Strategic Internal Audit Planning, Execution & Quality Assurance Course

Introduction

Strategic internal audit planning, execution, and quality assurance are essential components of a high-performing internal audit function. This course provides participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills to design audit strategies, execute audits effectively, and ensure consistent quality across all audit activities.

In a complex risk and regulatory environment, internal audit functions must align their plans with organizational strategy and emerging risks. This course equips participants with the tools to develop risk-based audit plans that prioritize high-impact areas and support organizational objectives.

Participants will gain practical expertise in audit execution, including fieldwork techniques, evidence collection, and evaluation of internal controls. The course emphasizes a systematic and disciplined approach to auditing that ensures reliability, objectivity, and value-added outcomes.

A key focus of the course is on quality assurance and improvement programs (QAIP) that enhance audit performance and compliance with professional standards. Participants will learn how to implement continuous monitoring and evaluation systems to maintain audit quality.

The training also explores the integration of data analytics, digital tools, and modern auditing techniques that improve audit efficiency and effectiveness. Participants will understand how to leverage technology for better insights and real-time monitoring.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to develop strategic audit plans, execute audits with confidence, and implement quality assurance systems that strengthen governance, risk management, and organizational performance.

Who Should Attend

• Internal auditors and audit managers
• Chief audit executives (CAEs)
• Risk management professionals
• Compliance officers
• Governance and assurance specialists
• Finance and accounting professionals
• Public sector auditors
• NGO and donor audit staff
• Quality assurance professionals
• IT auditors and analysts
• Consultants in audit and governance

Duration

10 Days

Course Objectives

• Equip participants with advanced knowledge and skills to develop strategic internal audit plans that align with organizational objectives and risk priorities.
• Strengthen participants’ ability to apply risk-based approaches in audit planning to ensure focus on high-risk areas that impact organizational performance.
• Develop competencies in executing internal audit engagements effectively, including fieldwork, evidence collection, and evaluation of controls.
• Enhance participants’ ability to assess and improve internal control systems to strengthen governance and risk management frameworks.
• Build capacity to design and implement Quality Assurance and Improvement Programs (QAIP) that ensure compliance with audit standards and continuous improvement.
• Improve participants’ ability to use data analytics and digital tools to enhance audit execution, monitoring, and reporting processes.
• Strengthen skills in preparing clear, concise, and actionable audit reports that effectively communicate findings and recommendations.
• Enhance participants’ ability to manage audit teams and resources efficiently to deliver high-quality audit engagements.
• Equip participants with knowledge of international auditing standards and best practices to ensure compliance and professional excellence.
• Develop expertise in continuous auditing and monitoring techniques to provide real-time insights into organizational risks and controls.
• Strengthen participants’ ability to evaluate audit performance using key performance indicators and quality assessment tools.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and ethical conduct within internal audit functions to support sustainable organizational success.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Strategic Internal Auditing Concepts

• Role of internal audit in strategy
• Evolution of audit practices
• Value-added auditing approaches
• Governance and audit alignment

Module 2: Risk-Based Audit Planning

• Risk assessment methodologies
• Developing audit plans
• Prioritizing audit engagements
• Aligning plans with strategy

Module 3: Audit Universe and Planning Frameworks

• Defining audit universe
• Risk mapping techniques
• Planning frameworks and tools
• Resource allocation strategies

Module 4: Audit Engagement Planning

• Defining scope and objectives
• Designing audit programs
• Planning timelines and resources
• Stakeholder engagement

Module 5: Audit Execution Techniques

• Conducting audit fieldwork
• Evidence collection methods
• Sampling techniques
• Managing audit engagements

Module 6: Internal Control Evaluation

• Control frameworks and models
• Testing control effectiveness
• Identifying control weaknesses
• Improving control systems

Module 7: Data Analytics in Auditing

• Data-driven audit techniques
• Tools for audit analytics
• Fraud detection methods
• Visualization of audit data

Module 8: Continuous Auditing and Monitoring

• Continuous auditing frameworks
• Real-time monitoring systems
• Automation in auditing
• Benefits and challenges

Module 9: Audit Reporting and Communication

• Structuring audit reports
• Writing findings and recommendations
• Communicating with stakeholders
• Presentation of audit results

Module 10: Quality Assurance in Internal Audit

• QAIP frameworks and standards
• Internal quality assessments
• External quality reviews
• Continuous improvement processes

Module 11: Performance Measurement in Auditing

• Audit KPIs and metrics
• Measuring audit effectiveness
• Benchmarking audit performance
• Reporting performance results

Module 12: Governance and Risk Integration

• Linking audit to ERM
• Risk governance frameworks
• Audit committee engagement
• Integrated reporting

Module 13: Emerging Trends in Internal Auditing

• Artificial intelligence in auditing
• ESG auditing practices
• Cybersecurity auditing
• Digital transformation

Module 14: Fraud Risk and Investigation

• Fraud risk assessment
• Detection techniques
• Investigative auditing
• Reporting fraud findings

Module 15: Leadership and Audit Management

• Managing audit teams
• Leadership skills for auditors
• Decision-making and influence
• Building high-performance teams

Module 16: Ethics and Professional Standards

• Ethical principles in auditing
• Independence and objectivity
• Professional standards compliance
• Managing ethical dilemmas

Training Approach

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion by Steady Development Center.

Training Venue

The training will be held online. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, tutorials and all required training manuals. Any other personal expenses are catered by the participant.
For registration and further enquiries, contact us on:

• Tel: +254 701 180 097
• Email: training@steadytrainingcenter.com

Tailor-Made Option

This course can be customized to suit the specific needs of your organization and be delivered on-line to any convenient location.

Terms Of Payment

Upon agreement by both parties’ payment should be made to Steady Development Center’s official account at least 3 working days before training begins to facilitate adequate preparation.

Our Upcoming Training Schedule