The Professional Internal Auditor Flashcards
Which professional designation created a guidance framework for internal auditors on their characteristics/qualities/attributes and the establishment of an internal audit activity?
- The Certified Internal Auditors (CIA) designation
- The code of ethics for internal auditors
- The attribute standards
The IACF distinguishes between what?
Competencies at various levels:
- namely chief audit executive
- senior internal auditor
- new internal audit staff
Which ten core competency areas for internal auditors identified in the IACF?
- Professional ethics
- Internal audit management
- IPPF
- Governance, risk and control
- Business acumen
- Communication
- Persuasion and collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Internal audit delivery
- Improvement and innovation
Which regulatory body developed the code of ethics to guide the behaviour of internal audit professional?
The Institute of Internal Auditors
What is the purpose of the code of ethics>
To promote an ethical culture in the profession of internal auditing.
- To guide ethical behaviour of auditors
- To prevent unethical behaviour
Finish the statement
Code of Ethics applies to all…
Individuals who render internal audit services as well as organisations that provide internal audit services
Which essential components does the code of ethics includes?
- Principles that are relevant to the profession and practice of internal auditing
- Rules of conduct that describes behaviour norms expected of internal auditors. These rules are an aid to interpreting the principles into practical applications and are intended to guide the ethical conduct of internal auditors
What is the consequences of non-adherence to the IIA’s code of ethics?
Suspension of IIA membership and retraction of IIA certification(s)
Which principles internal auditors are required to apply and uphold \?
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Confidentiality
- Competency
Define integrity
Establishes trust and thus provides the basis for reliance on their judgement
Define objectivity
Internal auditors exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering evaluating, and communicating information about the activity or process being examined.
Internal auditors make a balances assessment of all relevant circumstances are not unduly influences by their own interests or by others in forming judgements
Discuss confidentiality
Internal auditors respect the value and ownership of information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.
Discuss competency
Internal auditors apply the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in the performance of internal audit services
True or false
Confidentiality is the foundation of all other three principles
False
Integrity is the foundation of all other three principles
In relation to the rules of conduct.
Discuss internal auditors integrity
- shall perform their work with honesty, diligence and responsibility
- shall observe the law and make disclosures expected by the law and the profession
- shall not knowingly be a party to any illegal activity, or engage in acts that are discreditable to the profession of internal auditing or to the orgnisation
- shall respect and contribute to the legitimate and ethical objectives of the organisation
In relation to the rules of conduct.
Discuss objectivity of internal auditors
- shall not participate in any activity or relationships that may impair or be presumed to impair their unbiased assessment. Includes activities/relationships that may be in conflict with the interest of the organisation
- shall not accept anything that may impair/presumed to impair their professional judgement
- shall disclose all materials facts known to them, if not disclosed, may distort the reporting of activities under review
In relation to the rules of conduct.
Discuss the confidentiality of internal auditors
- shall be prudent in the use and protection of information acquired in the course of their duties
- shall not use information for any personal gain or any manner that would be contrary to the law or detrimental to the legitimate and ethical objectives of the organisation
In context of rules of conduct.
Disclose competency of internal auditors
- shall engage only in those services for which they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience
- shall perform internal audit services in accordance with the international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing
- shall continually improve their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their services
Attribute standards focus on what?
The characteristics of the internal auditing activity as well as on the individuals who perform the internal audit engagement.
Discuss 1000 - Purpose, Authority and responsibility
The purpose, authority and responsibility of the internal audit activity must be formally defined in an internal audit charter, consistent with the mission of internal audit and the mandatory elements of the IPPF.
The CAE must periodically review the internal audit charter and present it to senior management and the board for approval
How should 1000 be interpretated?
The internal audit charter is a formal document that defines the internal audit activity’s purpose, authority and responsibilty.
What does the internal audit charter establishes?
The internal audit activity’s position within the organisation.
- The nature of the CAE’s functional reporting relationship with the board.
- Authorises access to records, personnel and physical properties relevant to the performance of engagements.
- Defines the scope of IAA.
True or False
Final approval of the internal audit charter resides with the audit committee
False
Final approval of the internal audit charter resides with the board
Disclose 1000.A1
The nature of assurance services provided to the organisation must be defined in the internal audit charter.
If assurances are to be provided to parties outside the organisation, the nature of these assurances must be defined in the internal audit charter.
Annotate 1000. C1
The nature of consulting services must be defined in the internal audit charter
Who is responsible for drafting an internal audit charter?
The CAE
State 1010 - Recognizing mandatory guidance in the internal audit charter
The CAE can make specific statement in the internal audit charter recognising the adherence to mandatory elements
State 1100 - Independence and objectivity
The IAA must be independent, and IA must be objective in performing their work