Course in Internal Auditing: Fundamentals and Applications

Internal Auditing: Fundamentals and Applications is a cornerstone for ensuring the integrity and efficiency of financial and administrative systems within organizations. It serves as a critical tool for oversight, evaluation, and continuous improvement, helping management achieve institutional goals with transparency and accountability.
This program, offered by Geneva Institute of Business Management, aims to provide participants with a solid understanding of internal auditing principles, frameworks, and applications. It focuses on developing the auditor’s analytical skills in evaluating risks, assessing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
The course combines conceptual foundations with practical applications, guiding participants on how to plan, implement, and report internal audits in accordance with international best practices.

Target Group:

• Professionals working in internal audit and financial control departments in public or private institutions.

• Financial auditors and accountants seeking to strengthen their internal audit expertise.

• Risk management, governance, and compliance officers in various organizations.

• Executives and managers interested in understanding the role of internal auditing in performance improvement.

• Graduates of accounting and management disciplines pursuing a career in internal audit and control.

Objectives:

• Introduce participants to the core concepts and importance of internal auditing in modern organizations.

• Develop participants’ ability to design and implement effective internal audit programs and plans.

• Enable participants to assess the efficiency of internal control systems and identify weaknesses.

• Equip trainees with analytical tools to evaluate financial and administrative operations.

• Strengthen understanding of ethics, independence, and international standards in internal auditing.

Course Outline :

• Concept and Importance of Internal Auditing

  • Definition and historical development of internal auditing.

  • Objectives and key roles of internal auditing in institutions.

  • Relationship between internal auditing and executive management.

  • Modern challenges facing internal auditors in today’s business environment.

• Organizational Framework of Internal Auditing

  • Position of the internal audit department within the organizational structure.

  • Relationship between internal auditing, audit committees, and the board of directors.

  • Principles of auditor independence and objectivity.

  • Professional performance standards governing internal auditing.

• Planning and Organizing the Internal Audit Process

  • Key steps in developing an annual internal audit plan.

  • Setting audit priorities based on risk assessment.

  • Defining roles and responsibilities within the audit team.

  • Importance of scheduling and monitoring audit assignments.

• Evaluating Internal Control Systems

  • Concept and purpose of internal control systems.

  • Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of internal controls.

  • Identifying and addressing weaknesses in control processes.

  • Role of internal auditors in improving the control environment.

• Executing Internal Audit Activities

  • Methods of collecting data and evidence during audits.

  • Documentation techniques to support audit findings.

  • Process and procedure analysis for identifying deviations.

  • Maintaining compliance with professional auditing standards.

• Evaluating Financial and Administrative Performance

  • Analyzing financial results to assess resource efficiency.

  • Reviewing administrative and operational processes.

  • Using analytical tools to evaluate performance outcomes.

  • Linking audit findings to organizational performance indicators.

• Preparation of Internal Audit Reports

  • Main components and structure of audit reports.

  • Presenting audit results and observations effectively.

  • Formulating practical recommendations for improvement.

  • Importance of post-audit follow-up and corrective actions.

• Communication and Coordination in the Audit Environment

  • Effective communication with senior management and departments.

  • Techniques for presenting audit results professionally.

  • Ensuring confidentiality and objectivity in communication.

  • Promoting collaboration between auditors and operational managers.

• International Standards for Internal Auditing

  • Overview of key standards issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

  • Applying professional standards in planning and conducting audits.

  • Ethical principles guiding the behavior of internal auditors.

  • Relationship between international standards and local regulatory frameworks.

• Modern Trends in Internal Auditing

  • The impact of digital transformation on internal audit practices.

  • Utilizing advanced technologies in financial tracking and analysis.

  • The role of internal auditing in enterprise risk management.

  • The future of the auditing profession in a changing global environment.