The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of accounting is rapidly changing the dynamics of the profession. A recent workshop, hosted by the Journal of Information Systems, brought together industry experts and academics to discuss the implications of AI for accounting. The key question on everyone’s mind: will accountants with AI replace accountants? […]
Unraveling the Dynamics of Fraud Punishment: Insights from the Latest Forensic Accounting Research
In the intricate world of occupational fraud, the decisions victim organizations make about punishing perpetrators are as varied as they are complex. A recent study published in the Journal of Forensic Accounting Research by Erlina Papakroni, Marie Rice, and Lisa M. Dilks delves deep into this subject. The research, utilizing data from the Association of […]
Reflecting on the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum: Navigating a World in Crisis
In the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland, the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum recently convened, bringing together a diverse array of global leaders against a backdrop of mounting geo-political tensions and emerging global challenges. Davos, known for its serene landscapes, transformed into a bustling hub of global discourse as over 60 heads […]
Dive into the Future of Artificial Intelligence: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, at Davos 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a paradoxical nature. It’s a powerful tool, yet its current capabilities are still quite limited. AI holds the potential to significantly enhance human life but also poses risks such as exacerbating social inequalities and causing widespread job displacement. Despite its complex, technical nature, it’s important for non-technical individuals to grasp its […]
The Intricate Balance of Audit Completeness and Earnings Reliability in the Wake of Internal Controls
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial reporting, the role of internal controls has become increasingly pivotal, particularly in the context of audit completeness and the reliability of earnings announcements. A recent study by Michelle A. Draeger and Eric R. Lohwasser, published in Accounting Horizons, sheds light on this intricate relationship. Their research delves into how […]
Reflecting on Accounting: A Half-Century Journey from 1973 to 2022
Garry D. Carnegie’s reflective piece in the Accounting Historians Journal, marking the 50th anniversary of The Academy of Accounting Historians, offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the accounting profession over five decades. Established in 1973, under the leadership of Gary John Previts, the Academy has grown into a significant body within the accounting […]
Navigating Contemporary Challenges in Controlling
In a rapidly changing financial landscape, controllers play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s financial health. A recent research article, „Current Issues Faced by Controllers“ by Anthony C. Bucaro, T. Jeffrey Wilks, and Christopher G. Yust, delves into the current challenges encountered by controllers, shedding light on key issues and their implications. The study […]
Online Learning’s Integrity Challenge: Tackling Academic Dishonesty in Accounting Assessments
In the digital age, the shift towards online education has been accelerated, particularly in disciplines like accounting. However, this shift brings with it a new set of challenges, primarily concerning academic integrity. Jenelle K. Conaway and Taylor Wiesen dive into this issue in their article, „Academic Dishonesty in Online Accounting Assessments—Evidence on the Use of […]
Boosting Accounting Careers: Overcoming Stereotype Threat and Enhancing Belongingness
In the rapidly evolving world of accounting, a recent study sheds light on two crucial factors influencing accounting students‘ commitment to the profession: the sense of belonging and the impact of stereotype threat. Cristina Bailey, Serena Loftus, and Sarah Shonka McCoy delve into this topic in their article, „Do I Belong? The Impact of Belongingness […]
Bridging the Gap: Promoting Organizational Inclusion for Neurodivergent Accountants
In a world where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important in the workplace, a recent research article titled „Perceived Organizational Inclusion: Evidence from Neurodivergent Accountants in the U.S.“ by Loreal Jiles, Qi Duong (Susie), and Roopa Venkatesh explores the intersection of neurodiversity and the accounting profession. This study sheds light on the challenges faced […]
Do Firms Mimic Industry Leaders’ Accounting? New Research about Financial Statement Comparability
Drawing on organizational legitimacy theories, a recent research paper suggests that managers may adopt similar accounting practices as industry leaders to gain credibility and legitimacy. Especially for newly appointed CEOs, mirroring the accounting behaviors of industry leaders can serve as a signal of trustworthiness in an environment where stakeholders might be uncertain about their capabilities. […]
Remote Audit Revolution: Quality, Efficiency, and Job Satisfaction in the New Era
In their recent study, Yueqi Li, Sanjay Goel, and Kevin Williams delve into the profound impact of remote auditing on the audit profession. First published in February 2023, their research provides a comprehensive analysis of how the shift from traditional on-site audits to remote audits has affected audit quality, efficiency, and auditors‘ job satisfaction. Key […]
Linking Pay to Planet: How Executive Compensation Influences Carbon Assurance in UK Firms
In their recent research article, Stefan Simic, Le Luo, and Rina Datt provide intriguing insights into how compensation strategies within companies influence their decision to engage in carbon assurance. Published in September 2023, their study, titled „Compensation and carbon assurance: Evidence from the United Kingdom,“ explores a significant and timely topic given the growing urgency […]
Corporate Social Irresponsibility in the Media: Steering Through Audit Fee Challenges
Tracie Frost, Liwei Shan, Albert Tsang, and Miao Yu’s research, published in July 2022, examines the relationship between media coverage of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) and audit fees on a global scale. Their study, using data from 35 countries, found a significant positive correlation between media exposure of CSI and increased audit fees. This relationship, […]
RPA Revealed: Navigating the Complexities and Challenges in Accounting Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as a popular tool among auditors and corporate accountants, aiding in various accounting tasks. While the benefits of RPA are often highlighted, its potential risks and challenges are less frequently discussed. In a revealing article by Marc Eulerich, Nathan Waddoups, Martin Wagener, and David A. Wood, titled „The Dark […]
Surprise! How Unexpected Internal Control Weakness Disclosures Influence Shareholder Trust
In the realm of corporate finance and accounting, the impact of internal control weaknesses (MWs) on shareholder trust and perceptions is a topic of ongoing interest and importance. A recent article by Hambisa Belina, K. Raghunandan, and Dasaratha V. Rama, titled „Do Shareholders Care about ‚Surprise‘ Internal Control Weakness Disclosures?“ published in Current Issues in […]
Surge in Fraud Value Hits UK Courts in 2022: Insights from KPMG’s Fraud Barometer
In 2022, the UK witnessed a significant increase in the value of fraud cases, as reported by KPMG UK’s latest Fraud Barometer. This year has seen a startling rise to £1.12 billion in fraud value, marking a 151% increase compared to the previous year. This blog post delves into the critical findings of this report, […]
Discover How the Future of Accounting Can Align with Your Values
The article „Attracting the Next Generation of Accountants“ delves into the intersection of career choice and personal values in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a spotlight on Gen Z’s entry into the workforce and their affinity for sustainability, the study presents an intriguing exploration of how the accounting profession could evolve to meet […]
The Exacerbation of Gender Disparities in Auditing During COVID-19
In their recent study published in „AUDITING: A Journal of Practice & Theory,“ Ghio, Moulang, and Gendron delve into the experiences of women auditors during the COVID-19 pandemic. They identify that the pandemic, far from leveling the playing field, instead further highlighted and intensified existing gender norms and disparities in the audit profession. Women auditors […]
Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Accounting Practices
In the world of accounting, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer. By automating operations, analyzing data, identifying fraud, enabling predictive analytics, and offering personalized financial advice, AI brings accuracy and efficiency to accounting processes. This transformative technology empowers organizations to make informed and sustainable decisions based on real-time data, aligning with Sustainable Development […]
The Promise and Challenges of Integrating Audit Analytics in Modern Finance
In the rapidly evolving landscape of finance and accounting, the potential of Audit Analytics (AA) stands out, promising to transform the Internal Audit Function (IAF). However, despite its potential, its adoption remains limited. A recent study in the „Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting“ delved deep, identifying both driving and inhibiting factors affecting AA’s integration. […]
CAEs are Adding Value Through Data Analytics
The internal Audit Foundation in collaboration with Grant Thornton recently released a report in which over 200 chief audit executives (CAEs) and directors shared their perspectives on leveraging data analytics to generate and elevate value. The majority of internal auditing teams are already prioritizing data analytics and automation as a tool to add value to […]
Internal Auditor’s Responsibilities Reviewed
A new article in the IIA’s publication “Internal Auditor” discusses a report released by the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding the consumer account and cross-selling failures at Wells Fargo Bank. The report recommends fines for three former internal audit and risk management executives at the bank. While it is rare […]
LinkedIn Insights: How Internal Audit Expertise Influences Financial Reporting Accuracy
The world of financial reporting has seen significant transformations in the past few decades, with evolving regulatory standards and changing business environments. Amid these changes, one area that has continually held significance is the internal audit function (IAF). Despite its importance, the IAF has remained an area with limited data availability, constraining further research and […]
Firm Affiliation and Knowledge Sharing in Accounting: Effects on Error Communication
Recent developments in the accounting industry have led to increased collaboration between professionals from different accounting firms. This collaboration involves firms providing various services, such as audit and tax, to client organizations. While this trend offers many benefits, it also raises questions about how information is shared among these professionals and its potential impact on […]
Breaking the Silence: SEC Unveils Record-Breaking $18 Million Whistleblower Award and Fee Rate Advisory for FY 2024
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made two significant announcements recently, indicating its ongoing commitment to a transparent and accountable financial market. Registration Fee Rate Hike for Fiscal Year 2024 The SEC unveiled the fee rates for fiscal year 2024. Effective from October 1, public companies and other issuers will experience an increase in […]
Companies switching auditors after just missing earnings forecasts exhibit lower levels of earnings quality
Earnings management has long been a concern in the corporate world, with companies striving to meet or beat analysts‘ earnings forecasts through various accounting tactics. External auditors play a critical role in curbing opportunistic earnings management behavior and providing financial statement reliability. However, recent research by Eric Lohwasser and Yaou Zhou explores how companies that […]
Beyond Automation: McKinsey’s Vision of a Generative AI-Driven Economy
Generative AI, a technology with the capability to drive vast economic transformation, is on the brink of reshaping our future. McKinsey’s recent research underlines the sheer magnitude of this shift, suggesting generative AI could add a staggering $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually across numerous use cases. To put this in perspective, this is akin to […]
Mastering Remote Onboarding: Best Practices for Socializing New Accountants in the Digital Age
In the era of remote work, public accounting firms grapple with a vital concern: how to effectively socialize new employees. This process, known as Organizational Socialization (OS), is pivotal for new professionals to assimilate the attitudes, values, social skills, and technical expertise vital to their success in the firm. Historically, newcomers were inducted into a […]
Managers’ Strategic Use of Concurrent Disclosure: Unveiling Hidden Negative News
In today’s fast-paced financial markets, the timely and accurate disclosure of material information is crucial for investors to make informed decisions. However, some managers may seek to exploit investors‘ cognitive constraints and processing capacity to strategically hide negative news. In this blog post, we explore a recent research study conducted by Caleb Rawson, Brady J. […]
Whistleblowing in the Classroom: How Professor-Based Policies Enhance Student Reporting of Misconduct
Whistleblower programs have undoubtedly made their mark in the corporate sector, acting as a formidable tool in the fight against unethical behavior. Yet, when we pivot our attention to the academic realm, especially where student policies for reporting peer misconduct are concerned, a glaring gap emerges. F. Todd DeZoort’s enlightening research, published in the esteemed […]
Implications for Internal Auditors: ISSB’s Global Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently issued its inaugural global sustainability disclosure standards, marking a significant development in the field of sustainability reporting. The standards, IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, aim to provide a common language for disclosing sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and climate-related factors. These standards will have far-reaching implications for internal auditors, […]
Effects of Moral Violation on Algorithmic Transparency: An Empirical Investigation
Artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making systems have become an integral part of our daily lives, impacting various aspects, from e-commerce and entertainment to medical diagnosis and financial domains. While these algorithms offer efficiency and scalability, users often struggle to trust these systems due to the „black box paradox.“ Users increasingly demand transparency in algorithmic decision-making […]
Does Audit Regulation Improve the Underlying Information Used by Managers? Evidence from PCAOB Inspection Access and Management Forecast Accuracy
Audit regulation is primarily focused on enhancing the quality of external financial reporting and protecting the interests of external stakeholders. However, there is growing recognition that such regulation can also have spillover effects on the internal information environment of organizations, benefiting managers in their decision-making processes. A recent study by Brant Christensen, Lijun (Gillian) Lei, […]
An Insightful Look into the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Enhancing Fraud Protection in Business Relationships: A Comprehensive Benchmarking Study
To assist organizations in understanding and benchmarking their own processes, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and Thomson Reuters collaborated on a report. This report aims to explore the risks and controls associated with business-to-business transactions and relationships. The findings are compiled in: “Combatting Business-To-Business Fraud: Benchmarking Report”. The report is intended to provide […]
Empowering Internal Auditors with ChatGPT: Lessons from a Large Multinational Company
The adoption of advanced language models, such as ChatGPT, in the accounting field has sparked considerable interest and discussion in recent times. In this blog post, we dive into a recent paper that talks about how Uniper, a multinational energy company, has harnessed ChatGPT to enhance its internal audit function (IAF) and revolutionize its auditing […]
From Theory to Practice: Integrating Data Analytics into Auditing for Real-World Impact
There is a rapid shift in auditing practice with the integration of audit data analytics (ADA) tools. As the audit landscape changes, the question arises: How can educators effectively integrate ADA into the existing auditing curriculum to better equip students for the future of auditing? An illuminating study by Booker, Pelzer, and Richardson, published in […]
Examining Market Misinterpretation: How Critical Audit Matter Disclosures Impact Market’s and Investor’s Risk Perception
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has introduced critical audit matters (CAMs) to expand audit reports to provide external users with more information regarding potential risks of material misstatements. While the intention of CAM disclosures is to highlight the risk of material misstatement and the corresponding audit procedures, early studies suggest that investors may […]
Frequent Auditor Switching and the Impact on Audit Quality
A newly published paper in Accounting Horizons highlights the implications of frequent auditor switching for the audit quality. The paper is particularly significant for regulators, practitioners, and academics to inform policy discussions, audit committee disclosure requirements, risk models, investment decisions, and future research on auditor switching. Existing accounting research primarily focuses on single-instance auditor changes […]
The ACFE’s and IIA’s Report on Whistleblower Hotlines
In a press release published on May 18, 2023 the Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) presented their report: “Building a Best-in-Class Whistleblower Hotline Program”. The report includes benchmarking data, evaluates the factors contributing to program effectiveness, explores reasons for not having a hotline program, and examines […]
Reinforcing Corporate Reputation through Internal Auditing
It is not an uncommon occurrence for companies to face operational and accounting failures at some point in their journey. When such events occur, these companies often find themselves seeking ways to salvage their reputations and regain the trust of their stakeholders. According to a recent study published in The Accounting Review by Matthew S. […]
Risk in focus 2023: more risky, uncertain, and volatile times ahead
In 2022, several risk areas put organizations in a state of permanent crisis: the ongoing pandemic, supply chain issues, climate change along with natural disasters, persistent inflation and rising energy prices driven by the war in Ukraine. For this reason, 14 Institutes of Internal Auditors across 15 European countries have conducted a study on key […]
Exploring IoT’s Impact on Audit and Assurance: Insights from IAASB’s Eighth Market Scan
The eighth market scan conducted by the IAASB’s Disruptive Technology team explores the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on Networks for Asset Monitoring and Data Generation. This technology enables real time tracking, management, and monitoring of business processes and assets. The article provides an overview of IoT, discusses its impact on the International Auditing and […]
Enhancing Internal Audit Excellence: How Internal Audit University Programs Shape Nearby Companies
A new research article in Accounting Horizons shows the efficacy of Center for Internal Auditing Excellence (CIAE) programs in raising the quality of Internal Audit Functions (IAFs) of nearby companies. A lack of domain knowledge in internal auditing could lead to lower-quality and less effective IAFs. The CIAE program produces new practitioners with greater internal […]
Changing Ecosystem of Enterprise Risk Governance
A newly released paper emphasizes the significance of risk governance in organizations and its susceptibility to internal and external influences. It underscores the importance of executives and boards in setting a strong tone at the top regarding risk governance in their organizations. This tone should prioritize and highlight the value and role of risk governance […]
Navigating Masculine Pronouns in Professional Spaces for Inclusive Equity and Empowerment
The Auditing Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) provide authoritative guidance to auditors of U.S. public companies during their audits. However, these standards predominantly employ masculine generic pronouns instead of gender-specific or gender-neutral pronouns. Reflecting the audit profession’s and the PCAOB’s emphasis on equity and inclusion, as well as the significance to […]
Empowering Young Professionals with Essential Technology Skills
In the fast-paced digital era, technological proficiency has become increasingly vital across various industries. To bridge the gap between technology and the accounting profession, a group of dedicated students and faculty from Brigham Young University (BYU) has established TechHub.training. The mission is to provide a comprehensive platform that empowers young professionals with essential technology skills. […]
Strengthening Your Defenses: A Comprehensive Guide to Fraud Risk Management – Second Edition (COSO and ACFE)
The “ Fraud Risk Management Guide – second edition “ article from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is an updated guidance for organizations to follow in addressing the specific fraud risk. This Guide updates the first edition of the Fraud Risk Management […]
Shaping the Future of Sustainability Reporting: ISSB Seeks Stakeholder Feedback and Enhances SASB Standards
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently issued its first Request for Information (RFI) on May 4, 2023. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather input and shape the ISSB’s work plan for the next two years. The ISSB is currently seeking feedback on its priorities during this period. You […]
Safeguarding Against Misconduct in a Dynamic ESG Landscape
ESG factors have rapidly become as important as financial metrics for corporations, leading to increased pressure and potential for exploitation. Organizations must evaluate their ESG programs, update reporting standards, strengthen controls, and address fraud risks. However, the lack of consistent standards in the regulatory and reporting frameworks poses challenges, giving anti-fraud practitioners a critical role […]
The Strategic Imperative of Cyber-Risk Collaboration and Digital Transformation
The increasing interconnectivity of our world creates new opportunities as well as new risks. Deployment of digital technologies, exponential growth in data volumes, and changing business needs are expanding targets for cyber threats, making effective collaboration between cyber and risk management a strategic priority. Deloitte’s Global Future of Cyber Survey 2023 examines the current state […]
Can ChatGPT Revolutionize the Accounting and Auditing Industries?
ChatGPT, an advanced language model, has been making waves in the media, with many speculating about its potential for massive disruption, particularly in the fields of accounting and auditing. However, prior research has raised concerns about ChatGPT’s performance on student assessment questions. In order to shed light on this issue, a recent research project aimed […]
Breaking the Silence: SEC Unveils Record-Breaking $279 Million Whistleblower Award
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued thelargest-ever whistleblower award of nearly $279 million. The award was granted to a whistleblower whose information and assistance led to successful enforcement actions by the SEC. This award surpasses the previous record of $114 million given in October 2020. The SEC’s whistleblower program has been highly successful […]
Embracing the Revised Auditing Standard ISA [DE] 315 (Revised 2019) for IT Auditing
As of December 15th, 2022, the IDW has introduced ISA [DE] 315 (Revised 2019), an auditing standard that has been fundamentally revised by the IAASB to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement. Due to the changing audit scope resulting from ongoing digitization, the increasing use of new automated tools and techniques, and other […]
Managing Financial Risks in the Current Economic Landscape: Insights for Internal Auditors from The Wall Street Journal
The global economy has consistently been subject to a variety of financial risks and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges that require careful consideration. In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal highlighted twelve areas of financial risk in the current economic landscape. The charts presented in the article show the increasing levels of […]
Balancing Act: Unveiling Cybersecurity Risks and Investor Disclosure after Data Breaches
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires all firms to include a risk factor section in their periodic filings, but doubts remain about the informativeness of these disclosures. Cybersecurity risk disclosures are particularly important due to the increasing number of data breaches, and firms have a responsibility to inform investors about changes in their […]
The Crucial Role of Audit Committee Effectiveness in Ensuring Reliable Financial Reporting: Insights from Recent Regulations in Germany and a Related Study
Recent changes in regulations in Germany about the Financial Market Integrity Strengthening Act (FISG) highlight the importance of audit committee effectiveness in ensuring the reliability and transparency of financial reporting. The FISG was enacted in response to high-profile accounting scandals and corporate failures, including the collapse of Wirecard, which shook the confidence of investors in […]
How Hackers using AI complicates Cybersecurity
Despite the increasing use of AI as an enabler and disruptive technology for positive change, the voices of caution start to rise. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the potential cybersecurity risks arising from the increasing use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT are being discussed. The new technology offers hackers new ways to create sophisticated phishing […]
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards explained: Internal Auditors as Change Agents in the Assurance Chain
Sustainability reporting is becoming an increasingly important topic in the business world, and for good reason. It is a way for companies to communicate to stakeholders how they are addressing sustainability issues, such as climate change, social responsibility, and environmental impact. By providing transparency and accountability, sustainability reporting helps build trust with stakeholders and demonstrates […]
Exploring the Impact of Digital Audits on Auditors‘ Expectation Gap: Fraud Prevention, Internal Controls, and New Challenges
The audit expectation gap describes the difference between what auditors do and what the public thinks they do. It has been a problem for the audit profession for decades, particularly with regard to auditors’ responsibilities for preventing and detecting fraud and maintaining internal controls. However, there has been a recent paradigm shift towards digital audits […]
Auditing Algorithms: Ensuring Fairness and Equity in an Algorithmic World
Algorithms are becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives, from the ads we see on social media to the decisions made by banks and other institutions. However, as algorithms become more widespread, it is crucial to ensure they are not biased or discriminatory through appropriate auditing approaches. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the importance […]
COSO has published additional guidance on how to attain efficient „Internal Control Over Sustainability Reporting“ (ICSR)
COSO has released additional guidance „Achieving Effective Internal Control of Sustainability Reporting“ using the globally recognized COSO Internal Control-Integrated Framework as its basis. The guidance includes references to the role of internal audit function in sustainability reporting and key themes to consider while establishing and maintaining an effective system of internal control over sustainable business […]
Benchmark for Internal Audit Leaders: New Pulse of Internal Audit Report
The Pulse of Internal Audit report is a primary data source for leaders in internal audit. It offers valuable information on various topics such as internal audit budgets, staff, audit plans, risks, and more important topics. The 2023 edition includes timely data on audit frequency for critical risk areas. The report serves as a benchmarking […]
Unleashing the power of artificial intelligence: A new era for business and research?
The use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) language model from OpenAI, is currently causing „office drama“ with large debates over its appropriate use, productivity hacks, and the evaluation of human performance. While some workers embrace it to create professional-sounding emails and automate tasks, others push back on machine-created work. JPMorgan Chase and Verizon Communications […]
SEC Proposes New Rules on Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Diclosures
The expenses for both companies and their investors due to cybersecurity incidents are increasing, and the rate of increase is also going up. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is suggesting changes to its rules to make public companies provide better information about their cybersecurity risk management and incident reporting. In the current form, the […]
Draft of the Proposed Global Internal Audit Standards Now Open for Public Comment
The International Internal Audit Standards Board just announced the next stage in the IPPF evolution (IIA, 2023): Public comment on the proposed Standards is now open! The IIA started its IPPF Evolution project in 2020, with the goal of modernizing and transforming the IIA Standards to ensure their continued relevance and applicability. Research and benchmarking […]
A draft of the new standards is about to be published: An overview of the most important changes
It has now been almost three years since the IIASB acknowledged the need for re-organizing and -presenting the Standards, and thus began to update the internal audit profession’s governing documents. After a throughout revision phase that took into account the input of a broad range of stakeholders, a draft of the new standards is now […]
Internal Audit and the Audit Committee: Understanding demands and expectations
The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) position paper Relationship of Trust – Building Better Connections Between the Audit Committee and Internal Audit stresses the importance of a trusting and dynamic partnership between internal audit and the audit committee. The IIA calls the relationship between both parties “critical” to good governance and suggests that the “CAE […]
How Internal Auditors Can Approach Artificial Intelligence Advisory and Assurance Services
With the onset of and hype around ChatGPT, companies increasingly start experimenting with tools that involve artificial intelligence (AI). However, guidance and frameworks on how internal auditing can deal with AI remain scarce. Back in 2017, the IIA outlined in their white paper Artificial Intelligence – Considerations for the Profession of Internal Auditing that internal […]
Assessment of sustainability risk management in financial services institutions
Disclosing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information is crucial in today’s business environment because it allows investors, stakeholders, and consumers to make informed decisions about a company’s impact on the environment, society, and governance practices. Furthermore, ESG information has been linked to better long-term financial performance and it is increasingly used by investors as a […]
Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations
Fraud is likely among the most costly and common forms of financial crime in the world. There are two reasons why fraud is so prevalent: First, any organization with employees must entrust those employees with access to or control over its assets (e.g., keeping its books, managing bank accounts, or safeguarding inventory). It is this […]
Building an Effective Internal Audit Activity in the Public Sector
The Public Sector differs significantly from profit organizations in terms of its objectives and purpose. Thus, the work and structure of internal audit functions (IAFs) differ fundamentally between these types of organizations as well. To address the special needs of IAFs within the public sector a practice guide by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) […]
Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World, Part 3: Redefining the Resilient Organization
In the last report “Redefining the Resilient Organization” of a three-part series on “Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World” by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the authors give internal auditors guidance on how to prepare organizations for potentially arising business transformations and disruptions. Part of this guidance is putting the internal auditor’s focus, especially […]
Global Perspectives & Insights: Cybersecurity in 2022, Parts 1-3
The collection on „Global Perspectives & Insights: Cybersecurity in 2022, Parts 1-3”, published by the Institute of Internal Auditors, discusses different issues within the contemporary evolving cybersecurity landscape. While part 1 focuses on the implications of regulatory changes on cyber reporting by the SEC, part 2 deals with the benefits of symbiotic relationships between Heads […]
Embedding ESG and sustainability considerations into the Three Lines Model
The report „Embedding ESG and sustainability considerations into the Three Lines Model“, co-written by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), provides suggestions and guidance, on how environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related matter can be integrated into the key roles of the revised Three Lines Model – […]
Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World, Part 2: Supply Chain
In its second report on “Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World”, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) deals with global supply chains, which were severely hit by pandemic challenges and uncertainties, being only 2% of global supply chains prepared for such an event according to surveys of the US branch of the consulting firm Ernst […]
Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World, Part 1: Talent Management
In its first report on “Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World”, the Institute of Internal Auditors investigates talent management within a post-pandemic setting. In the light of the pandemic-driven demand for flexibility and human-centricity of employees, the findings suggest difficulties of employers to offer the required individual employee’s flexibility while retaining internal audit functions with […]
EFRAG: consultation on the Draft European Sustainability reporting Standards (ESRS) Exposure Drafts
In its reaction to the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) consultation on the Draft of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the European Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditing (ECIIA) is strongly advocating that the EFRAG provides necessary clarity on the role of Internal Audit has in light of ESG matters. To be precise, since […]
Internal Audit: A Global View
In their joint global survey „Internal Audit: A Global View“ by the Internal Audit Foundation and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), in which more than 3,600 internal audit professionals from a range of different entities, industries and regions in 159 locations were asked, trends within the development of internal audit functions (IAFs) were examined. […]
Public audit oversight: Streamlining European countries’ oversight regimes
In its report, Accountancy Europe, a professional membership organization uniting 50 professional organizations representing qualified accountants, auditors and advisors across Europe, provides clarity on the structure of public audit oversight following changes within European Union (EU) audit legislation in 2014. In light of one key objective within the changes in EU regulation: harmonization of public […]
Internal Control and the Transformation of Entities
In their joint survey „Internal Control and the Transformation of Entities“ by the Institute of Management Accountants, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Internal Audit Foundation, in which more than 1,950 professionals from the areas of finance, accounting and internal audit from a range of different entities worldwide were asked, it was examined […]
EBA publishes Guidelines on role and responsibilities of the AML/CFT compliance officer
In its guidelines, the European Banking Authority (EBA) provides further clarity regarding Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (AML/CFT efforts). Specifying the mandatory introduction of an AML/CFT […]
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 101: Internal Audit’s Invaluable Role in Creating a Sense of Belonging at Work
In their joint report „Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 101: Internal Audit’s Invaluable Role in Creating a Sense of Belonging at Work,“ the Institute of Internal Auditors, Deloitte and the Internal Audit Foundation discuss how internal audit functions (IAFs), based on their role as an assurance providers, trusted advisors and agents of change, could have […]
ecoDa: European Commission Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence proposal risks being counterproductive
The European Confederation of Directors Associations (ecoDa), which represents the interests of approximately 55,000 board members within the EU, has published a position paper on the European Commission’s proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. The aim of this new Directive would be to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behavior along the entire […]
Esfera Consejeros – Cyber security, a systemic risk to watch over
Increasingly common risks in the cybersecurity perimeter are considered particularly dangerous for businesses. Therefore, this report by the Institute of Internal Auditors of Spain is aimed at audit committee members to raise awareness for such risks, and to point out ways to monitor these. For this purpose, key questions are introduced to help explain the […]
EFRAG: consultation on the Draft European Sustainability reporting Standards (ESRS) Exposure Drafts
The European Commission’s proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) provides for the adoption of EU Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). EFRAG was invited in a letter from Commissioner McGuinness to provide technical advice and assistance to the European Commission in the form of fully developed draft standards and/or draft amendments to the sustainability reporting […]
European Commission: Sustainability-related disclosures in the financial service sector
The European Commission has adopted technical rules to be used by financial market participants when disclosing sustainability-related information under the Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation. Under these standards, financial market participants will provide information about how they reduce possible negative impacts that their investments may have on the environment and society in general. The rules are […]
INTERNAL AUDIT IN BANKS: CHALLENGES FROM THE RUSSIAN/UKRAINIAN CRISIS
The current crisis is posing difficult challenges to the Banking System, which is requested to rapidly adapt and cope and market developments with fast-moving regulations. A Banking risk profile can potentially be impacted by a wide range of drivers: business, credit, country, regulatory, liquidity and financial risk, operational/continuity (among which IT and cybersecurity, physical safety), […]
What implications the new SEC proposals have for cybersecurity reporting, and how this affects internal audit
The IIA’s Global Knowledge Brief series on cybersecurity presents an overview of the new SEC proposals, including the implications they have for cybersecurity reporting regulation in the U.S. as well as abroad. It also explores how internal auditors can play an essentiel role in helping their organizations manage an altered compliance plan that new regulations […]
Engaging Third Parties for Internal Audit Activities: Strategies for Successful Relationships
One of the biggest challenges CAEs face is having enough personell obtaining the right abilities to complete their audit plans. To meet this challenge, many CAEs engage third parties for some of their internal audit activities. This report will help internal audit practitioners, managers and audit committees to more effectively manage these chalenges.
Human capital, diversity and talent management
The world may have gone digital, but it comes to a standstill when people are missing. We saw that last year, for example, when it caused international delivery delays and rising prices occurred. With the easing of Covid restrictions, companies around the world are realising that people are necessary for the growth and development of […]
European Commission: Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence
The European Commission has introduced a proposal for a directive on corporate due diligence in the field of sustainability. First, it has completed an impact assessment. The proposed directive will require companies to integrate due diligence into their policies and decision-making identify, prevent, mitigate and minimise actual or potential adverse impacts on human rights and […]
Looking for Compliance Risks in Oceans of Data
Since email revolutionised the way we work, especially the way professionals communicate, the proliferation of faster digital communication tools to support businesses has grown rapidly. It is well known that businesses are faced with a large amount of data volume and complexity that they generate through digital collaboration platforms. Read more about the Compliance Risks […]
Global Perspectives and Insights: Interne Revision und Compliance – Klarheit und Zusammenarbeit für eine bessere Governance
Der Bericht „Interne Revision und Compliance: Klarheit und Zusammenarbeit für eine bessere Governance“ in der Reihe Global Perspectives & Insights des IIA erläutert, wieso ein einheitliches Rollenverständnis für eine wirksame Compliance und eine unabhängige Prüfung bedeutend sind. Die Publikation enthält Analysen zur Anwendung der sechs Grundsätze des Drei-Linien-Modells und Beispiele aus der Praxis. Hier können […]
The Internal Audit Ambition Model
The IIA Netherlands presented the Internal Audit Ambition Model in October 2018. The approach has convinced the representatives of internal audit. With the help of the model, they can define the audit functions, check whether they comply with the standards of the IPPF. In addition, the model supports communication with the audit committee by providing […]
Prioritizing Environmental, Social and Governance Issues
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are a hotly debated topic globally and across all industries and organizations. The pressure on organizations to address ESG issues continues to grow, making it paramount. Internal audit functions are invaluable to companies and should be more involved in their organization’s ESG efforts. The new report „Prioritizing ESG: Exploring […]
25. PwC Global CEO Survey
The 25th PwC Global CEO Survey surveyed 4446 CEOs from 89 countries.It shows that CEOs remain confident. Around 77 percent of CEOs believe that global economic growth will improve in the coming twelve months (previous year: 76 percent). Nevertheless, there are many threats, uncertainties and tensions. CEOs are most concerned about cyber risks, followed by health risks […]
Where Bribery still reigns
The 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released this week by Transparency International, shows that corruption around the world is treading water. 86 percent of countries have made little or no progress over the past decade. The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories on perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (very […]
Future of Digital Trust
Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity characterize the digital transformation. In this context, digital trust is highly important. As a result, players must address the factors that influence and shape the future of digital trust. Deloitte presents a future foresight approach to this as part of the study „Future of Digital Trust: Driving forces, trends and […]