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Internal Audit

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Introduction
This report aims to investigate the role Internal Auditors (IA) plays in certain aspects of corporate governance. The report also aims to investigate what is considered as good corporate governance.
“Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. It deals largely with the relationship between the constituent parts of a company - the directors, the board (and its sub-committees) and the shareholders” (Berr, 2008)
Corporate governance is necessary because of the problems caused by the divorce of ownership and control in modern organisations. In order to protect the stakeholders of an organisation, regulators addressed the problem by introducing corporate governance frameworks that …show more content…

The results shows that 86% percent of the firms using the advanced ERM stated better decisions were made due to their ERM system which is 28% then all the other companies, this is the highest ranked category for both groups of firms. There is a 47% and 45% difference with manager’s responsibility between the two groups of firms. The firms’ using advanced ERM also finds it easier with the regulatory compliances and also has a better pricing tool. The firms using advanced ERM are doing better in all the categories and also by a significant margin.

Table 1

Comparison of ERM Experience Advanced ERM Companies All Other Companies Rank Percent Rank Percent
Better informed decisions 1 86 1 58
Greater management consensus 2 83 5 36
Increased management accountability 3 79 7 34
Smoother government practises 3 79 3 39
Ability to meet strategic goals 5 76 5 36
Better communication to board 6 69 2 52
Reduced earnings volatility 7 62 4 37
Increased profitability 8 59 8 33
Use risk as competitive tool 9 56 9 22
Accurate risk adjusted pricing 10 41 10 21
(Gates, 2006)

Table 2
Services Provided by Internal Auditors (multiple answers allowed)
Departments Percentage
Internal/ Operational Audits 97
IT Audits 71
Financial Audits 71
Advice on Risk Management 66
Consulting Activities 64
Support in Control Risk Self Assessment 53
Management Support 52
Health, Safety and Environment Audits 20
Quality Audits 11

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