Blogs Hassan Khayal, CIA, CRMA Apr 21, 2021
At this step in the audit's information-gathering phase, internal auditors are primarily collecting background information on the client's operations. During this time, auditors also will obtain the data they will rely on for performing tests and corroborating observations based on the evidence they derive from it.
Auditors may use several tools and techniques to gather data and information during the preliminary survey such as questionnaires, checklists, focus groups, and walkthroughs. Personal interviews are by far my favorite method.
There are two different types of interviews: structured and unstructured. A structured interview is similar to a questionnaire because auditors use the same set of predetermined questions, each of which has a corresponding set of predetermined answers for the interviewee to select from.
On the other hand, an unstructured interview flows more freely, with more of an emphasis on open-ended questions. This enables the interviewee to provide a narrative, which, depending on the auditors' perspective, can draw the engagement in a completely different light. In addition, unstructured interviews allow auditors to ask the interviewee to elaborate on his or her responses and to explore areas that may be of interest.
One of the most significant advantages of an unstructured interview is that it allows auditors to identify and explore the differences that occur between what is documented and what is being done in real life. For example, while the organization's policies and procedures state that a certain transaction must occur in a specific way, the employees may have determined a more effective approach to processing the transaction.
A precise and effective preliminary survey can set a positive and productive tone for the audit as a whole by accomplishing several objectives:
All of these objectives emphasize the importance of the auditor's interpersonal skills, such as relationship building with audit clients and process owners, fostering the collaborative and consultative relationship, and emphasizing the partnership connection with stakeholders. All of these can be achieved through effective communication skills, which are consistently ranked among the most desired skills for internal auditors. Auditors also need a continuous learning attitude that is ideally a trademark of the audit department.
Internal auditors can develop and improve these skills by working on building emotional intelligence. Successful internal auditors are able to relate to and create rapport with the process owner by using their communication skills to obtain the necessary information. When asking open-ended questions during unstructured interviews, auditors should take on the extra burden of ensuring respondents are replying to the questions completely and accurately, as well as documenting and analyzing the unstructured data they obtain.
Conducting the preliminary survey effectively and comprehensively, and establishing a positive collaborative and consultative relationship with the audit client can ensure that the audit proceeds smoothly and generates the most value.