REMOTE AUDITING

Introduction

COVID-19 global pandemic raises major risks we are all facing during the last 2 years.

One of these risks is the requirement of most and sometimes all of the organization to conduct their operation away from the offices. Although vaccines are currently deployed and eventually the pandemic will end, getting back to normal will be different, while many employers say they will conduct their operation in a hybrid manner- partially at the offices and partially at homes.

This affects the employees in most of the occupations and also Internal Auditors.

During the last podcast organized by IIA Albania (held on 25/11), there was a mutual understanding that due to the digital transformation, the world of remote audit is evolving into permanent phenomenon and not a passing trend. This forces us to change the way we work, from planning to reporting, using technology to optimize the audit effectiveness and efficiency while at the same time support and maintain the integrity of the audit process.

Course objective

Understand the threats and opportunities associated with remote auditing and dealing with issues regarding conducting the audit and discussion on selected assignments.

Target audience

This course has been designed for auditors willing to understand more about remote audit methods or who are being expected to utilize them. The focus of this course is on how to adapt to a virtual environment, showcasing the knowledge and skills you need to become proficient in a virtual world.

It is also relevant to individuals responsible for managing audit programs and wanting to understand how remote audit methods can be applied within their organizations.

Content

Outline of the training:

• Background:
  • Remote workforce;
  • Remote Audit
• Traits that the remote/hybrid auditor should poses [examples and open discussion]
• Impact of remote auditing over the phases of the auditing process [examples and open discussion on]:
  • Annual risk assessment;
  • Engagement performance:
    • Remote audit planning – the internal audit manager must choose the suitable audit approach, taking into consideration the specific requirements and technology infrastructure, to ensure delivering an effective audit;
    • Preparing for the Remote Audit
      • Checking availability of the auditees
      • Evaluating Remote Audit Feasibility
      • Assuring Confidentiality, Security and Data Protection
      • Setting the remote audit schedule
      • Clarify the new processes
    • Conducting the Remote Audit
      • Video conferencing tools
      • Document sharing platform

• Alignment with the auditees
  • Remote Audit Reporting:
    • Focus on key risks
    • Validation of findings
    • Documentation of new processes

• Selected auditing assignments [examples and open discussion]
  • Remote access;
  • Third parties;
  • Performance auditing;
  • Operational audit, focusing on branches audit.

• Wrap up- lessons learned.

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Lior Segal is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in Audit, Risk Management, Compliance and Internal controls in public companies. He works as a Chief Audit Executive and serves as IIA Israel Director, Treasurer and Secretary.

Lior has and extensive experience in working on a complex business environment, locally and globally for Public Companies demonstrating leadership of complicated cross-organization technology-related activities.

Mr. Segal is certified as both an Advocate, a CPA, an IIA’s CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), and CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance), an ISACA’s CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), CDPSE (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer), qualified on performing a QAR (Quality Assessment Review). He holds degrees both on Law (LL.B) and accounting (BA), double majors MBA (Finance-Accounting and Entrepreneurship- Strategy) and comprehensive Internal Audit and accounting studies;

Mr. Segal regularly lectures on various topics in many forums and conferences locally and abroad. He also contributes in certification preparations courses, in Academic institutions and other initiatives.