Course title

Preparing for an External Quality Assessment (EQA) – much more than just “ticking the box”

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There is a requirement for IA functions to have an external quality review every 5 years and IIA studies show that IA functions can often be “caught out” by the findings, not always in obvious areas. This can adversely affect the reputation of the IA function with key stakeholders. Learn how to turn this process into a positive experience, understanding areas to prioritise and warning signs to think about. This webinar will also help you make the most of your quality control activities (QIAP) and how best to select an EQA assessor.  It will also explore how to use the EQA process to progress certain issues that may have been “stuck” in the past.

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Who should attend?

Experienced auditors, senior audit managers / heads of auditors or those in an IA quality role, who play a role in driving IA quality/efficiency. 

 

What will I learn?

Upon completion you will be able to: 

• Understand how an EQA process works – including “war stories” of what really goes on behind the scenes between the EQA assessor, executive management and the Audit Committee.

• Learn how best to select your EQA provider and key pitfalls to manage – recognising that an EQA can sometimes lead to a change in CAE or an outsourcing of the IA function

• Look at the key areas that an EQA often finds, to see if that could apply to your team; and what, exactly conformance, partial conformance and non-conformance mean.

• Understand how to ensure any lean/agile audit techniques still comply with IIA standards.

• Examine good practices around an ongoing quality assurance and improvement programme (QIAP) – so that IIA compliance becomes a valuable part of the IA audit process.

• Consider the status of your own IA team and develop priority areas for further work  

 

Duration
1 day

 

James C Paterson is a former Head of Internal Audit. He is on the IIA UK panel for EQA, helping to set up their EQA assessment frameworks.  He has extensive experience of doing EQAs, and also helps organisations prepare for an EQA. He delivers this course across Europe, including other courses on how to qualify to be an EQA assessor. He is the author of the book “Lean auditing”