Auditing Skills: Project Management

Course Overview

Every audit job, whether it be a planned audit, involvement in the development of a new business process, or a special investigation, is a project in its own right. The strategic audit plan is a programme of projects. Auditors need to understand and be able to apply project programme and project management techniques to their work. This is more than simple time allocation or recording. It requires an understanding of objectives and resource management as well as target achievement, some of which may be outside the direct control of the auditor. Audit interaction and in some cases dependencies on other areas of the business need to be incorporated in the plan. This workshop will deal with project management techniques in the context of the audit life cycle.

The workshop leader has great experience in the management of large audit departments, audit involvement in complex developments and the unique requirements of special investigations projects.

Audience

Auditors with a desire to understand project management skills and how it can improve quality and effectiveness

Course Outline

THE CHALLENGES

• The role of audit
• On time
• To budget
• Delivering what is required
• Within audit's control
• Outside of audit's control
• Strategic programme
• Tactical project

THE AUDIT PROJECT

• Type of audit project
• Assurance
• Conformance
• Performance
• New process
• Investigation
• Estimation
• Audit staff time
• Client staff time
• Travel time
• Expenses
• Project components
• Planning
• Fieldwork
• Reporting
• Follow-up

PROBLEM MANAGEMENT

• Embedded monitors
• Early warning indicators
• Problem resolution

PROJECT REPORTING

• Key concepts
• What really matters?
• Frequency
• Project components
• Planning
• Fieldwork
• Reporting
• Follow-up

Auditing Skills: Project Management / CM030602