Internal Audit Reports Post Sarbanes-Oxley: A Guide to Process-Driven Reporting
In order to be effective and useful, internal audit reports—the primary mode of communication for auditors—need to be carefully organized, crisply written, and able to connect the financial dots in order to relate specialized chunks of information to each other, to any potential risk, and to the company's overall operations and governance. Now, in the wake of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, audit reports are more important than ever. Internal Audit Reports Post Sarbanes-Oxley: A Guide to Process-Driven Reporting provides internal auditors, executives, audit committee members, accounting professors, and students with value-added, up-to-the-minute methods for establishing effective internal audit report processes.This authoritative guide for creating effective, process-based internal audit reports focuses on the best practices for proficiently communicating what is observed during the audit process and includes:An abundance of handy checklists,samples, examples, templates, exercises, and other useable chunks of "instant information"Plain-language advice on applying process thinking to report writingA helpful review of the basic grammar and punctuation most likely to be used by internal auditorsPractical tips for non-native English speakers on "American business" usage, including best practices regarding grammatical correctnessCoverage of the various professional standards—from IIA and PCAOB standards to principles of readability—that need to be considered in saying what needs to be saidDiscussion of advances in information technology (IT)—both the pluses and the minuses—including "New Rules and New Tools" in audit reportingCoverage of worldwide internal audit reporting, including setting the right tone for diverse readers, analyzing the needs of multiple audiences, and writing about varied currencies"Perspectives" sections with discussions on what is different since Sarbanes-Oxley as well as advice about what works and what doesn't from audit professionals representing a variety of industriesCompliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has made articulate financial reporting a necessity. Internal Audit Reports Post Sarbanes-Oxley: A Guide to Process-Driven Reporting helps auditors acquire the essential skills for producing meaningful internal audit reports, in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.