Internal audit is often perceived as a compliance obligation rather than a genuine source of organisational value, yet a well-executed internal audit function identifies control weaknesses before they cause real damage. This course builds practical internal audit fundamentals, from planning through to reporting, positioning internal audit as a genuine value-adding function.
55%of significant control failures were previously flagged by internal audit but not adequately addressed
2xstronger control environment for organisations with mature internal audit functions
150+professionals trained by Matsh in this programme
Common challenges this course addresses:
- Your internal audit work feels like a compliance checkbox rather than genuine value creation
- You struggle to plan audits that focus on genuinely significant risk areas
- You are not confident in control testing techniques beyond basic checklist verification
- Your audit reports are read but their recommendations are rarely genuinely implemented
- You struggle to build credibility and influence with senior leadership as an internal auditor
This course builds practical internal audit skills that position the function as genuine organisational value, not just compliance.
Who Should Attend
📋
Internal Auditors
Professionals directly conducting internal audit work.
⚖️
Compliance Officers
Staff whose role overlaps with internal audit functions.
👔
Audit Committee Members
Those overseeing internal audit function effectiveness.
💼
Risk Managers
Professionals whose work intersects with internal audit findings.
🚀
Small Organisation Finance Staff
Those conducting internal audit without a dedicated department.
🌍
NGO Finance Staff
Those managing internal control assurance in development contexts.
What You Will Leave With
Practical tools applicable immediately.
✓Risk-based audit planning, focusing audit effort on genuinely significant risk areas
✓Control testing techniques, moving beyond checklist verification to genuine assurance
✓Effective audit reporting, producing findings that drive genuine implementation
✓Stakeholder influence skills, building credibility with senior leadership and audit committees
✓Follow-up and tracking systems, ensuring recommendations are genuinely addressed
✓An audit methodology toolkit, ready to apply to your own audit programme
What Participants Report
From follow-up surveys 60 days after the programme
68%reported improved implementation rates for their audit recommendations
59%redesigned their audit planning approach around risk-based prioritisation
150+professionals trained across all cohorts
"Our audit reports were technically thorough but recommendations rarely got implemented. Learning to communicate findings in a way that genuinely resonated with leadership changed our implementation rate significantly."
Internal Audit Manager, insurance sector
Programme Outline
1
Risk-Based Audit Planning
Why this module matters: Audit plans built around genuinely significant risk areas produce far more organisational value than those following a generic, unprioritised cycle.
- Building audit plans that prioritise genuinely significant risk areas
- Conducting risk assessment to inform audit scope and focus
- Balancing mandatory coverage requirements with risk-based prioritisation
2
Control Testing Techniques
Why this module matters: Genuine control testing goes well beyond checklist verification, and this module builds the practical skills for meaningful assurance.
- Practical control testing techniques beyond basic checklist verification
- Sampling approaches appropriate to different audit objectives
- Distinguishing control design weaknesses from operating effectiveness failures
3
Effective Audit Reporting
Why this module matters: Audit findings that are technically accurate but poorly communicated rarely drive the implementation that creates genuine organisational value.
- Writing audit reports that drive genuine action, not just documentation
- Communicating findings persuasively to senior leadership and audit committees
- Balancing thoroughness with clarity and actionability
4
Stakeholder Influence and Personal Application
Why this module matters: Building genuine credibility and influence as an internal auditor, and ensuring recommendations are actually implemented, completes the practical skill set.
- Building credibility and influence with senior leadership
- Systems for tracking and following up on audit recommendations
- Personal audit methodology toolkit for your own programme
Course At a Glance
| Duration | 3-5 Days |
| Format | In-person and online |
| What's Included | Workbook, practical toolkit, certificate of completion |
Common Questions
Do I need formal audit certification or a finance background to benefit from this course?
No. The course builds practical audit skills from foundational concepts, suitable for those without formal certification as well as those refining existing skills.
Does the course address specific internal audit standards or frameworks?
Yes. Major internal audit standards and frameworks are covered at a practical level, focused on genuine application rather than theoretical compliance alone.
Related Courses
Ready to Position Internal Audit as Genuine Organisational Value?
Build practical skills for risk-based planning, control testing and reporting that drives action.
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