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Executive
Presence: Increase audit effectiveness, build leadership potential By Ann Butera CRP, President, The Whole Person Project, Inc.
While choosing the right suit can help build a person’s confidence, it
takes more than that to build credibility, authority, and trust – all
qualities vital to effective internal auditors. It demands a combination of
external and internal qualities that can be characterized as "executive
presence." In this article, Ann Butera, from The Whole Person Project, Inc.,
describes the qualities that increase executive presence and its lasting
value. Click here for the rest of the story!
This article was contributed by Protiviti KnowledgeLeader, an online service providing tools, templates, and other resources for internal audit and risk management. Free trials available at www.knowledgeleader.com.
Recession Special! Get 10% off
AuditNet® Community Sponsor News!
Thanks to Paisley and TeamMate for sponsoring the newsletter!
The AuditNet® community has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to your continued support. Yes it is hard to imagine but it has been more a decade since this community was created! Support AuditNet® by supporting our advertisers. Advertisers, affiliates and document contributions from the AuditNet® community this site help to keep this site maintained in the quality that you have grown accustomed to.
This month we feature Fulcrumway Fulcrum Information Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions that help organizations efficiently monitor internal controls, intelligently manage risks, and optimally execute business processes to gain strategic advantage.
The theme of this month's newsletter is communication and therefore you will find articles and links to resources focused on that subject. Next month's theme is Sarbanes-Oxley. If you have an article or resource on SOx please send it along to the editor.
Remember! Clicking on sponsored ads and visiting their sites helps support AuditNet®.
Career Advice Q&A Writing That Communicatesby Robbie Miller Kaplan
author of How to Say it When You Don't Know What to Say: The Right Words For Difficult Times Illness and Death and How to Say it in Your Job Search
Do you want to convey original ideas, a fresh perspective, or an innovative approach? Whatever your goal, to persuade, convince, sell, or motivate – clear and concise writing gets your message across.
Visit the Comforting Words blog for helping friends and colleagues get through tough times! AuditNet® What's New This Month? From the Editor!
AuditNet has established new networking opportunities for auditors through social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Google Groups, Ning and more. LinkedIn's Professional Audit Information Network has over 2,700 members. What a great tool which includes group discussions, news and the opportunity to network with other professionals around the world!
AuditNet is currently building fraud analytics into audit work programs to provide auditors with a new tool for compliance with the standards. We will also be working on a monograph on Building Fraud Detection into the Audit Process.
AuditNet is also negotiating with several organizations to offer low cost training for basic auditing, fraud and internal controls. Watch for press releases on these new initiatives.
New audit programs are also now available. Subscribers may access these documents now.
AuditNet articles will now include the ability to provide feedback and comments. We are looking at a way to rate audit programs as well. Stay tuned!
AudiTalk, AuditNet's redesigned free discussion forum site went active February 1 with many new categories. Visit the new forum, register and begin sharing with your peers. The forum is moderated so no spammers are allowed.
Contest: Where in the world is Jim Kaplan? The picture will change periodically so check back for your chance to win free access for a year! Send your answer to WITW.
AuditNet is working on several fronts to enhance the audit programs and incorporate audit content into other software applications. One of these applications will offer Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to requirement management. AuditNet has always supported new solutions and has encouraged start ups and other software vendors to enhance their products for both the mainstream as well as the small internal audit functions. We will continue to seek out opportunities that offer the global audit community new ways of doing business.
AUDITNET® SURVEYS Administration Time Survey
How much staff time do audit departments expend on administrative tasks not directly related to a project? The question seems to be common among internal audit departments. Audit departments that track time for budgeting purposes sometimes build in time for non-project related administration such as . This survey will examine the audit department time reporting systems and the breakdown of time spent on non-project administration such as how many hours or % of time should an audit shop charge to ADM. The survey also has some feedback questions for future enhancements to the AuditNet site.
Click Here to take the Time Management and AuditNet Feedback survey
Previous Surveys
Sarbanes-Oxley and Internal Audit
Pay by Phone or FAX AuditNet is now set up to accept credit card payments for subscriptions by phone or fax. If you are interested in this option click here!
Writing for AuditNet? AuditNet Editorial Guidelines Based on the number of articles being contributed to AuditNet we have developed editorial guidelines for future submissions. If you are planning to write an article please review the guidelines before submission. We appreciate receiving material from the global audit community in the interest of sharing knowledge. We are also in the process of guidelines for book reviews and other material submitted for inclusion on AuditNet. Get Audit Related Books Free! Interested in developing your writing skills with having access to the latest audit and business related books? AuditNet is looking for auditors that would like to review books for the benefit of the audit community. This is an excellent way to build your professional publication library and provide a valuable service for AuditNet users. A list of available books will be provided on request. For the guidelines click here.
New Benefits of Registration AuditNet continues to forge new relationships with professional associations and audit and accounting sites to provide auditors with access to audit work programs.
Group Access to AuditNet Audit Programs.
Join the other groups such as CCH TeamMate, Protiviti KnowledgeLeader and the Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors that have access to all of the AuditNet audit programs.
If you want your group or professional association (IIA, ISACA, ACFE, ACUA, ACUIA etc) to have transparent access to AuditNet audit programs and other content as a benefit of membership contact your professional association official or group leader and ask them to pursue this with AuditNet. Fraud News Feed Go to the AuditNet Fraud Resource Center and check out the fraud news feed to keep up to date with media reported fraud happenings. Audit Programs The audit programs section of AuditNet requires registration in order to access. Beginning in January 2009 there will be a fee (TBD) to access the Level 1 audit programs. There will also be an increase (TBD) in Level 2 or premium content subscriptions. The rates will be announced at a later date. New audit program contributions are available only to paid subscribers or on a one-for-one exchange basis. There are currently over 100,000 registered users. A multi-user subscription rate is also available. Organizations that need more than 2 staff members accessing the service will benefit from this option. There are new additions to the premium audit programs each month that are available as an alternative for those auditors that are unable to or choose not to contribute material to AuditNet®. Site licenses are also available for organizations with more than 15 users. The best way to find all the resources on the site is by going to the AuditNet Library or use the site search.
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Robbie Miller Kaplan 
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Harry Markopolos, CFE, CFA, couldn't have known that his first fraud
examination would last nine years and uncover the largest-ever Ponzi
scheme.
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For the rest of the article from the latest ACFE Fraud Magazine click here.
This article is from Fraud Magazine, the professional magazine
of the Association of Certified Fraud
Examiners
ACFE FraudInfo Newsletter click here!
Coming Attractions!
AuditNet continues working on building a benchmarking network of resources for the internal audit community. Watch for new links and resources as well as opportunities to benchmark your audit function against others as well as tap into benchmarking and best practices resources and sites. There is a great deal of interest in this type of tool so stay tuned for updates!
AuditNet is working with professional associations to provide access to the audit program inventory. Stay tuned!
The AuditNet Monograph Series provides useful guides for all levels of auditors from juniors right up to audit directors. We are currently working on new guides for Sarbanes-Oxley, internal controls and Internet for auditors and other relevant subjects. These guides will be available to registered subscribers. If you are interested in developing a monograph on a contract basis, contact us.
Watch for new articles on Sarbanes-Oxley, Information Security, Software Auditing, CAATTs, DATTA and more from contributors. Reviews are in the works for more audit and SOx books. Watch the newsletter for more products, services and tools for auditors. Have an idea for a column? Contact us.
AuditNet® continues adding new specialized resources for auditors. Watch the newsletter and keep checking the Library page for updates and new resources.
Updated Pages Since Last Month
Audit Report Writing
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) resources
Recovery Auditing: Reducing Profit Leaks
Watch for a review of Rich's latest book!
Mervin Pearce (CISSPR-ISSAPR, CISA, CISM)
Chief Executive Officer Security Audit and Control Solutions has
made the following tools available to fellow certified peers at no
charge in order
to enhance the fight against Internet abuse. AuditNet
registered users can run these at no charge and he will provide a
personal license for each one requesting. You must be a registered
AuditNet user and login to your account.
1. Domain Object Redundancy
Manager : DORMant - This application that will allow you to
remove redundant accounts (both Computer and User) from you
Microsoft Windows domain. The problem exists due to users and
computers not logging in within an agreed timeframe and is
compounded with multiple domain controllers (DCs) scattered through
a wide network. Each Domain Controller needs to be scanned and the
information collated in a central database.
2. ISALyzer
Microsoft ISA Server Log File Analysis with a forensic approach. It
is there to be used to combat the abuse of system resources as well
as focusing
on pornography in the workplace.
By Dan Swanson
Professionals can learn by studying the work of others.
Identified below are leaders in the ongoing quest for concise and
effective communications.
Enjoy.
Have another great month.
Dan Swanson
1. Society for Technical Communication - STC
2. STC Usability and User Experience -
STC UUX
3. STC Information Design and Architecture SIG - STC Information Design SIG
4. Professional Communication Society of IEEE - IEEE-PCS
5. ACM SIG on Documentation -
ACM/SIGDOC
Sentinel - Edition 46 - 28 May 2009
Read the latest edition of the Sentinel the IT Governance newsletter!
AuditNet® Software Compliance Audit Corner
Are you wasting your money on software compliance applications?
For years PCProfile has licensed their software audit tools to customers and auditors to allow them to conduct a software inventory to enable them to become software compliant and have been successful in having large numbers of customer audits conducted using their audit tools since 1991. It's time now to offer some radical and new advice!
PCProfile will send a FREE 1 page Acceptable Use Policy and Discovery Snapshot which runs from USB to those who contact them direct.
Learn more about this program from PCProfile!
The AuditNet® Audit Bookstore Corner
Looking for books on auditing related topics? We suggest using the AuditNet® bookstore. The bookstore focuses on Internal Audit but includes other related subjects as well. AuditNet® uses Amazon to power the bookstore so each purchase you make through this link helps support AuditNet®.
AuditNet® Vendor News
Check here for the latest news from our AuditNet® sponsors!
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Navigating GRC and Audit
Information and Communication – the often overlooked part of GRC By: Christopher Fox
When I listen to people talk about COSO, I hear words such as ‘tone at the top’, ‘top down’, monitoring of internal control, risk assessment and control activities. I rarely hear about the COSO domain Information and Communication – it’s there, but it seems to be pushed to one side or lessened in importance. Yet, when I look at recent corporate failures, the failure of information and communication seems to be the only constant element in each situation. Read the rest of the story here! Data Analytics
Change Agents in a Tough Economy by David Chiang
As the economic downturn grips organizations around the globe, corporate governance steps into the spotlight. Boards of Directors and their designated audit committee members have a critical responsibility to be hands-on stewards of their organizations. As the board’s “agent on the ground,” Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) can provide great value to the governance process by helping audit committees monitor the impact of the financial crisis on their organizations. Using proven audit analytic techniques, CAEs can investigate and analyze – in real time – the organization’s key risks. And in the process, improve their organization’s governance best practices, and provide a higher level of business assurance.
For the rest of the article click here!
Global Best Practices Roadmap: Find Your Way with a no-cost benchmarking survey How can you develop a roadmap that would take you from your current performance to the suggested, more optimal way to manage the finance and the record-to-report process? The Global Best Practices Roadmap: Find Your Way promotion will feature a different benchmarking tool on globalbestpractices.com each month. Learn more
Webcasts and Webinars for Auditors
Enterprise Risk
Management:
In a recently released benchmark study, Enterprise Risk
Management: The Art of Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises, Aberdeen Group set out
to identify the strategies that top performing companies are employing to
realize substantial benefits from their ERM programs.
Fulcrum's Webinar Presentation Risk Management and the Financial Crisis – What Audit Has Learned and How Technology Can Help
Active Directory AuditNet will be hosting a series of Webinars on Auditing Active Directory. Following are the titles, dates and times for these events.
CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE EVENT? Register anyway to receive a link to the recorded Webinar.
AuditNet® Adds NING and Twitter Networking Resources to the Auditor's Toolkit
June 1, 2009 (Oakton, Virginia):
Oakton, Virginia - AuditNet has created a new group for
auditors on the NING social networking site. You can
find the site at
http://auditnet.ning.com/. I invite auditors to join
by going to
http://auditnet.ning.com/main/invitation/new. The
site features a blog, discussion forum and the
opportunity for auditors to network for professional
purposes. This new tool complements the LinkedIn,
Google, and Yahoo networking sites established by
AuditNet for auditors. These all provide unlimited
opportunities for auditors to reach out and share with
one another. AuditNet also is now available on Twitter @auditnet. Twitter combines the concept of microblogging with instant messaging. Auditors that do not think of Twitter as an effective tool for professionals need to think again! I am finding there are audit, security, and control specialists who have established a Twitter presence and are finding ways to use it to open new lines of communication. Follow AuditNet on Twitter (see the home page) and you will receive special offers that will not be available to other users.
These resources complement AudiTalk, the AuditNet Discussion Forums and GANG and YANG . Together with the Professional Audit Information Network on LinkedIn these tools provide more opportunities for the global audit community to network and share knowledge and resources than ever before.
Join now and begin reaping the benefits of AuditTalk, and the AuditNet GANG an YANG discussion forums and networking for the global audit community! AuditNet Releases a New Monograph on Rating Systems for Audit Reports and Findings
May 1, 2009 (Oakton, Virginia) AuditNet released The AuditNet® Guide to Audit Report and Findings Rating Systems. This monograph represents a compilation of what other organizations have established in order to standardize and categorize either their audit reports and/or the findings identified during the course of the audit. New monographs are in process on Key Performance Indicators for Internal Audit, Creating an Internal Audit Charter, Business and Transaction Cycles and Digital Audit Knowledge Resource Guide. If you would like to submit a proposal for a topic please send it to auditnet @ gmail.com
AuditNet® Fraud Auditing CornerAre Clean Opinions Materially Misstated? By Gary D. Zeune, CPA
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do we even do audits?” Most CPAs will say, “Because they are required?” But why are audits required? Audited financial statements are valuable because they reduce the client’s cost of capital. How? Because audited statements reduce the user’s assessed risk. Assume a bank has a loan request from two companies, identical in every respect, except that one has audited statements and the other doesn’t. All things being equal, the bank will charge a lower rate of interest, and maybe impose fewer or less onerous covenants, to the company with audited statements.
And now to the rest of the story...
Gary Zeune has the ONLY speaker's bureau in the country specializing in white-collar criminals — The Pros & The Cons. Mr. Zeune's speakers tell their stories of how and they committed their crimes. Their frauds range from $18,000 to $350 million. Speakers include CPAs, attorneys, and business people. Fraud News Need to keep up with fraud news and happenings? There are several options available. One is to subscribe to the free ACFE FraudInfo E-newsletter. Another free resource is the Auditing & Fraud News. Service for
research professionals. Constantly updated news and information about
Business & Companies. Go to FraudNet and
click on the link Click Here for Fraud News. |
Sarbanes-Oxley News and Views
What are the Primary Challenges and Trends in Governance, Risk and Compliance?
SOX TV Research Alert New Research!
SOX Television is an Internet Television Network that covers every aspect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related areas of governance, risk and compliance. Along with its sister network, Risk Television, it reaches more than 300,000 financial, governance, risk and compliance professionals worldwide.
Audit Work Programs Corner
30 Day Trial to the Premium Section
Access to the free audit program section now requires registration. The following documents were added this month. They are available on a 1 for 1 exchange for an original audit work program not currently in the inventory. If you unable to share audit programs then consider subscribing to the premium content which provides you with access free and premium content 24/7/365. Interested in previewing all the programs in the premium content section? Contribute an original audit work program not currently in the inventory and receive a 30 day trial subscription to the premium content. Contribute 5 programs and receive a one year trial subscription. (Offer only available for new programs submitted).
CCH
TeamMate users now have access to all the AuditNet audit programs in
TeamStores format. Access through the TeamStores support site.
E-Book for
Subscribers to the Annual Audit Programs
- Accounts Payable Control-Service (June 2009)
- Service Center Utilization-Service (June 2009)
- Brand Reputation Management-Service (June 2009)
- Control of Staff Costs-Service (June 2009)
- Contract labor management-Retail (June 2009)
- Customer feedback - Service (June 2009)
- Customer loyalty-Retail (June 2009)
- Managing Performance-Retail (June 2009)
- Marketing Control-Retail (June 2009)
- Sales Performance Management-Retail (June 2009)
Sample of Programs Scheduled for July
- Expenditures Fraud Analytics
- Payroll with Fraud Analytics
- Property Tax Refunds-Government
- Purchasing and Billing Fraud Analytics
- Sheriffs Office Expenditures-Government
- Skimming Fraud Analytics
Ask the Auditor
Each month I select one question submitted to Ask the Auditor and provide an answer using the same digital tools and techniques that I recommend to all auditors.
Audit Rating Systems
Q;
I would like to get your advice on ratings of the
processes. In our department we would like to rate a process audited
and we cannot come up with good wording of ratings. We would like to
have 3 possible ratings of processes: 1. Appropriate 2. Improvement
needed 3. Inappropriate Would it be possible to get any other
wording of ratings, as we do not really like
appropriate/inappropriate words. Are there any guidelines on this?
A: I have
received this question from several internal audit departments. I
have found that internal audit departments use various
rating/ranking systems. The IIA
has issued a report on expressing opinions on audit reports which
references grading scales however there is no specific standard or
guideline on ranking. That being said, audit departments should
consider implementing an audit rating system approved by the audit
committee. A rating system facilitates conveying to the board a
consistent and concise assessment of the net risk posed by the area
or function audited. All written audit reports should reflect the
assigned rating for the areas audited.
In order to provide general guidance for the audit community on methodologies, AuditNet developed a Monograph on Audit Rating Systems which includes examples used by different organizations. If you have a rating/ranking methodology you would like to share send it to auditnet@gmail.com. Individuals will receive a copy of the completed monograph.
For more tips go to Ask the Auditor Forum for How Do I...
Submit a question for Ask the Auditor!
Release the Writer in You!
Looking to Earn Some Extra $$?
AuditNet is interested in developing a series of SOx or industry related audit programs for organizations. If anyone is interested in writing audit programs, ICQs, questionnaires, or control matrices on a work for hire basis please contact me. If you may know of anyone who would be interested in this as well please pass along my contact information.
AuditNet Career Center
Job Listings
Find a Job or Find the Right Auditor
Go to the AuditNet® Career Center now for the latest job opportunities and career-related information and tools. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you have the ability to not only look at available jobs, but you can also post your resume, apply for open jobs, research companies and obtain career advice. If you are in the market for a new job, make AuditNet® your first stop to check out what's available.
If your company has any audit job vacancies that you are looking to fill, have your HR people contact AuditNet® to post the job and search for candidates.
This is just another benefit of using AuditNet® as your one stop shop for all your audit and career resources.
AuditNet® Book Reviews
AuditNet® Software Compliance Audit Corner
4 Steps to Changing "Compliance Attitudes" in the current economic climate
News for auditors, SAM and ITAM professionals facing cutbacks in costs and resources.
If you are wondering how you are going to manage compliance having
your budget and resources cut in the current economic climate take a
look at the 4 key steps that can change attitudes to compliance!
-
Step 1 - Define an Acceptable Use Policy
-
Step 2 - Deploy the Acceptable Use Policy
-
Step 3 - Audit to the Acceptable Use Policy
-
Step 4 - Enforce the Acceptable Use Policy
Sometimes going back to basics is the best way to force the changes in attitude at the desktop you need to keep you compliant!
Click
here for the files that show you how. (Note: This is a low cost
solution for your compliance program). Mention you heard it through
AuditNet for a 20% discount if you use the following code when
placing an order.
QUOTE: AUDITNet_MJA1991
Then check out the CCSA Study System published by Pleier Corporation.
Using the "McKeever CCSA Study System" will improve
users' probability of successfully passing the IIA CCSA exam
by teaching users to answer the type of questions typically
presented on the CCSA exam. Additionally, this system helps
users identify CCSA domains that require their additional
study and lists references useful for any additional study.
The "McKeever CCSA Study System" is available in 2
versions - a 288-page spiral-bound workbook and CD-ROM (for
those who prefer clicking a mouse to turning pages) - for
details click
here!
DISCOUNTS TO AUDITNET READERS
As a reminder, Pleier Corporation offers 10 % discounts to
AuditNet readers at
www.pleier.com. To take this discount order online and
enter the word AUDITNET in the coupon field at checkout.
Click here for opportunities to share your knowledge and earn royalties
Exceeding Expectations for Internal Auditors
AuditNet® Conference & Training News
Want to announce your professional association conference to the global audit community? Send us conference name, date and URL details. (A reciprocal link to AuditNet is required). AuditNet supports co-marketing sponsorship agreements for conferences on a case by case basis.
Develop a competitive edge in the fight against fraud
including effective data mining tests for finding fraud and
errors in multiple operational and financial areas.
http://www.audimation.com/seminars.cfm
Statement 157 Implementation Issues
(LIVE Webcast)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
3:00pm to 5:00pm (ET)
16th Edition: SOX Compliance Evolution
Continuously Improving Your SOX Effort by Reducing Cost and Moving Towards an Overall Effective Governance, Risk and Compliance Structure, 11-12 Jun 2009 San Francisco, CA
Detecting and Preventing Financial Fraud Discover
the latest practical strategies for Accountants and Auditors
London, June 30, 2009
ACI’S 5th European Forum on Anti-Corruption
Colleagues, affiliates & subscribers of AuditNet are entitled to a substantial discount when registering with priority service code “SP55”
On June 23-24, 2009, preeminent in-house experts, skilled prosecutors and enforcement personnel, as well as leaders of the anti-corruption bar will be converging in London for this industry-known conference. Don’t miss this timely opportunity to obtain expert, cutting edge advice from your peers on how to develop robust compliance practices to prevent the heavy reputational and financial costs of violating anti-corruption rules.
Combating Employee Fraud Conference & Workshop - Achieve a Fraud Free Organization with Effective Internal Controls & Proven Fraud Prevention Programs! 9 -10 July 2009, Singapore
(10% discount for members of AuditNet upon registration for the conference)
2nd Annual Effective SOX & MAR Strategies in the Re/Insurance Industry Improving SOX efficiency & processes and implementing the Model Audit Rule for insurance and reinsurance companies, 31 Aug-1 Sep 2009, Boston, USA
AuditWorld 2009*
* indicates events where you can meet Jim Kaplan
Communication Resources for Auditors
A sampling of communication resources you may want to check out this month include:
Speak Up and Speak Better: Communication Skills Primer