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How to Write Effective Audit Observations: The Principles for Bullet Proofing Your Audit Findings 1.5 Credits

How to Write Effective Audit Observations: The Principles for Bullet Proofing Your Audit Findings 1.5 Credits

  • Jonnie Keith

    CIA, CFE, CGAP
  • Published on

    November, 2024
  • Subject Area

    Auditing

Select your learning mode

  • Access the course at your convenience
  • Take the assessment test
  • Get your certificate
  • Answer the polling questions
  • Get your certificate

Dec 18, 2024 | 03:30 PM ET

Learning Objective

  • To discuss the five components of an effective audit observation.
  • To discuss examples of each component.
  • To describe the relevant IIA Standards.
  • To identify the needed information for adequate follow-up.
  • To determine the importance of observation headlines.

Course Overview

Preparing for and conducting an audit are the initial components of the audit process; writing a good audit report is the final step. Communicating the results of an audit is just as important as performing it. However, auditors are often frustrated when their audit reports are not taken seriously or used effectively because they do not provide meaningful information.

Even the best-planned audit will do little good if results are not effectively communicated to the audit client to make the needed fixes. This CPE Auditing course will discuss how to write audit observations so that whether it’s used internally or externally, the audit report conveys the proper information.

The key to writing an effective audit observation is having a comprehensive structured process. The Institute of Internal Auditors recommends a process known as the 5Cs:

  • Criteria
  • Condition
  • Cause
  • Consequences (Effect)
  • Corrective Action (Recommendation)

As you develop conclusions, findings, and recommendations, you must present them to your client in a logical, complete, and objective way. This process provides an easy way to consistently develop and present your observations in a timely manner. The components of this process include all the information you will need to inform and persuade. It allows you to present your findings to your reader in a logical, complete, and objective manner and, thus, enhances the chances of the client’s buy-in and their agreement to your recommendations.

Explore your career with MY-CPE online CPE Courses for CIA Professionals. Earn valuable CIA CPE credits while expanding your skills and knowledge from anywhere, anytime. Our courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to your field, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest developments. With flexible scheduling and expert-led content, MY-CPE provides a convenient and effective learning experience tailored to your needs. Join us today and take advantage of our comprehensive resources to propel your career forward. Let MY-CPE be your trusted partner in achieving your professional goals.

  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US)
  • 1.5 General Credit of Auditing for Accountant/Bookkeeper/Tax Professionals
  • 1.5 CPD Credit of Auditing for CPA in Canada
  • 1.5 CPE Credit for Certified Internal Auditors (CIA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Management Accountants (CMA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit of Auditing for Certified Financial Forensics (CFF)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountant - ICAEW
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Controls Specialist (CCS)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Maine Licensed Public Accountant (ME-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountants - Ireland (CAI)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for CPA - Ireland
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountants - Scotland

  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US)
  • 1.5 General Credit of Auditing for Accountant/Bookkeeper/Tax Professionals
  • 1.5 CPD Credit of Auditing for CPA in Canada
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Internal Auditing for Certified Internal Auditors (CIA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Management Accountants (CMA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit of Auditing for Certified Financial Forensics (CFF)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountant - ICAEW
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Certified Controls Specialist (CCS)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Maine Licensed Public Accountant (ME-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPE Credit of Auditing for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountants - Ireland (CAI)
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for Chartered Accountants - Scotland
  • 1.5 CPD Credit for CPA - Ireland

Additional Information

Credits

1.5

Course Level

Basic

Instructional Method

QAS Self Study
Group Internet Based

Pre-requisites

None

Advance Preparation

None

NASBA APPROVED

MY-CPE LLC, 1600 Highway 6 south, suite 250, sugar land, TX, 77478

MY-CPE LLC (Sponsor Id#: 143597) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

About Instructor

Mr. Keith has over 50 years of audit experience and served as the Chief Audit Executive for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for 12 years before his retirement in 2012.  His other audit experience includes serving as Operational Audit Manager for five years and was a Senior Auditor in the Contract Compliance Audit Branch at MARTA.  He was also a Senior Auditor at Norfolk Southern Railway, and a Bank Examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. 


As the Chief Audit Executive for MARTA, he was responsible for administering the overall audit activities for the Department of Internal Audit including:

  • Providing the Board of Directors, the GM/CEO, MARTA Senior Management and appropriate government entities with independent analysis, appraisals, and recommendations concerning operational, information technology, contract compliance, and financial audits.
  • Directing the day-to-day activities for three audit managers, 12 auditors and the audit coordinator.
  • Developing an annual risk-based audit plan to maximize audit resources in addressing MARTA risks.
  • Assisting the Audit Committee Chair with the quarterly Audit committee meetings.
  • Developing and operating within the approved audit budget; and
  • Assisting the Board, the GM/CEO, and Management in other areas as necessary and requested.


He was a volunteer seminar instructor for the Institute of Internal Auditors. Some of the courses taught included: 

  • Writing Effective Audit Reports
  • Tools and Techniques for the Beginning Auditor
  • Communication Skills for Auditors
  • Leadership Skills for the Auditor-In-Charge
  • Audit Project Management
  • CIA Review Course

He has written three IIA Magazine articles including:

  • Killing the Spider, April 2005
  • Producing Quality Audit Reports, August 2018
  • Write Effective Audit Objectives, June 2020


He has provided training for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Annual Conference:

  • 2018 Bulletproofing Your Fraud Reports
  • 2019 Writing Effective Fraud Findings


He currently teaches audit webinars, including:

  • How to Write Effective Audit Observations
  • How to Put the Quality in Audit Reports
  • What It Takes to Be the Auditor-In-Charge
  • Report Writing Techniques for Audit Professionals
  • How to Assess Risks and Evaluate Controls


He has a degree in Economics from Clark Atlanta University.  His certifications include Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP).

Mr. Keith has been married over 50 years.  He also co-authored a book with his wife on marriage entitled “Tied Together – The Marriage Trinity”.  He has two daughters and five grandchildren. 

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