Internal audit checklist template

Implement a robust follow-up system with clear ownership, realistic timelines, and accountability mechanisms. Make sure to document all findings in an action register, assign specific responsibility for each remediation task, establish milestone dates, and schedule verification reviews. Giving regular status updates to senior management significantly increase the likelihood of meaningful process improvements following audits.

Your auditors should have strong analytical skills, process understanding, and industry knowledge. While certifications like CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) are valuable, equally important are communication skills, objectivity, and familiarity with your business operations. Consider creating audit teams that combine technical expertise with operational experience.

Position audits as collaborative improvement opportunities rather than fault-finding missions. Communicate objectives clearly before audits begin, involve department representatives in planning, acknowledge good practices alongside findings, and emphasize how audit results benefit the department. You can also set up training for managers on the value of constructive feedback to reduce resistance to audits.

Track metrics like implementation rate of audit recommendations, reduction in repeat findings, time to remediate issues, audit coverage of high-risk areas, and stakeholder satisfaction with audit processes. Many organizations also measure cost savings or risk reduction resulting from audit recommendations to show the program’s value to leadership.