Organizations are audited to confirm that the way they work meets the rules that apply to them. A strong internal audit process lets a company find and fix problems before a regulator or external auditor does. This article explains why internal audits matter and the steps that make them effective.

Why does an internal audit matter?

Audits usually happen when the regulatory body that sets the standards for a product or brand wants to check that every part of an organization is current and working to the latest standards. Passing helps a company keep a good reputation in the market and keep improved, up-to-date products in front of customers.

If an organization does not meet the regulator’s standards, the consequences can be serious. It may be shut down or barred from operating publicly. A well-run internal audit is the best way to prepare.

How do you plan an internal audit?

Set the agenda and goals

An audit gives useful results when its purpose is clear and everyone knows the agenda. If the main goal is to check quality and find errors in operations, the audit’s findings will point to the steps needed to improve quality.

Train and retrain staff on the basics

An audit is like a hard exam that takes practice. Training staff from the ground up builds confidence for the real audit, since some auditors focus on how staff work as much as on product quality. Giving staff a clear view of the basic regulatory policies helps a great deal.

How do you keep policies and procedures current?

Follow the latest regulations

The first thing any auditor checks is whether the area under review follows the latest version of the regulator’s policies. Each area must therefore adopt revised policies before the audit takes place, or face serious consequences. The best way to learn a new rule is to apply it regularly, starting from the day it is published.

Write clear, updated procedures for every operation

An internal audit checks almost every detailed operation an organization carries out. Each department needs clear written procedures that describe how it works. The audit will not be effective if those procedures are outdated or unclear. Internal auditors should inspect every part of the operation that affects how well it runs and how risk is controlled.

What should internal auditors assess?

Quality control and risk management

Of all the factors internal auditors weigh, quality control and risk management contribute most to an effective audit. Auditors should examine internal operations, identify what could lead to risk and resolve it before the external audit. Risk management should be a core goal for any organization that makes products for consumers.

Proven practices under the new rules

Methods from earlier internal audits that produced good results can be reused when starting a new one. This gives the organization a fresh view of its performance and of what must change to remove errors and sources of risk. Following accepted, high-standard guidelines also helps detect small errors and prevent them from recurring.

GAAP for accounting and finance

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) set the standards for financial accounting and reporting. If the organization handles accounting and finance, following GAAP is key to meeting current regulatory requirements. GAAP guidelines also support useful audit results and quality standards.

How do internal audits affect external audits?

For many organizations, the external audit depends on how well the internal audit was done. When the internal audit goes well, external auditors have a shorter to-do list. External audits mainly examine a company’s financial statements and are carried out by independent auditors for the benefit of stakeholders.

External auditors rely more on internal audit work when internal controls have been tested thoroughly. An effective internal audit also shows stakeholders that internal operations are sound, which supports confidence in the company’s stability and growth.

Key takeaways

• Set clear goals and train staff before the audit.
• Keep policies and written procedures current.
• Focus on quality control and risk management.
• A strong internal audit makes the external audit simpler.

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