Edwin Dorsey exposed care.com by creating a fake Harvey Weinstein account. In this episode, he shared his favorite ways of finding dubious companies, some of the financial information he looks for to expose a company, and some techniques employed to find wrongdoing. I hope you enjoy it! Bear Cave newsletter: https://thebearcave.substack.com/

Are annual audit plans useless? It's a hot topic, so it is AUDIT DUEL debate-worthy! Have you heard of the 3 + 9 or 6 + 6 audit plan approach? That was an idea Abbas Al Lawati, Head of Internal Audit at OQ8, brought up during the duel. Jasim Khawaja, Portfolio Head of Internal Audit at United Arab Bank, argued risk profiles are different between organizations and industries, so audit plans have to adapt. What are your thoughts?

Is the one-page audit report a myth or reality? Why do auditors struggle to explain the root cause of issues in their audit reports? Why is Tracie doing a 60-days to shorter audit reports webinar? Register for the webinar here: https://tinyurl.com/43shrr9

Audit recommendations are useless. That was Robert Berry's proposition. They waste time and negatively affect relationships with clients. Qadir Abdul's position was that they are not useless. Recommendations are part of the dynamic of change. What do you think?

Do you have to present information in your non-native language? Have you noticed how the tone of your voice sounds different in your native language vs. other languages? You are not alone. Many cultures, unfortunately, still associate accents and "different" tones with the speaker's education and even intelligence. What can you do to sound more confident? Listen to voice expert Nic Redman to find out! Nic's website: https://nicolaredman.com/

Last December I wrote this article with my friend Alex Ruehle on how to pitch Internal Audit to Elon Musk: https://tinyurl.com/ub5dcfjn We received several responses from the Internal Audit community and selected four (LinkedIn poll limit) to participate in a MASKED PITCH competition. What is a MASKED PITCH competition? Well, have you heard of the MASKED SINGER competition? It's similar, but we anonymize the Internal Audit pitch to Elon Musk. What is your favorite pitch? LinkedIn link: https://tinyurl.com/28vfa8zt LinkedIn IIA group link: https://tinyurl.com/ym83z75t

Are auditors responsible for finding fraud? That was the debate between Alaba Awolaja, Chief Managing Consulting at GOARISC and Oversight, and Emmanuel Johannes, CEO at Kepler Associates. The audit profession has had recent developments in this space lately: - Last December, three audit and risk officers at Wells Fargo faced potential multi-million dollar fines for their role in the fake account scandal - Last month, the UK parliament proposed a bill making "failure to prevent fraud" a criminal offense As one would expect, this is a hot topic, so...it was a passionate debate! Both agreed that auditors are not proficient in detecting fraud. What are your thoughts?

Annual Audit Plans are useless. Risks evolve and we need to revamp the plan as needed. How should you respond to your Audit Committee if they still ask for an annual audit plan? Will performing a continuous risk assessment really take more time than once a year? What if you don't hear back from the business when you want their input more often? These were the questions answered by Michele Variale, Chief Audit and Risk Officer at Telepass in Italy. I hope you enjoy the episode!

What is better than an AUDIT DUEL? An AUDIT TRUEL! What an instant classic with David Hill, Renato Trisciuzzi, and Tracie Marquardt, as they debated better ways to communicate audit results. What is your strategic communication plan? Can we just use a dynamic dashboard instead of audit reports? Why do we need the audit reports in the first place? Why can’t we let go of these ‘audit traditions’? These were some of the many topics discussed during the debate. I hope you enjoy it!

Is artificial intelligence overhyped? In this AUDIT DUEL, Alex Ruehle, CEO of zapliance, and Darren Roberts, Technology and Digital Director at SWAP Internal Audit Services, debate the issue. Alex says that we can't leave AI to the data geeks and IT auditors, and must embrace the technology so that we are not left behind, while Darren questions what the "A" in AI really stands for, augmented or artificial? And also asks, is ChatGPT just an advanced API? What is your take on the topic?

A large retailer in Brazil recently had a $4 billion "accounting inconsistency." What happened? Was it fraud or an accounting error? If it was a fraud, should the auditors be responsible for it? These were the questions answered by Marcelo Almeida, host of the Voice of Integrity podcast. Marcelo's website: https://compliancebsb.com.br/

Feedback episode. How can you engage with the podcast? There are four ways: 1) Take part as a guest, in short 15 minute-interviews (most of the time). 2) Take part in the AUDIT DUEL segment. Do you have a controversial, non-conformist idea to debate and share with the Internal Audit community? I want to hear from you. 3) Take part in the AUDIT FAIL segment. Do you have a failure experience you can share with the community? Let me know! 4) Provide feedback on topics, future guests, and general comments on what I can do better. Complete the form here: https://tinyurl.com/28bmbv8r

Why do auditors get blamed so much for fraud and is that fair? What is the best free fraud detection tool? What are some other resources auditors should use? These were some questions answered by Haddon Fields. He is the Special Investigations Trainer with The PsyFIN Group which focuses on training investigators, auditors and other investigative personnel in innovative means of investigation, fraud, digital privacy, OSINT, and investigative leadership. He can be found online at: www.psyfingroup.com. Listeners of AuditFun 15 can get 15% of any PsyFIN Group course by using coupon code: AuditFun15.

Why do auditors need to do a better job of marketing themselves? If you had 20 seconds to pitch Internal Audit to Elon Musk, what would your pitch be? If you were asked to create a short internal audit slogan, what would it be? These were the questions answered by Charles Schrock, publisher of the Audit Explainer website, and retired CAE. Follow him for some of the most fantastical internal audit stories. Like how Leonardo da Vinci became famous because of an internal auditor, and how an auditor was instrumental in testing and naming the Pontiac GTO. Fantasy? We call it marketing. theauditexplainer.wordpress.com

The second episode of 2023, and the second episode of the AUDIT FAIL series. Auditors are taught not to trust. Trust but verify, right? But how about your co-worker? Should you fully trust that person? In this episode, Abbas Al Lawait, Head of Audit at OQ8 in Oman, discusses the risks of 'blind trust'. Don't trust me? Listen in to find out.

The first episode of 2023, and the first episode of the AUDIT FAIL series. Perhaps as important as setting goals for 2023 is to reflect on lessons from the past. Reflection builds resilience and wisdom. Robert shared some of the lessons he learned from a high-conflict situation where an audit client he worked with left a note on his desk. What did the note say? What was Robert's reaction? Listen in to find out! Join the Auditor Exchange at community.thatauditguy.com

Do CPEs lead to new skills? If a doctor or a teacher does not keep up with current practices and knowledge, they get instant 'customer' feedback, but does the same happen with internal auditors? That was one of the many questions raised during the duel by Nicola. Jamie proposed that with the right experts, content, and platform, CPEs add value. What do you think?

In this episode, I spoke with David Hill, CEO of SWAP Internal Audit Services, about non-financial audits. David explained why auditors should care more about non-financial audits, some skills required for non-financial auditors, and what audit leaders can do to better equip their teams. What transferable skills can a firefighter, pub landlord, or archaeologist bring to the internal audit profession? Listen in to find out! I hope you enjoy it.

Should auditors provide an opinion on engagements or is there a risk to it? How about ratings? Do they help or hurt? In this AUDIT DUEL, Richard Chambers, former CEO and President of the IIA, and Norman Marks, former Chief Audit Executive, debate the issue. Richard thinks that "internal auditors must exercise caution whenever assigning opinions" and that "audit leaders must be as diplomatic and conscientious as possible when assigning ratings." Norman thinks that "professionals are entitled to an opinion" and he "hate[s] ratings". What is your opinion on the topic?

In this episode, I interviewed Adefisayo Adefarakan, CEO and Managing Partner of Pharakan & Associates to talk about Quality Assessment Reviews (QARs). Adefisayo covered why Internal Auditors should care about QARs, other than because it’s an IIA requirement, and also discussed some of our blind spots and quick-wins he has learned in performing QARs. I hope you enjoy it! His website: https://www.pharakanassociates.com/

In this episode, I spoke with Vuyo Gwayi about common Internal Audit misconceptions. Vuyo also shared how she would explain Internal Audit to a group of 4-year-olds, and how she would respond if the CFO of a company asked her to "hire more external auditors to your internal audit team." Listen in to find out what she had to say!

In this episode, I spoke with Tina D’Souza, Internal Audit Manager at RBC. Tina shared resume and career-building tips for internal auditors. It is all about being proactive and taking ownership of your career. As Tina mentioned, be relentless and find your allies. As an African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”

In this episode, I spoke with Amanda “Jo” Erven about Total Quality Auditing. Jo discussed how one of internal audit’s goals should be to do fewer audits.  Identifying errors after the fact? Too late. She also had excellent points on how internal auditors can do work that really adds value and eliminates waste. Listen in to find out more! Her website: https://www.auditconsultingeducation.com/ Total Quality Auditing book: https://www.auditconsultingeducation.com/product/tqa-book/

In this episode, I spoke with Emmanuel Johannes, Chairman of the Board of the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, and CEO of Kepler Associates. Emmanuel shared lessons learned when he was not in audit regarding practical findings and a 'moment of truth' in his career. Lastly, Emmanuel defined an effective finding in one word. Listen in to find out what it was! I hope you enjoy it. Kepler's website: https://kepler.co.tz/

In this episode, I spoke with Toby DeRoche, author of the book Only Audit What Matters. Toby shared how internal auditors can start BEING agile vs. only doing agile and also shared the most important step in the Agile Blueprint transformation. Can you guess what it was? Take a listen to find out. I hope you enjoy it.

Are auditors truly independent and objective? Yes? No? Depends? In this AUDIT DUEL, Dr. Rainer Lenz, current CAE of SAF Holland, and Doug Anderson, former CAE of the Dow Chemical Co., debate the issue. Dr. Rainer thinks that “we should de-emphasize the dimensions of independence and objectivity in our professional standards," and Doug believes that “if we lessen independence and objectivity, then we lose any distinctiveness of internal audit.” So, are auditors truly independent and objective? Listen in to make your own conclusion.

In this episode, I spoke with Barrie Enslin, Managing Director at Pro Optima Services. Barrie shared his Start with Intuition Method (SWIM), and In & Out Audit approach. Auditors MUST look beyond the paper. Over 40% of his projects have paid for themselves, matter of fact these projects have paid for the remaining 60%! How does he do it? Listen in to find out. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I spoke with Joseph McCafferty, business journalist, editor, and publisher of the Internal Audit 360 website. Joe explained how he got involved in creating a learning/networking platform for the internal audit community, despite never working in the profession. He also shared some insights from internal auditors around the globe, and articles he would like to see submitted. Are you the next author he is looking for? Listen in for his tips on how to get your articles published. I hope you enjoy it! A big thank you to Joe for his behind-the-scenes work for the internal audit community!

In this episode, I spoke with Jan Babiak, Board Member and Audit Committee Chairperson of several large multinational organizations. Jan discussed common qualities that GREAT Internal Audit departments have. I also asked Jan a couple of expert-to-expert questions from Tom McLeod, former CAE of Rio Tinto. Profound questions, such as under what circumstances should the Chair seek the resignation of the CAE? Listen in to find out what Jan had to say! I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I spoke with Doug Hubbard, from Hubbard Decision Research, and discussed the Applied Information Economics (AIE) decision-making method. Doug discussed the concept of “analysis placebo” and some biases people have when making decisions, such as partition dependence and the illusion of communication. He also discussed some surprising variables that are more important than people give credit to when making decisions. Listen in to find out what he had to say! I hope you enjoy it! Hubbard Decision Research website: https://hubbardresearch.com/

In this episode, I spoke with Hossam ElShaffei, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Audit Foundation at The Institute of Internal Auditors. Hossam has extensive experience in performing complex audits, and investigations, from the United Nations to FIFA. He has done it all. During the conversation, Hossam had many stories to share with all auditors about NOT SETTLING in their careers! Looking for the dream job? You may have to create it yourself. That’s what Hossam did. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Do not live down to people's low expectations of you. That’s Mike’s message. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. To bring awareness to the profession I interviewed Mike Royal. Mike is a former Director of Information Technology Audit, with more than 25 years of experience. He is blind, but as he well puts it, that is a small part of who he is. Listen in to the interview to hear Mike’s story, learn about not only his audit career, but how he became a water ski World Record holder, traveled the world, all the while not limiting himself. #workhardplayharder #nolimits

In this episode, I interviewed Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and former prosecutor of the largest lottery scam in the history of the U.S. Rob walked us through the case's most challenging part and detailed how they connected the scam to previous lottery winnings in at least six other states in the U.S.  How?  He explains that as part of the episode.  Lastly, Rob had a message for all auditors out there.  Listen in to check out what he had to say!  I hope you enjoy it. NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/05/03/magazine/money-issue-iowa-lottery-fraud-mystery.html Rob Sand's book on the case: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Ticket-Uncovering-Americas-Biggest/dp/1640123717

Have you ever been through the experience of being acquired by another company? Did your Internal Audit department make it into one piece after the acquisition? Karl Stingily has. In fact, Karl not only kept his job as Chief Audit Executive at Caesars Entertainment but also his department was one of the least affected by the acquisition. How is that for the organization appreciating Internal Audit’s value? Listen to this episode for more tips on Transitioning and Thriving in your career.

In this episode, I talked to Diarmuid Early, aka Dim, aka the LeBron of Excel. Dim is the Financial Modeling World Cup reigning champion and previously won a cool  $30,000 in an Excel competition. From being able to help you win your Fantasy Football League competition to pricing cat insurance, he can do it all. Listen in for more Excel tips! I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Sabine Charles, Chief Internal Auditor at Touro University and Chief Executive Officer at the TAPA Institute. Dr. Sabine shared some insights into one of the main challenges Audit Leaders face today and revealed her two favorite books on leadership - you’ll be surprised by at least one of them :) Dr. Sabine also shared what she would cover in a How to Become a CAE book (and she is actually working on that) and lastly talked about the upcoming Level Up Audit Summit on September 14-15th. I hope you enjoy it! Level Up Summit info: https://www.tapainstitute.com/level-up-internal-audit-summit Carrot Seed book: https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Seed-Rise-Shine/dp/0064432106

In this episode, I spoke with Marco Nutini, author of Risk is Not a Number and former CRO at Embraer. Marco explained why risk is not a number and how non-conformities are a COMPLIANCE attribute, not a RISK attribute. Marco also shared some ideas on pricing risks that Internal Auditors can question within their organization. Lastly, he shared a tragic case of Risk Management failure, in which company executives tried to defend themselves by saying that the risk within their risk matrix was 'yellow,' not 'red.' Listen in to find out what company that was. I hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I spoke with Cy Wakeman, NY Times bestseller author, and drama researcher, to talk about how Ego is Not Your Amigo. Cy had some insightful comments on how Internal Auditors can best handle EGO-driven discussions (be a thought partner, up the support but don’t lower the standard!). We also discussed low vs. high accountability individuals and what leaders can do to best attract high-accountability talent. Lastly, Cy had some notes on why leaders should stop complaining (it leads to more negative thinking, not problem-solving!). I hope you enjoy it!

A podcast episode about...podcasts! What better guest to have than Trent Russell, host of the Audit Podcast. Trent shared with us why he started his podcast (perfect timing!), some of his most memorable podcast moments, and an inspiring story from one of his guests that keeps him going. I hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I discussed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) with Duke Okes, RCA expert and author of Root Cause Analysis: The Core of Problem Solving and Corrective Action. We discussed some of his favorite RCA methods and how to know when you arrived at the root cause of an issue (the lowest level within your control!). I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, Frank Holloman walked us through his journey at FedEx, from starting as a Cargo Handler to now being an Internal Audit Director. Frank provided great insight into how Internal Auditors can look for personal development opportunities, such as taking initiative, being accountable, and working out loud. Want to know what working out loud is all about? Listen in to find out! I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I spoke with Bruce McCuaig, former CAE of Gulf Oil Canada and proponent of performance as the new assurance. Bruce discussed how automating audit practices would allow auditors to get nowhere but at the speed of light, and had some insight into how our profession can better measure performance. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I interviewed Marta Cadavid, CEO of NoFraud LATAM LLC, and talked about her Fraud Explorer software. Through natural language processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, The Fraud Explorer is used to predict, prevent, and detect dishonest behaviors such as fraud, abuse, waste, and corruption, with key differential factors that help to identify risks in human communications. Listen in to find out what Marta has identified so far! I hope you enjoy it. Marta's website: https://www.nofraud.la/en/home/

In this episode, I interviewed Pav Gill, widely recognized as the internal whistleblower who helped expose fraud at the German fintech Wirecard. Pav is the 2022 Sentinel Award Recipient from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and he had a message to all auditors out there: Don't ostrich yourself! I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I spoke with Robert Berry aka That Audit Guy. Robert shared some insights on what Internal Audit leaders can do to reduce burnout within their groups, and also what Internal Auditors themselves can do to reduce burnout. At the beginning of the episode he listed five things that lead to burnout, can you guess what they were? Listen in to find out! Here is the link to his website: www.thatauditguy.com/ Additional resource: https://community.thatauditguy.com/

In this episode, I spoke with Alaba Awolaja about FOUNDATIONAL Internal Audit skills and knowledge. Alaba is a big proponent of the #back2basics theme, reinforcing the need for Internal Auditors to know our processes well before we evaluate other processes. We must have a systematic and disciplined approach to arrive at a conclusion. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, Lynn Fountain and I discussed Ethics, the concept of Legal Fraud, how to determine what's ethical versus not ethical, and common ethical dilemmas Chief Audit Executives face. Lynn shared one tough decision she had to make. Did she regret it? Listen in to find out! Link to her book on Ethical Dilemmas: https://tinyurl.com/mtcuz8rm

In this episode, I interviewed Tom McLeod and discussed the How, the Who, and the Where of the future of Internal Audit. Tom had some thought-provoking ideas on the topic and on how organizations can use GLOBAL talent to suit their needs (why restrict yourself to local talent?). He also had some points regarding how demographic trends (particularly in India and China) will play a role in our profession. Listen in to check out to whom Tom thinks the future belongs!