Measuring Performance of Internal Audit

Who supervise supervisors?
It's a question that probably spinning dilemma is not easily end. As a 'watchdog' in an organization, internal audit does not escape from the question. Who is auditing the activities of internal audit you?
Self-assessment review?
Alternatively, there is an independent party hired to evaluate the performance of your internal audit activity?
Or, instead of your internal audit activity 'untouchable', to avoid the question above?
As per the standard 1300 family, internal audit activity should implement quality assurance and improvement program (QAIP - Quality Assurance and Improvement Program). In general, the program is done to ensure some basic things, namely:

   1. Suitability of the internal audit activity with the code of ethics, definitions, and internal auditing standards generally accepted
   2. Efficiency and effectiveness of internal audit activity
   3. Identify opportunities for improvement and enhancement
In the standard QAIP is also regulated how and who will conduct an assessment of the internal audit activity. The program is conducted through internal review and external review. Internal review is conducted continuously as an integrated part of the process management of internal audit activity. Besides the internal review is also conducted periodically, either by personnel within their own internal audit activity or other personnel within the organization that controls professional practice of internal audit framework. While the external review conducted at least once every five years by independent parties outside the organization with the competence and procedures are governed by a framework of professional practice of internal auditing.
The next question is, how to measure these things. Measuring compliance with the code of ethics, definitions, and standards of internal auditing is relatively more easily done by comparing the activity of internal audit against the code of ethics, definitions, and internal auditing standards issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors. As for measuring the efficiency and operational effectiveness is required prior determination of internal audit performance measurement framework.
To set effective performance measures, Chief Audit Executive should first identify those aspects in the performance of critical internal audits. One way that is often used in them are adapted from the mind frame of Kaplan and Norton, Balanced Scorecard, which suggest aspects of internal audit performance measurement into perspective:

   1. Innovation and learning, to answer the question whether the internal audit and capable of creating sustainable value.
   2. Internal Audit process, to answer questions on what areas of internal audit skills.
   3. Management / auditees, adaptation customer perspective, namely to answer the question of how customers view the internal audit.
   4. Board / Audit Committee, the adaptation of financial perspectives, to answer the question how the internal audit looked at stakeholders.
The four perspectives are interrelated in a causal relationship from the bottom up. Innovation and learning is a continuous process within the internal audit activity that allows the internal audit activity can run the internal audit process by getting better from day to day. With the internal audit process, the better, expected satisfaction management / auditee will also increase. And in the end of top management as the main carrier of the organization's mission will also feel the satisfaction of the increasing activity of internal audit services.
By using a framework like this, when the flow is reversed from the top down, will also appear red outline how the organization's vision and mission must be translated into operational strategies by management. Furthermore, the organization's strategy must be supported by a strategy of internal audit activity. To support the strategy of internal audit activities in support of achieving the mission of the organization, then the internal processes within the internal audit activity should always be improved by empowering resources with continuous learning and always looking for new innovations. Thus it would seem alignment between the company's mission to the resources of internal audit activity
As shown in the example above, not all indicators can be easily made in quantitative measurements. Number of hours of training, the percentage of realization of the assignment, the number of repeat findings, the percentage of recommendations that diiplementasikan, and such an indicator which is easily measured. But the indicator that shows the level of perception that are qualitatively like the satisfaction of management / auditee and the Audit Committee, require further engineering to be measured and compared from time to time. Techniques are often used for example with the scale and ordinal or nonparametric statistics.
Of course, no one measure that would apply equally to every organization. Internal audit activities in one organization may differ from other organizational structures, processes, size, number of staff, tools and techniques used, cultural organizations, and others. These differences can cause one indicator can be applied in a single organization but can not apply in another organization. Yet, however varied the internal audit activity and the techniques used, performance measurement everywhere one on the goal of improved quality. Improving the quality indicated by the operational suitability of the internal audit activity to the professional practice framework, run effectively and efficiently, and always leads to the improvement and enhancement in supporting the achievement of the organization's mission.
What about the measurements in your own organization?

COSO study: Fraud Cases Decade 1998-2007

Referring to a recent study conducted by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), deception (fraud) in financial reporting by public companies in the United States provides a significant negative consequences for investors and executives.
The COSO study, by reviewing the financial reports of fraud allegations investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within a period of ten years between the years 1998 to 2007, discovered the fact that news of an alleged fraud has caused an abnormal decline in stock prices on average 16.7% within two days after the announced. Companies that engage in fraud often went bankrupt, delisted from stock exchanges, or have to sell assets, and nine out of ten cases the SEC says the CEO and / or CFO of the relevant companies allegedly involved in fraud.
COSO chairman, David Landsittel, said that in-depth analysis in the study related to the nature, scope, and characteristics of fraudulent financial reporting provides a very helpful understanding of new issues and the ongoing need to be addressed. "All parties involved in the financial reporting process should continue to focus on ways to prevent, deter, and detect fraudulent financial reporting," said Landsittel. "COSO plans to sponsor further research regarding the fraudulent financial reporting, as well as further development of internal control guidelines, to assist parties involved in the financial reporting process."
COSO study on examining nearly 350 cases of alleged financial reporting fraud are investigated by the SEC. The results showed that:

    * Financial Fraud affects companies of all sizes, with the median company has assets and income of just under $ 100 million.
    * The median fraud was $ 12.1 million. More than 30 cases with each case involving amounts more than $ 500 million.
    * The SEC said the CEO and / or CFO indicated to be involved in 89% of cases of fraud. Within two years of completion of the SEC investigation, approximately 20% of the CEOs / CFOs continue in the indictment as well as more than 60% of whom were convicted.
    * Cheating on income recorded over 60% of cases.
    * Many of the characteristics that usually becomes a general observation the board of directors and audit committees, such as: size, frequency of meetings, composition, and experience, did not differ significantly between the companies involved are not cheating with. Efforts latest corporate governance arrangements appear to have reduced variation in the characteristics of the board of directors related to the observed.
    * Twenty-six percent of the companies involved in fraud to replace the auditor during the period under study compared with only 12 percent of the companies that are not involved.
    * News beginning in the mass media about alleged fraud resulted in an abnormal decrease in stock prices by an average of 16.7 percent for companies involved fraud, within two days after the announcement.
    * News of the SEC or Justice Department investigation resulted in abnormal stock price decline an average of 7.3 percent.
    * Companies that engage in fraud often experience bankruptcy, delisted from stock exchanges, or sale of material assets with a much higher rate than companies not involved fraud.
COSO study conducted by four professors of accounting: Mark S. Beasley from North Carolina State University, Joseph V. Carcello of the University of Tennessee, Dana R. Hermanson of Kennesaw State University, and Terry L. Neal of the University of Tennessee. This study updates previous similar studies COSO published in 1999, for cases of fraudulent financial reporting from 1987 to 1997 decade.
Professor Beasley, who is also a board member of COSO, noted that additional research is needed to better understand the differences in the processes surrounding the board of directors and audit committee. "We need to determine whether there are certain processes relating to the board of directors that could strengthen their oversight of the risks affecting the financial statements," he said. "Moreover, given the amount of fraud examined in this study are limited and associated with a period after the publication of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 including Section 404 implementation, further research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the impact of SOX on reducing fraudulent financial reporting." Documents this study can be downloaded for free on the COSO Web site:

Role of Internal Audit in Fraud Investigation

"If you do not hire me to capture the Fraudster, you may have the wrong person," the story of a character's internal audit Indonesia telling interviews in the recruitment of internal auditors has ever experienced. Thus the reality. Many perceive the internal audit activity is the party most responsible for capturing the perpetrators of fraud (fraud). In fact, the internal auditor is not the same as the investigator or fraud examiner.
So, how exactly the internal audit activity's role in a fraud investigation that needs to be done by the organization?
Indeed, many of the recent internal audit standards that connects the internal audit fraud. In the Standard 1200: Proficiency and Due Professional Care, for example, internal auditors should have sufficient knowledge to evaluate the risk of fraud and to evaluate what has been done for mitigation organization. Similarly, the standard set in 2060: Reporting to Senior Management and the Board, Standard 2120: Risk Management, or Standard 2210: Engagement Objectives. However, as affirmed in the 1200 Standard, the required knowledge is not required at the level of knowledge and expertise as a person or party primary responsibility is detecting and investigating fraud.
In accordance with the practice guide "Internal Auditing and Fraud" issued by the IIA in December 2009 and then, the role of internal audit activity in the investigation are not rigid and not single. According to IIA, internal audit activity is possible to assume primary responsibility for investigating fraud. In addition, the internal audit activity can also act merely as a provider of resources for investigation, or otherwise, may also not involved in the investigation. Internal audit activity can not be involved in the investigation of them having to be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of investigations. Another reason is because they do not have adequate resources to be involved in the investigation. Whatever the choice, once the first choice of that role needs to be defined first in the internal audit charter, policies, and procedures related to fraud set forth in the company. Different roles may be acceptable as long as the impact of the choices that role against the independence of internal audit activity recognized and dealt with appropriately.
In terms of internal audit activity is given a major role in charge of investigating fraud, then it must be ensured that the team assigned to it have sufficient expertise about the fraud schemes, investigation techniques, statutory provisions and applicable law, and the knowledge and expertise Another is needed in the investigation. Staff needed can be obtained from the (in-house), outsourcing, or a combination of both.
In some cases, internal audit can also use the nonaudit staff from other units within the organization to assist the assignment. This often happens when the necessary expertise and diverse team should be formed immediately. In terms of organization requires external experts, the CAE should establish conditions that must be met providers of external resources, especially in terms of competence and resource availability.
In the case where the primary responsibility for the investigation function is not assigned to the internal audit activity, internal audit activity can still be requested to assist the assignment of investigation in gathering information and making recommendations for improvements of internal controls.
References:

    * Practice Guide: Internal Auditing and Fraud, The IIA, December 2009

Internal Audit Still Less Maximum

According to M. Harisun Ulum, ISO Consultant, ISO 9001:2008 is based on some internal auditing purposes. First, meet the arrangements that have been planned in advance. Secondly, to meet the requirements of international standards, namely ISO 9001:2008. Also the quality management system requirements that have formed organizations and to learn about systems that have been effective or not yet formed.
However, it is recognized Harisun, the constraints faced by the company conduct an internal audit was limited to mandatory. In other words, as if only to simply meet the requirements of ISO alone. "And with obtaining ISO, management in the company hopes to get the problem tambah.Dan value, added value is often not achieved because of the constraints facing the internal auditing purposes," said Harisun the Quality Club.
Harisun later revealed that several factors are an obstacle is less the maximum internal audit of Human Resources (HR) or the auditors and the methods employed in conducting internal audits. "We have to look at auditor competence. During this time, met the human resources entrusted to the auditor is still insufficient understanding of ISO 9001. When conducting internal audits, they do not know the method. Well, that often occurs at the time of audit, audit their only origin only. Do not know where the beginning and the end is like, "he said, come clean.
And usually, he added, they conduct an audit only on the basis limited to documents only, not Based on the needs of management or corporate needs. Though the company to implement ISO 9001 to get added value. In addition to the competence of auditors, the most important is the method of auditing. Sometimes they use a method of auditing is not from front to back or from back to front. They had been partial, center, from the middle, to the previous, back to back. "If you want consistent, the best is from front to back. Or the opposite, from back to front. If we take a sample like that, will come to light deficiencies system where we are. "
Then the internal audit should be how to keep up? He again explained, an auditor must understand the types of processes in the company and what the company wants. So, if an audit should not only based on the procedure alone, the findings obtained do not just limited to the fulfillment of the document alone, but to be seen what the company desires. Of internal audits carried out will be known that the company's goals, how to achieve it, seen from the process if the procedure is what has not been sufficient, and others.
He also saw, less the maximum internal auditor's audit work was limited due to a side job (side job). And they also felt additional work was not compensated. But if the company build a culture of improvement, it can be minimized.
Therefore, Harisun take a solution, to overcome the internal audit ketidakoptimalan there should be a paradigm shift. Most importantly there must be equality paradigm. During an internal audit is seen as a frightening specter. Paradigm is that an auditing firm to look for opportunities for improvement, improvement. The consequence is that many of the findings section or department that does not mean bad performance. A department or section to say if its findings, although a little ugly but not acted upon. So, the mindset must be changed.
"This paradigm must be agreed upon by management, auditors, and auditi. If it is done, auditi will not cover the deficiencies in parts. It will even bring up that followed its findings that, "he said.
So, to toward a professional internal audit, internal audit Harisun also suggested having a separate section, an independent team, so that maximal performance. The reason for this is often encountered, there are auditors of the supervisory level, and then auditing the other parts that auditi his manager. Of course, there are psychological burden faced. "But, if team i has an independent internal audit, will lose the psychological burden," he said.
For midsize companies down, she suggests better auditors have the authority. If the auditor does not have the authority, then the goals for improvement will be lost. In essence, the auditors have the authority. Between auditors and auditi have the same level. (Wan)

Auditing and Assurance Services: Understanding the Integrated Audit (click the picture)]

Auditing and Assurance Services: Understanding the Integrated Audit provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the integrated audit. It presents auditing from the perspective of an integrated audit complying with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the PCAOB. As the first auditing textbook completely authored after the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley, Auditing and Assurance Services uses the perspective of an integrated audit throughout the entire textbook, not just in specific chapters. Other features of the textbook:

Discusses industry-specific risk in the cycle chapters and demonstrates how risk influences client acceptance and continuance.
Presents the differences between public and non-public company audits.
Addresses international audit standards.
Follows the chronological sequence of an audit.
Assumes an IT environment throughout. Provides appendices with additional detail on IT general controls, application controls and use of software.
Integrates fraud early in the textbook and continues coverage throughout.
Applies auditing concepts to real-world and fictional scenarios via Auditing in Action features.
Provides comprehensive end-of-chapter material, including ethics exercises, CL exercises and CPA simulations.
Includes ACL software packaged with the textbook.

Environmental Health and Safety Audits (click the picture)

Overall, it is a very useful textbook offering a generic approach to environmental audits which can easily be expanded to health, safety and security issues. The author(s) does a very thorough job in discussing the activities and protocols involved with the 3 phases of the auditing process: 1. Pre-audit Phase; 2. On-site Audit Phase; and 3. Post-Audit Phase. The textbook utilizes the input from several different authors which results in some duplication of information, but repetition is good in this much changing field.

Needs to be updated and expanded with respect to a few more current issues: Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley law, current ISO 14001 issues, plus some others. A more detailed chapter on Root-Cause Analysis would be beneficial with more examples. This type of analysis seems to be the most prevalent in deciding upon Corrective Actions and Recommendations needed to mitigate future deficiencies of a similar nature.

An instructor's manual containing some general or specific discussion questions for each chapter would also be helpful. The references contained within each chapter are useful. Placing current "Insights" - articles or case law relevant to the chapter material would also enable the authors to keep current with fewer new chapters in subsequent editions. More sample examples of Audit Instruments (checklists) and detailed suggestions for Corrective Action follow-up would be useful.
This textbook is currently being used at the Master's level assuming little or no pre-requisite knowledge of the auditing process. It is being taught in on-campus and on-line classes.

Bruce Hill, PhD
Risk Management

The Marketing Audit Handbook: Tools, Techniques and Checklists to Exploit Your Marketing Techniques [Paperback]

Review
"It is fair to say that Aubrey Wilson is the United Kingdom's 'father of industrial marketing'... he turns our attention to the requirements for winning." -- Professor Philip Kotler, Northwestern University
From the Publisher
Aubrey Wilson has played a leading role in the emergence of B2B marketing as an important management tool, pioneering many of the research and marketing techniques in common use today. Internationally he is perhaps one of the best known and most popular speakers on B2B marketing topics. He has written twelve books on marketing subjects.
About the Author
Aubrey Wilson D.Litt. After a distinguished business career, Aubrey is now an independent consultant and is acknowledged internationally as one of the pioneers of business-to-business marketing. Many of the techniques in use today were devised by him and he continues to develop practical approaches for improving productivity in marketing. Dr. Wilson has prepared and presented programmes for many industrial organisations worldwide. He has published twelve books on marketing and a survey of British universities and business schools revealed that two of them were listed in the twenty most highky recommended texts for marketing courses. He is a contributor on marketing subjects to The Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, Management Today, European Management Journal, Marketing and many other publications. He has designed and recorded a multi-media training package on business-to-business marketing which has been sold worldwide. Dr. Wilson has served as a Fulbright Commissioner.

How to Conduct Supplier Surveys and Audits (The Purchasing Excellence Series)

From the Back Cover
How to Conduct Supplier Surveys and Audits addresses the crucial issues of assuring on-time delivery of 100% quantity of zero-defect material at the lowest possible cost to achieve customer satisfaction. This book will help you develop a structural approach to surveys and audits needed to excel in this age of World Class and Best In Class Practices.

Additionally, How to Conduct Supplier Surveys and Audits clearly presents tools and information which are required to go beyond a survey. We need to install feedback mechanisms which accurately tell us how to measure our suppliers and ensure that customer requirements are continuously met.

How to Conduct Supplier Surveys and Audits also covers the major criteria for evaluations, techniques for evaluating a supplier, steps to selecting team members, defining supplier roles and much, much more.
About the Author
Janet Przirembel is an editor with PT Publications, where she plays a vital role in preparing authors' manuscripts for publication. She is the project editor for PT Publications' series of books on Contracts Management and has also edited books on Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), purchasing and other business topics which help companies prepare for the next century. Additionally, Ms. Przirembel was responsible for developing the Supplier Survey and Audit Forms software.

Prior to PT Publications, Ms. Przirembel worked in the field of Total Quality Management developing, preparing and editing technical manuals and case studies.

Ms. Przirembel holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of South Florida.

The Operational Auditing Handbook: Auditing Business and IT Processes [Click the picture]

Never out of print since 1997, and substantially updated for this second edition, The Operational Auditing Handbook has earned an international reputation as a hands-on, practical manual for internal auditors and managers to enable them to carry out audits and reviews of a wide range of business activities.
The Operational Auditing Handbook clarifies the underlying issues, risks and objectives for a wide range of operations and activities and is a professional companion, with many checklists, for those who design self-assessment and audit programmes of business processes in all sectors. Reflecting the strategic importance of information technology today, this second edition is considerably expanded in this area with leading edge material. Other completely new material includes clear, authoritative guidance on how to achieve effective of governance, risk management and internal control processes.

Wiley CPA Exam Review 2011, Auditing and Attestation [Click the picture]

Everything today's CPA candidates need to pass the CPA ExamPublished annually, this comprehensive four-volume paperback reviews all four parts of the CPA exam. Many of the questions are taken directly from previous CPA exams. With 3,800 multiple-choice questions, these study guides provide all the information candidates need to master in order to pass the computerized Uniform CPA Examination.

• The most effective system available to prepare for the CPA exam-proven for over thirty years
• Timely-up-to-the-minute coverage for the computerized exam.
• Contains all current AICPA content requirements in auditing and attestation
• Unique modular format-helps candidates zero in on areas that need work, organize their study program, and concentrate their efforts
• Comprehensive questions-over 3,800 multiple-choice questions and their solutions in the four volumes
• Covers changes to the CPA exam occurring after December 31, 2010
• Guidelines, pointers, and tips-show how to build knowledge in a logical and reinforcing way
• Other titles by Whittington: Audit Sampling: An Introduction, Fifth Edition

Wiley CPA Exam Review 2011 arms test-takers with detailed outlines, study guidelines, and skill-building problems to help candidates identify, focus on, and master the specific topics that need the most work.

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• The most effective system available to prepare for the CPA exam—proven for over thirty years
• Timely—up-to-the-minute coverage for the computerized exam. Contains all current AICPA content requirements in auditing and attestation
• Unique modular format—helps you zero in on areas that need work, organize your study program, and concentrate your efforts
• Comprehensive questions—over 3,800 multiple-choice questions and their solutions in the four volumes. Covers the new simulation-style problems. Includes over 280 simulations
• Complete sample exam in auditing and attestation

• Guidelines, pointers, and tips—show you how to build knowledge in a logical and reinforcing way

Wiley CPA Exam Review 2011 arms test-takers with detailed outlines, study guidelines, and skill-building problems to help candidates identify, focus on, and master the specific topics that need the most work.
Other titles in the WILEY CPA EXAM REVIEW 2011 FOUR-VOLUME SET:

• Business Environment and Concepts
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Regulation

See inside for the entire array of Wiley CPA Exam Review Products!
"I wanted to say I bought just the four books by Wiley for each CPA section and took all four parts of the exam in May 2009. I studied for about half a year, and I PASSED ALL FOUR PARTS ON THE FIRST TRY!!! 95% REG, 88% FAR, 82% AUD, 81% BEC.I am very excited and happy that these books alone helped me pass!"
—Gabriela Adriana Mandiuc, Boerne, Texas

About the Author

O. Ray Whittington, CPA, PhD, CMA, CIA, is Dean of the College of Commerce and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University. He is also the coauthor of Audit Sampling: An Introduction, Fifth Edition, available from Wiley.Patrick R. Delaney, CPA, PhD, was the Arthur Andersen LLP Alumni Professor of Accountancy at Northern Illinois University and the author of bestselling books, audios, and software in the Wiley CPA Exam Review System.

The Internal Auditing Pocket Guide: Preparing, Performing, Reporting and Follow-up, Second Edition [click the picture]

This best-seller is fully updated and expanded! The entire audit process is discussed, from the audit assignment to analyzing results and following up on the action items. This easy-to-use pocket guide summarizes all the steps necessary to complete an internal audit. New and updated sections reflect new techniques, ISO 19011 thinking, and the approach to new standards. The condensed format of this book makes it a good tool to use when training others how to perform an internal audit and is appropriate for those who have no prior knowledge of audit principles or techniques.

About the Author

J.P. Russell is a trainer and instructional designer for Quality WBT Center for Education, which provides training for ISO 9001, auditing, FMEA, customer satisfaction and other professional development subjects. He is the author of numerous books, including the best-selling pocket guides The Process Auditing Techniques Guide and The Internal Auditing Pocket Guide. Russell is also an ASQ Fellow, RAB Quality Systems Auditor, and an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. He holds a bachelor s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from the ITT Stuart School of Management.

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Contemporary Auditing: Real Issues and Cases [Click the picture]

Knapp's CONTEMPORARY AUDITING: REAL ISSUES AND CASES, Eighth Edition, uses real-world cases to acquaint you with the work environment of auditors. It also helps you recognize the red flags that often accompany problem audits. This new edition offers exciting new cases that cover the massive economic crisis that the U.S. and global economies have recently faced. In addition, new cases have been added to the "International Cases" section, examining auditing challenges in Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, and several others. The eighth edition fully integrates risk assessment standards recently adopted by the auditing community. What better training for the real world of auditing than to learn by studying real companies and situations!
Knapp's CONTEMPORARY AUDITING: REAL ISSUES AND CASES, Eighth Edition, uses real-world cases to acquaint you with the work environment of auditors. It also helps you recognize the red flags that often accompany problem audits. This new edition offers exciting new cases that cover the massive economic crisis that the U.S. and global economies have recently faced. In addition, new cases have been added to the "International Cases" section, examining auditing challenges in Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, and several others. The eighth edition fully integrates risk assessment standards recently adopted by the auditing community. What better training for the real world of auditing than to learn by studying real companies and situations!
Review
"Thank you for the great casebook. I have used this for over 10 years in my graduate cases with great success."

"Students' participation is noticeable when the case touches a conflict between personal and professional issue."

"My experience with the Knapp casebook has been incredibly positive. The cases are so well written that I have never had a complaint about the readability of the cases. I have often custom published a casebook with just the cases that I plan to use and that has always been a very easy process."

ISO 9001:2008 Internal Audits Made Easy: Tools, Techniques, and Step-By-Step Guidelines for Successful Internal Audits, Third Edition [click the picture]

Implementing the requirements of ISO 9001 can be a daunting task for many organizations. In an attempt to develop a system that will pass the registration audit, we are tempted to establish processes with the primary purpose of conforming to the requirements of ISO 9001. In doing so, however, it is easy to lose sight of the original intent of the standard to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system implemented at our organization. This book is intended to help managers, management representatives, internal audit coordinators, and internal auditors implement a practical internal audit process that meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 while also adding significant, measurable value to the organization s bottom line. The tools, techniques, and step-by-step guidelines provided in this book can also be used by those organizations that have a well-established internal audit process but are looking for easy ways to make that process more effective. The tools in the appendices of this book have also been provided on the enclosed CD to facilitate your customizing them to fit the specific needs of your organization.
About the Author
Ann Phillips is President of Quality Techniques, Inc. Since 1991 she has assisted numerous organizations, ranging from small distributors to worldwide corporations, in developing their quality management systems. Over one hundred fifty clients have achieved registration to ISO 9001, QS-9000, or ISO/TS 16949. Her emphasis is on implementing practical and effective management systems in a way that enhances customer loyalty and achieves measurable improvements in the business. Ms. Phillips is certified by the Registrar Accreditation Board as a Quality Systems Auditor. Prior to August 1991, Ms. Phillips worked with 3M and Dupont as a Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, and Occupational Health and Safety Supervisor. During that time, she established an SPC system in three facilities, led the ISO 9001 implementation process in one facility, and integrated the safety and health system with the ISO 9001 quality management system. In addition to on-site consulting and training, Ms. Phillips has instructed regularly for the University of Houston at Clear Lake, the Center for Quality at Eastern Michigan University, Collin County Community College in Plano (Texas), the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).
Product Details

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: ASQ Quality Press; Third edition (January 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 087389751X
ISBN-13: 978-0873897518
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
This compact volume will improve audits performed as part of an internal self governance plan immeasurably. It is well written and contains many process models in the appendices along with checklists and audit matrices. It emphasizes the difference between internal and external audits and has many tips auditors may use to improve understanding and acceptance of a company's quality management system. Should be essential reading for every company's internal auditors and senior executives - who after all are the top management responsible for their ISO 9001 implementation - alike.

Audit in a Democracy: The Australian Model of Public Sector Audit And Its Application to Emerging Markets (Click the picture)

Exploring the role of public sector audit in emerging democracies and developing countries, this book provides an account of the relationship between the public sector auditor, the legislature and executive government. In particular, it introduces public sector audit's capacity to assess government agencies' compliance with the law and their management of taxpayer or internationally funded programs and services. The volume: explores the Australian model of public sector audit; provides a definition of a supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and the role and responsibilities of the public sector auditor; examines the authority necessary for the SAI to function effectively; discusses likely future reform of the SAI's legal framework; illustrates how audit can be used to strengthen democratic institutions in emerging market economies. It will be of use to researchers, academics and students interested in the critical issues surrounding audit in general and public sector audit in particular. It will also be a valuable guide to practitioners in this area.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Paul Nicoll is Executive Director of the Performance Audit Service Group in the Australian National Audit Office, Australia.
Product Details

Hardcover: 233 pages
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing (December 30, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0754644294
ISBN-13: 978-0754644293
Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #672,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Auditing and Assurance Services (14th Edition) (click the picture)

An integrated and current approach to auditing.

Auditing and Assurance Services: An Integrated Approach presents an integrated concepts approach that shows readers the auditing process from start to finish. This text prepares readers for real-world audit decision making by using illustrative examples of key audit decisions, with an emphasis on audit planning, risk assessment processes and collecting and evaluating evidence in response to risks.

The fourteenth edition includes coverage of PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5, new standards related to communications to those charged with governance (SAS Nos. 114 and 115), and the most up-to-date content in the dynamic auditing environment.

Auditing: A Business Risk Approach (with ACL CD-ROM) [Click the picture)

The authors' emphasis on the regulatory environment, the importance of understanding the organization and its environment along with related risks, the integrated approach to auditing, and the impact of technology to the auditing profession are right on target. COSO has been emphasizing the integrated audit for decades now and it is finally catching on…." "With texts such as [this], we are beginning to move the direction of teaching auditors to go well beyond the rules in implementing their profession in an ethical manner. The themes presented in this text are fundamental to this. They are very appropriate for my use of this text, for the only auditing course taught at our institution."

"The textbook appears to be written by an auditing scholar with relevant field auditing experience as opposed to many auditing textbooks which are written by scholars who write what they "think" is occurring in the field."

"I like the five themes of the Sixth edition… they reflect some of the main reasons why I adopted the text initially and continue to use it. I like the overriding theme of business risk approach, the emphasis on the technological environment. It also is critically important, especially in today's rapidly changing environment, to stay current with the regulatory and legal environment of the audit. The movement toward the Integrated Audit also fits in well with the other themes."

"Overall, I am pleased with the approach and balance of the Rittenberg text and plan to continue using it."

"These themes are comprehensive of the issues facing auditing today, and they are the right themes to include in this textbook." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Larry E. Rittenberg, PhD, CPA, CIA, is the Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting & Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin--Madison, where he teaches courses in auditing, risk management, and corporate governance. He is Chair Emeritus of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) where he has provided oversight of the development of the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework as well as the COSO Guidance for Smaller Businesses. He has served as Vice-Chair of Professional Practices for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and President of the IIA Research Foundation; and has been a member of the Auditing Standards Committee of the AAA Auditing Section, the AICPA's Computer Audit Subcommittee, the Information Technology Committee, the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Audit Committees; and Vice-President and Treasurer of the American Accounting Association. He is a member of an audit committee, board, and governance committee of Woodward Governor, a publicly-traded company, and has consulted on audit committee, risk, and control issues with the largest public company in China. More recently, he has been named as one of the seven members of the International Oversight Council for Professional Practice of the IIA. Professor Rittenberg, a certified public accountant, a certified internal auditor, has served as staff auditor for Ernst & Young and has co-authored five books and monographs and numerous articles. He is married and is the father of two children.

Karla M. Johnstone, PhD & CPA, is an Associate Professor of Accounting & Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She teaches auditing, and her research investigates auditor decision making, including auditors' client acceptance and continuance decisions, how fraud risk affects audit planning and audit fees, client-auditor negotiation, and audit budget-setting processes. She has also published various articles on accounting curriculum effectiveness. Professor Johnstone serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals, and is active in the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association. She has worked in practice as a corporate accountant and as a staff auditor, and she was a doctoral fellow in residence at Coopers & Lybrand. Professor Johnstone is married and is the mother of three children.

Audrey A. Gramling, Ph.D., CIA, CPA, is Professor of Accounting at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches courses on auditing, corporate governance and strategy, and SEC disclosure issues. She has served as an Academic Accounting Fellow in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Audrey is currently involved in a number of professional organizations including Beta Alpha Psi, where she co-chaired the 2010 annual international meeting, Grant Thornton's Academic Advisory Council, and Kennesaw State University's Corporate Governance Center, where she serves as an Academic Fellow. Audrey currently serves, or previously has served, on various editorial boards. She has been an active member of the American Accounting Association, including serving as Secretary, as Vice-President--Academic, and as President of the AAA Auditing Section. Audrey worked as an external auditor at a predecessor firm of Deloitte and as an internal auditor at Georgia Institute of Technology. She has coauthored numerous books, monographs, and articles on various audit-related topics. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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ISO 9001:2008 Internal Audits Made Easy: Tools, Techniques, and Step-By-Step Guidelines for Successful Internal Audits, Third Edition [click the picture)

Implementing the requirements of ISO 9001 can be a daunting task for many organizations. In an attempt to develop a system that will pass the registration audit, we are tempted to establish processes with the primary purpose of conforming to the requirements of ISO 9001. In doing so, however, it is easy to lose sight of the original intent of the standard to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system implemented at our organization. This book is intended to help managers, management representatives, internal audit coordinators, and internal auditors implement a practical internal audit process that meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 while also adding significant, measurable value to the organization s bottom line. The tools, techniques, and step-by-step guidelines provided in this book can also be used by those organizations that have a well-established internal audit process but are looking for easy ways to make that process more effective. The tools in the appendices of this book have also been provided on the enclosed CD to facilitate your customizing them to fit the specific needs of your organization.

Auditing for Dummies Books

Want to be an auditor and need to hone your investigating skills? Look no further. This friendly guide gives you an easy-to-understand explanation of auditing — from gathering financial statements and accounting information to analyzing a client's financial position. Packed with examples, it gives you everything you need to ace an auditing course and begin a career today.