their audit reporting in the Bank.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology combines lectures, discussions, group exercises and illustrations. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of the topics and as a result participant will go back to the workplace with both the ability and the confidence to apply the techniques learned to their duties.