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TIAPS Module 1 Audit and Assurance workbook

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It is common to build an allowance into the internal audit plan <strong>and</strong> budget for ad hoc<br />

engagements which are non-periodic reactive assignments conducted at the entreaty of the<br />

governing body, senior managers, external auditors, or the head of internal audit, <strong>and</strong> may<br />

be an assurance engagement or advisory in nature. A change of internal or external<br />

circumstances may require engagements to be added to the plan. The Covid 19 p<strong>and</strong>emic<br />

led to significant redrafting of audit plans as priorities <strong>and</strong> operations were severely<br />

disrupted.<br />

One issue the head of internal audit must decide when creating the plan is an appropriate<br />

balance of assurance <strong>and</strong> advisory engagements. The starting point is a risk-based<br />

approach, meaning engagements are prioritized in response to organizational objectives <strong>and</strong><br />

risks. St<strong>and</strong>ard 2010 – Planning directs the internal audit function as follows:<br />

To develop the risk-based plan, the chief audit executive consults with senior<br />

management <strong>and</strong> the board <strong>and</strong> obtains an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the organization’s<br />

strategies, key business objectives, associated risks, <strong>and</strong> risk management processes.<br />

The chief audit executive must review <strong>and</strong> adjust the plan, as necessary, in response to<br />

changes in the organization’s business, risks, operations, programs, systems, <strong>and</strong><br />

controls.<br />

2010.A1 The internal audit activity’s plan of engagements must be based on a<br />

documented risk assessment, undertaken at least annually. The input of senior<br />

management <strong>and</strong> the board must be considered in this process.<br />

2010.A2 The chief audit executive must identify <strong>and</strong> consider the expectations of senior<br />

management, the board, <strong>and</strong> other stakeholders for internal audit opinions <strong>and</strong> other<br />

conclusions.<br />

2010.C1 The chief audit executive should consider accepting proposed consulting<br />

engagements based on the engagement’s potential to improve management of risks,<br />

add value, <strong>and</strong> improve the organization’s operations. Accepted engagements must be<br />

included in the plan. 42<br />

The assessment of risk needs to be independent, although the input of management <strong>and</strong> the<br />

governing body should be considered.<br />

There is no scientific formula for determining the right balance between assurance <strong>and</strong><br />

advisory engagements in the audit plan, but the following factors are relevant:<br />

• Internal audit m<strong>and</strong>ate <strong>and</strong> responsibilities (as defined in the charter or legislation).<br />

• Roles previously adopted by the internal audit function.<br />

• Strength of internal audit function independence.<br />

• Organizational objectives <strong>and</strong> priorities.<br />

• Internal <strong>and</strong> external risks (including new risks).<br />

• The role of the governing body in providing oversight <strong>and</strong> level of engagement with<br />

executive activity.<br />

42<br />

The International Professional Practice Framework, The Institute of Internal <strong>Audit</strong>ors, 2016<br />

45

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