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Ia Mag Jun 12, 2023

Internal Audit by Design

Design thinking produces solutions for audit clients. Internal Audit by Design By thinking like a product designer, auditors can help find innovative solutions to their clients’ problems. By

Ia Mag Jun 16, 2021

On the Frontlines: Why Sensationalism Is Bad for Internal Auditing

Sensational findings may get audit clients' attention, but will they lead clients to ignore auditors' most critical warnings? On the Frontlines: Why Sensationalism Is Bad for Internal Auditing

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Ia Mag Apr 08, 2022

Viewpoints: Plan of Inaction

When audit clients are slow to respond to corrective action. Viewpoints: Plan of Inaction A lack of clarity and resource constraints impact how audit clients respond to recommendations for

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Ia Mag

Risks Speak Louder Than Issues

Internal audit communication should focus on the key threats our clients face. Risks Speak Louder Than Issues Internal audit communication should focus on the key threats our clients face.

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Ia Mag

Producing Quality Audit Reports

Audit reports require thought and effort to not only inform audit clients, but to influence them, as well. Producing Quality Audit Reports Audit reports require thought and effort to not only

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Ia Mag Aug 08, 2022

Basics: The Case for the Deep Dive

Auditors should be thorough in process control testing. The Case for the Deep Dive Auditors should stress depth and thoroughness in testing process controls. Auditors should stress depth and

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Ia Mag Dec 12, 2022

The Perils of Performance Auditing

Expert advice on improving performance audit outcomes. The Perils of Performance Auditing The Perils of Performance Auditing Strengthening skills in core areas can help government auditors

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Ia Mag

The Big Idea: Auditors tackle the need for speed with short burst audits

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Quick audits deliver rapid results for clients. Auditors Tackle the Need for Speed With Short Burst Audits Brief, highly focused internal audits can produce rapid results for audit clients.

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Ia Mag Apr 10, 2023

Auditing With Agility

Deliver value by adding flexibility to Agile. Auditing With Agility Taking a flexible approach to Agile methods can deliver more value for stakeholders. Taking a flexible approach to Agile

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Ia Mag

The Five Attributes Approach

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The five attributes approach is a critical discipline. The Five Attributes Approach Working through the condition, criteria, effect, cause, and recommendation can produce more meaningful audit

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Ia Mag Jun 15, 2023

The Federal Transparency Tool

Oversight.gov opens a window into government reports. The Federal Transparency Tool Oversight.gov opens a window into U.S. public sector reports, while bringing value for internal audit.

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Ia Mag Apr 08, 2024

In Internal Audit We Trust

A strong function begins with the mission. In Internal Audit We Trust CAEs must develop strong audit functions to enhance organizational involvement in decision-making processes. To gain a seat

Ia Mag Sep 22, 2025

Building a Better Auditor: The Documentation Goldilocks Zone

The right documentation is relevant, reliable, sufficient. Building a Better Auditor: The Documentation Goldilocks Zone Having the right balance of documentation boils down to three words:

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Ia Mag Apr 06, 2026

Basics: Persuasive Results

Persuasive audit findings drive action when criteria, condition, cause, effect, and recommendations are clearly defined and aligned. Persuasive Results This article explains how internal auditors

Ia Mag Apr 06, 2026

Culture Problems Behind Recurrent Findings

In the public sector, recurrent audit findings often stem from cultural and behavioral factors that push teams to bypass controls under pressure. Culture Problems Behind Recurrent Findings

Ia Mag Mar 09, 2023

Mind of Jacka: Prompt Versus Remind

Using reports to prompt clients is backward. Mind of Jacka: Prompt Versus Remind Advice that the report is meant to prompt action is misleading, Jacka writes. The report serves to memorialize,

Ia Mag Apr 06, 2023

Mind of Jacka: The Words We Write

The act of writing helps focus ideas. Mind of Jacka: The Words We Write In writing reports, we gain deeper insights and realizations as we put down the words. We really can’t know what we’re

Ia Mag Dec 14, 2022

Mind of Jacka: The Spaces Between

It's Important to know when to listen. Mind of Jacka: The Spaces Between Understanding when to stop talking or stop writing is a skill that takes practice. What we don't do is as important

Ia Mag Nov 02, 2022

Mind of Jacka: A Review of LinkedIn Comments on Report Reviews

Jacka reviews some gems about report reviews. Mind of Jacka: A Review of LinkedIn Comments on Report Reviews Jacka discusses the size of reports, using reviews as training, and other

Ia Mag Jul 21, 2022

Mind of Jacka: Empty Seats, Training, and Root Cause

Uncovering root cause is an important step. Mind of Jacka: Empty Seats, Training, and Root Cause A lack of resources and training are two of the most common root causes found in audits. Mike

Ia Mag Jun 24, 2022

Mind of Jacka: Can You Get Rid of the Blue Duck?

People love to change things, even if inconsequential. Mind of Jacka: Can You Get Rid of the Blue Duck? Is it ethical for internal auditors to try to influence what changes audit clients

Ia Mag May 25, 2022

On the Frontlines: Navigating Awkward Audit Findings in the Public Sector

Speaking truth to power can be challenging. On the Frontlines: Navigating Awkward Audit Findings in the Public Sector An experienced public sector auditor advises on how to handle pushback on

Ia Mag Jun 08, 2021

Building a Better Auditor: Expanding Your Internal Audit Role Through Active Listening

By mastering six listening skills, internal auditors can better identify what matters to audit clients and be more effective practitioners. Building a Better Auditor: Expanding Your Internal

Ia Mag Oct 20, 2021

On the Frontlines: Not All Findings Are Bad

Audit reports should note the positive news. On the Frontlines: Not All Findings Are Bad In detailing audit findings to clients, internal auditors should note the good news, too. Although most

Ia Mag Sep 28, 2021

Mind of Jacka: Wrong Purpose; Wrong Results