Internal Auditing, according to the
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), can be defined as an independent,
objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve
an organization’s operations. The internal audit activity helps an organization
accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to
evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and
governance processes.
In other words, internal audit provides an
independent and unbiased assessment of the operations of the organization. It
renders information to the management regarding the management of risk
effectively. It acts as a catalyst for improvement in government processes.
Being an advisor, it tells management of the organization what it needs to know
and at what time. Thus, it has become very vital for the success of any
organization to conduct internal audits.
There are various types of audits
conducted by the organizations to achieve particular objectives. Operational
Audit, Program Audit, Fraud Audit, Ethical business practices Audit, Compliance
Audit, Control self-assessment Audit, Financial audit, Stock & Cash Audit,
Health & Safety Audit, Food & Quality Control Audit, Trade License Audit
are some of the internal audits.
Internal auditor is an organization’s
critical friend. A friend who can challenge current practice, champion best
practice and act as a catalyst for improvement. Following are the certain
activities performed by the internal auditor in order to help organization
accomplish its strategic objectives.
· Internal
auditor evaluates controls and give advises to managers at all levels. He
assesses the tone and risk management culture of the organization at one level
and reports on the effective implementation of policies at another level.
· Internal
auditor identifies key activities and relevant risk factors associated with
them. The ways in which an internal auditor assesses the risks are hugely
impacted by changing trends and economic conditions.
· The
techniques of internal auditing have changed from a reactive and control based
form to a more proactive and risk based approach. This enables the internal
auditor to anticipate possible future concerns and opportunities as well as
identifying current issues.
·
Internal
auditor should be well-versed with the strategic objectives of the organization
to have a clear comprehension of how the operations of an organization fit into
a bigger picture.
·
Internal
auditor reviews compliance to ensure that whether a certain organization is
adhering to rules, regulations, code of ethics, laws, guidelines and practices
or not.
WeMark is a leading company which
conducts around 1.5 lakhs audits every year.





