Internal audit functions have long been an integral part of organizations, tasked primarily with ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. However, the landscape of business operations is continuously evolving, and so is the role of internal audit. In the United Kingdom, internal audit has undergone a transformation from a traditional compliance-focused function to a more strategic and value-driven advisory role. This article explores the evolution of internal audit in UK organizations, highlighting the factors driving this change and the benefits it brings to businesses.
- The UK has adopted the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS), which are based on the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) of the Global Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The PSIAS apply to all internal audit service providers in the public sector, including central and local government, health, education, and police.
- The IIA has recently revised its global standards, which will be effective from January 2025. The revised standards aim to bring clarity to the role of internal audit and reflect the changing landscape of internal audit, such as the impact of technology, data analytics, and emerging risks.
- According to a survey by PwC, the top three priorities for internal audit in the UK in 2023 were: enhancing the use of data analytics, increasing the coverage of emerging risks, and improving the quality and impact of audit reports.
- According to a report by Grant Thornton, the main challenges for internal audit in the UK in 2023 were: resourcing constraints, stakeholder expectations, risk and control culture, and regulatory compliance.
- According to a report by the IIA, the internal audit function of 2025 will require different skills and competencies, such as business acumen, strategic thinking, digital literacy, and soft skills. The report also suggests that internal audit will need to adopt new ways of working, such as agile auditing, co-sourcing, and integrated assurance.
Traditional Compliance-Focused Internal Audit:
The historical role of internal audit in the UK was predominantly centred around ensuring adherence to rules, regulations, and internal control systems. Internal auditors primarily focused on conducting periodic audits of financial records, reviewing compliance with statutory requirements, and identifying operational inefficiencies or process weaknesses. While this approach was vital for maintaining governance and risk management, it limited the value internal audit could provide beyond the confines of compliance.
Changing Business Landscape and Complex Challenges:
The modern business environment in the UK is characterized by rapid technological advancements, global market integration, and dynamic regulatory changes. Organizations now face complex challenges, such as cybersecurity threats, supply chain disruptions, environmental sustainability concerns, and evolving customer expectations. These challenges necessitate a more proactive and strategic approach from internal audit teams to help organizations navigate uncertainties successfully.
Shift Towards Risk-Based Audit Approach:
To meet the demands of the dynamic business landscape, many UK organizations have embraced a risk-based audit approach. This approach focuses on identifying and assessing risks that may impact the achievement of strategic objectives. By aligning internal audit activities with the organization’s risk profile, internal auditors can provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance risk management practices and support strategic decision-making.
Adding Value through Business Process Improvement:
As organizations seek efficiency gains and process optimization, internal auditors are increasingly involved in evaluating and improving business processes. By analysing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and suggesting process improvements, internal audit teams can help organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.
Enhancing Governance and Ethical Practices:
In light of growing concerns about corporate governance and ethical practices, internal audit plays a crucial role in evaluating and promoting ethical behaviour within organizations. Auditors are now tasked with assessing the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms, ethics policies, and corporate governance structures to foster a culture of integrity and transparency.
Data Analytics and Technology Integration:
Technology has revolutionized the way business data is collected, stored, and analysed. Internal audit teams are leveraging data analytics tools to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, identifying potential risks and anomalies with greater accuracy and efficiency. The integration of technology also enables continuous auditing, providing real-time monitoring and early detection of emerging risks.
Strategic Advisory and Business Partnering:
With a more comprehensive understanding of the organization’s operations, risks, and challenges, internal auditors are becoming strategic advisors and business partners. They collaborate with management teams to align internal audit activities with strategic goals, supporting the achievement of the organization’s mission and vision.
Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency:
As internal audit assumes a more advisory role, stakeholder engagement becomes paramount. Internal auditors in the UK actively engage with senior management, boards of directors, and audit committees to communicate findings, recommendations, and insights. Transparent communication fosters trust and ensures that audit insights are effectively utilized for informed decision-making.
Continuous Monitoring and Auditing:
The adoption of technology-driven tools and data analytics has enabled internal auditors to move beyond periodic audits and embrace continuous monitoring and auditing practices. With real-time data analysis, auditors can proactively identify risks and potential issues, allowing organizations to respond promptly to emerging threats and capitalize on new opportunities.
Supporting Digital Transformation Initiatives:
In the digital age, organizations are undergoing significant digital transformation to stay competitive. Internal audit teams are actively involved in evaluating the risks associated with digital initiatives, ensuring the security of digital assets, and verifying the accuracy of digital data. By collaborating with IT and other business units, internal audit adds value by supporting successful digital transformation projects.
Compliance with Sustainability and ESG Reporting:
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have gained prominence in the business world. Internal auditors are now tasked with assessing the organization’s compliance with sustainability standards, ensuring accurate ESG reporting, and verifying that sustainability practices align with the organization’s stated commitments.
Fraud Risk Assessment and Prevention:
As fraud risks continue to evolve, internal auditors play a crucial role in conducting fraud risk assessments and implementing fraud prevention strategies. By identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending controls to mitigate fraud risks, internal audit helps protect the organization’s reputation and financial interests.
Assessing Cybersecurity Resilience:
With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, internal audit evaluates the organization’s cybersecurity resilience. Auditors conduct cybersecurity risk assessments, review data security measures, and ensure that the organization is prepared to respond effectively to cyber incidents.
Evaluating Third-Party Risks:
Modern organizations often rely on third-party vendors and partners. Internal audit assesses the risks associated with these relationships, ensuring that proper due diligence is performed when engaging with third parties. Auditors also monitor the ongoing performance and compliance of third parties to safeguard the organization’s interests.
Promoting a Culture of Risk Awareness:
Internal audit is instrumental in promoting a culture of risk awareness within the organization. By conducting risk workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns, internal auditors help employees at all levels understand their role in identifying and managing risks effectively.
Contributing to Board-level Decision-making:
Internal auditors increasingly participate in board meetings and audit committee sessions, presenting audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations directly to board members. This participation ensures that the board is well-informed and can make strategic decisions based on reliable and relevant information.
Performance Audits and Benchmarking:
Internal audit’s scope has expanded beyond financial and compliance audits to include performance audits. Auditors evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of various processes and activities, benchmarking the organization’s performance against industry best practices and peers.
In conclusion, the evolution of internal audit in United Kingdom organizations has been driven by the need to adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape. As organizations face complex challenges and embrace digital transformation, internal audit has transitioned from a compliance-focused function to a strategic advisory partner. By embracing technology, data analytics, and risk-based approaches, internal audit provides valuable insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making, enhance risk management, and improve overall operational efficiency. This transformation ensures that internal audit remains a valuable asset in the pursuit of sustainable growth and success for UK organizations.