The Internal Audit Overview

Oct 20, 2016 | Auditing

Conducting an internal audit, whether outsourced or filled by a qualified staff members within the company, can seem like an overwhelming task. Ledge has compiled a brief overview of what companies should look for when hiring someone to conduct the internal audit. The duty of auditor is to verify that an organization’s records satisfy all ISO standards and OSHA regulations, and that the company’s daily procedures adhere to them.

Thus, an auditor functions as:
• An inciter
• An intermediary between various departments
• A consultant
• An objective reporter

During the auditor’s tenure in this position, he or she must take care to have an unbiased, business-like mindset within the role. This means the auditor is not:
• An interrogator
• A bully
• Prejudiced
• Unethical
• A dictator

Choosing an Auditor

Choosing the best candidate for the position must include coordinating a person’s skills and background with his or her familiarity with the scope and duties of a professional auditor. An additional significant element to take into account is that a successful auditing network needs to include people from a wide range of departments. This quality management measure ensures that an auditor does not review their own operation or division, which helps to preserve impartiality during audits.

The Qualifying Criteria of an Auditor

The hiring process of auditor applicants should involve evaluating a number of important elements:

• Credentials
• Professional standards
• Professional interest in the role

The four primary qualifying criteria for selecting auditors are their:

• Training
• Work experience
• Character traits
• Character qualities
• The Auditor’s Education

Specialized auditor abilities are developed by learning:

• All ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and company policies.
• Evaluation strategies for interrogatories, analyzing, and report generation.
• Audit managing techniques like organizing, scheduling, interacting, and guiding.

The primary job duties of an auditor are:

• Attaining and judging evidence objectively.
• Keeping the main objective of the audit in mind without apprehension or prejudice.
• Continuously assessing the outcomes of all findings and communications throughout the audit.
• Dealing with involved staff members respectfully to most efficiently carry out the goal of the audit.
• Executing the audit procedure without being distracted by interruptions.
• Putting 100% focus and dedication into the auditing procedure.
• Responding efficiently during hectic work conditions.
• Reaching sound determinations according to audit findings.
• Sticking with a judgment irrespective of any subjective outside pressure to alter it.

Finding an auditor who can efficiently perform the duties described throughout this article can be a daunting task. Many companies decide to outsource the need to a company whose main focus is on performing these audits. If your company is in need of an Internal Audit, contact Ledge today! Or click here to read more about our Internal Audit services.

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