The Operational Auditing Process

An audit plan is a strategy that an auditor creates to assess how an organization operates, whether it’s as efficient as it could be, and if there are any apparent risks or gaps. Operational audits involve defining clear objectives and scope for the process, identifying risks, staying in alignment with organizational goals, and periodically reviewing the plan. It’s crucial to gather evidence through interviews, document reviews, data analysis, and sampling methods. Auditors complete this process to create impactful reports with clear findings and actionable recommendations. They strive to use plain language and ensure follow-up for implementing their recommendations. Understanding the audit process can help you communicate effectively with stakeholders. Conducting an audit can feel daunting, but once you understand what makes one successful, you’re ready to evaluate your company and make improvements.

In this course on The Operational Auditing Process, you will learn about the process of developing a comprehensive audit plan, including objectives and scope. We’ll explore how to assess and prioritize risks, as well as how to collect relevant data and evidence for the data analysis portion of the audit. You’ll also learn about creating clear and impactful audit reports.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the process of developing a comprehensive audit plan
• Identify potential risks and assess their significance
• Discover methods for collecting relevant data and evidence
• Explore how to create impactful audit reports and manage follow-up activities