Accounting Department: Internal Auditing Siham Alawi 1161599
Accounting Department: Internal Auditing Siham Alawi 1161599
Accounting Department: Internal Auditing Siham Alawi 1161599
Internal Auditing
Siham alawi
1161599
Supervised by:
Mr. ADNAN HOMOUS
Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................3
1.1 OVER VIEW:..................................................................................................................................3
1.2: PROBLEM STATEMENT:..........................................................................................................................5
1.3SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:................................................................................................................5
1.4 QUESTIONS OF THE STUDY:...................................................................................................................5
1.5 TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS:.................................................................................................................6
Terms:....................................................................................................................................................................6
Abbreviations:........................................................................................................................................................6
References:....................................................................................................................................20
BOOKS:...................................................................................................................................................20
E-BOOKS:..................................................................................................................................................20
ARTICLE:..................................................................................................................................................20
JOURNAL:.................................................................................................................................................21
WEBSITE:..................................................................................................................................................21
DATABASES:.............................................................................................................................................22
(DATA RESOURCES):...........................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
The Internal Auditing profession evolved steadily with the progress of management
science after World War II. It is conceptually similar in many ways to financial
auditing by public accounting firms, quality assurance and banking compliance activities.
The internal audit function is an important function in the different type of business
because it is consider the core of developments and improvements due to essential role in
control performance, add value, and fraud detection in different situation , it also improve
the controls, risk assessment, and governance. There are many type of internal audit such
that operational audit, compliance audit, financial statement audit, information system
audit, these types help the organization in fraud detection and improve the weakness and
achieve its goals.
The internal audit function (service) can be excused by three main methods, these
methods include:
The job of internal auditor is to investigate and appraise the system of internal control
and the efficiency with which the various units of organization are carrying out their
assigned function. so internal auditors are not responsible for performing routine control
procedures, such as reconciling bank statement, balancing subsidiary ledger, these
functions are usually perform by specific unit in accounting department .
Internal auditions provide a higher level of on internal control and perform procedures
to test the efficiency of all company operation.
The primary goal of auditing is to serve the company by providing an independent and
objective evaluation of the organization’s adherence to operational, financial and
compliance policies, guidelines and regulations. Likewise, audits (external audits) are
performed to protect the interests of third parties, such as investors and creditors, internal
audit seek for these objectives.
The aim of the study is to know the important of internal audit function in various
entities and department, the scope of work and responsibilities, the internal auditor
independents and objectivity, finally to investigate external auditor’s reliance on the work
of internal auditor.
2) The scope of work and responsibilities of internal auditor (wide and range of
internal audit function).
3) The internal auditor independents and objectivity.
3) Are the independence and objectivity are exists when auditor perform his work?
“Is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value
and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its
objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve
the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. Internal
auditors report directly to board of directors not to management.”(COSO, 1992)
The degree by which the external auditors trust and believe that the work was made by
internal auditor is on the right way and all information in the internal auditor report is
represented fairly.
- Audit committees:
Are a selected number of members of a company’s board of directors whose
responsibilities include helping auditors remain independent of management , Most of the
Audit committees are made up of (3-5), or sometimes seven members. Director who are
not a party of company management.
Abbreviations:
The following abbreviations are used in the study:
Study of Herman son et al., (2003) found that Audit committees are
expected to provide oversight over the financial reporting process,
including the internal control system and the work of the internal and
external auditors[7]
The study of Bou-Raad (2000) noted that the focus of the internal audit
function has shifted from one of assurance to that of value added and
attempts to move the profession toward a standard-driven approach
with a heightened identity [2].
The study of Goodwin, J., & Yeo, T. Y. (2001) that aims to examine
factors that may influence the independence and objectivity of internal
audit which found a strong relationship between the audit committee
and the internal audit function was found, with the level of interaction
being greater when the audit committee was comprised solely of
independent directors[6] .
Mutchler, (2003) the aims of this study are to identify and determine the
characteristics that enhance independence and objectivity. This study found that
there are many characteristics that enhance independence and objectivity and are
relevant to internal audit profession such that: Integrity, Competence, Due care [12].
2.4 The reliance of external auditor on the work of internal auditor:
Munro, L., & Stewart, J. (2010) find that External auditors make
greater use of internal auditors as assistants for substantive testing
when internal audit is provided in-house. Overall, external auditors use
internal audit more for control evaluation tasks than for substantive
testing [3].
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
In this study, we will understand the scope and responsibility of internal audit function
and its important, and roles in (G.P, R.M, I.C), and finally its relationship with external
auditor (The reliance of external auditor on the work of internal auditor), our main
purpose of the study is a descriptive.
In order to answer the questions of this study, and to meet the objectives for which this
study was conducted, the questionnaire survey form will be the main instrument to elicit
data and information for analysis, and to form the discussion and conclusion of the study.
, and other different resources from E-books to journals, and data basis for example:
Ebsco, Springer-store will be the second recourses to collect information.
The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used for data entry and
statistical analysis.
Through this study we mainly focus on our research on different books related to
auditing sector but basically we focus on Internal auditing: assurance and consulting
services USA: IIA Research Foundation.
In order to answer the questions of this study, and to meet the objectives for which this
study was conducted, the questionnaire was sent either manually or via email to 5 sample
members. 75% responses were received. All responses were received from west banks
especially in Ramallah as shown in the table below.
Those sample members include: banks, Financial institute, audit farms, Governmental
sector, Non-for profit organization.
% of responses 75%
% of not responses 25%
1- General information:
This part concern to gather general information about the respondents. For
example, the nature of their works, the educational degree they may have, the
profession certificates (If they have), other things related to internal audit function.
2- Scope and responsibilities of internal auditor:
This part aimed to obtain some understanding of internal audit function through
having relevant information about the internal auditor’s responsibilities and scope
of activities.
3- Independence and objectivity of internal auditor:
This part aimed to test whether the internal auditors in Palestinian company
maintain a high level of objectivity and Independence in their works.
4- External auditor’s reliance on the work of internal auditor:
This part based on the ranking of 6 items related to the work of the internal
auditors and the effects of these items on the relationship between internal and
external auditors.
CHAPTER FOUR: THEORY
The internal audit function and its related subject based mainly on the standard setting
mainly by the institute of internal audit (IIA), these standards helps us to understand
the nature of internal auditor and its qualities, and the nature of internal audit function,
and may help us to know the degree to which an external auditor reliable and reliance on
the internal auditor reports.
These standards help us to understand the nature of internal auditor and internal audit
function qualities divided between Attribute and Performance Standards.
Implementation Standards are also provided to expand upon the Attribute and
Performance standards, by providing the requirements applicable to assurance (A) or
consulting (C) activities.
The relationship of auditing to accounting is close but their natures are different, they
are business association, not parent and child. Accounting includes the collection,
classification, and the summarization, and communication of financial data. The task of
accounting is to reduce a tremendous mass of detail information to manageable and
understandable proportions. Auditing doesn’t have the task of measuring or
communications the business events and their condition it is task is to review the
measurements and communications of accounting property .auditing is analytical, not
constructive, it is critical not investigation , concerned with the basis for accounting
measurement and assertions.
In 1978, The IIA issued the standard for professional practice of internal auditing (the
1978 standards), these standards include five general. And 25 specific guidance’s for how
internal audit function should be managed and how audit engagement should performed.
The 1978 standards remaining relatively unchanged for the next 20 years. However the
IIA provide a large amount of additional guidance to facilitate the interpretation of these
standard, these includes:
Research studies.
Position papers.
Professional standards practice releases providing responses to frequency asked
questions.
Guidelines that accompanied the 1978 standards.
On found in the statement of responsibilities and a new structure for providing relevant
and timely guidance .the proposed definition and structure were approved in 1999, in
2000 the code of ethics was revision ,and in 2002 the completion of the international
standard for the professional practice of internal auditing (standards).
Mandatory Guidance:
Is required and essential for the professional practice of internal auditing. The mandatory
elements of the IPPF are:
Core principle:
Demonstrates integrity.
Demonstrates competence and due professional care.
Is objective and free from undue influence (independent).
Aligns with the strategies, objectives, and risks of the organization.
Is appropriately positioned and adequately resourced.
Demonstrates quality and continuous improvement.
Communicates effectively.
Provides risk-based assurance.
Is insightful, proactive, and future-focused.
Promotes organizational improvement.
The Definition of Internal Auditing: states the fundamental purpose, nature, and scope of
internal auditing.
Internal auditing: is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity
designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization
accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and
improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
Code of ethics: The purpose of The Institute's Code of Ethics is to promote an ethical
culture in the profession of internal auditing.
1. Integrity
The integrity of internal auditors establishes trust and thus provides the basis for
reliance on their judgment.
2. Objectivity
Internal auditors exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering,
evaluating, and communicating information about the activity or process being
examined. Internal auditors make a balanced assessment of all the relevant
circumstances and are not unduly influenced by their own interests or by others in
forming judgments.
3. Confidentiality
Internal auditors respect the value and ownership of information they receive and do
not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or
professional obligation to do so.
4. Competency
Internal auditors apply the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in the
performance of internal audit services.
Performance Standards 2000 – Managing the Internal Audit Activity The chief
audit executive must effectively manage the internal audit activity to ensure it adds
value to the organization.(these standards are related to the internal audit function
and it is important)
1 ) 2000 – Managing the Internal Audit Activity: The chief audit executive must
effectively manage the internal audit activity to ensure it adds value to the organization.
2) 2100 – Nature of Work: The internal audit activity must evaluate and contribute
to the improvement of the organization’s governance, risk management, and control
processes using a systematic, disciplined, and risk-based approach.
3) 2200 – Engagement Planning: internal auditors must develop and document a plan
for each engagement, including the engagement’s objectives, scope, timing, and resource
allocations. The plan must consider the organization’s strategies, objectives, and risks
relevant to the engagement.
6) 2500 – Monitoring Progress: The chief audit executive must establish and maintain a
system to monitor the disposition of results communicated to management.
1. 2500. A1-The chief audit executive must establish a follow-up process to monitor
and ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented or that
senior management has accepted the risk of not taking action.
2. 2500. C1- The internal audit activity must monitor the disposition of results of
consulting engagements to the extent agreed upon with the client.
The U.S. GAO: issued standards for governmental audit known 1as government
auditing standards (yellow book).
The PCAOB AND AICPA: issue standers for audits of companies’ financial
statements in the U.S.A.
IFAC: issues international audit standards adopt by numbers of country.
1
*www.theiia.com .
Recommended Guidance:
Recommended guidance is endorsed by The IIA through a formal approval process. It
describes practices for effective implementation of The IIA's Mandatory Guidance:( Core
Principles, Definition of Internal Auditing, Code of Ethics, and Standards), These
recommended elements of the IPPF are:
BOOKS:
1) Reding , Kurt f.. Sobel , Paul J.. Anderson ,Urton L.. Head , Michael J.. Ramamoorti , Sridhar . , Salamasick.
Riddle ,Cris. (2012). internal auditing: assurance and consulting services. USA: IIA Research Foundation.
2) Chapman, Christy. anderson, urton. (2002). Impementing the professional pracctice framework. floreda: The
institute of internal auditors.
3)Meigs, Walter b.. LARSEN, E.JOHN. MEIGS, ROBERT F.. (1977). Principles of auditing . ONTARIO -U.S.A:
Richard d. Irwin .
4) Hermanson, Roger h..Strawser, Jerry R..Strawser, Robert H.. (1993). Auditing theory and practice . BOSTON:
Irwin.
E-books:
1)NICHOLS, A. (2014). Front Matter. In A Guide to Effective Internal Management System Audits: Implementing
internal audits as a risk management tool (pp. 2-4). IT Governance Publishing. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7zsxp7.1.
2)Kagermann, Henning. Kinney, William .Küting, Karlheinz. Weber, Claus-Peter. (2008). Internal audit handbook.
GERMAN: Springer.(1).
3) committee of sponsoring organizations of the treadway commission, enterprise risk management – integrated
framework (jersey city ,NJ: American institute of certified public accountants,2004) p.16.
http://www.theiia.org/media/files/virtual-seminars/COSO_ERM_Integrated_Framework.pdf.
Article:
1)Bame-Aldred, C. W., Brandon, D. M., Messier Jr, W. F., Rittenberg, L. E., &Stefaniak, C. M. (2012). A summary
of research on external auditor reliance on the internal audit function. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory,
32(sp1), 251-286.
2)Bou-Raad, G. (2000). Internal auditors and a value-added approach: the new business regime. Managerial
Auditing Journal, 15(4), 182-187.
3) Munro, L., & Stewart, J. (2010). External auditors’ reliance on internal audit: the impact of sourcing
arrangements and consulting activities. Accounting & Finance, 50(2), 371-3870.
4)AbdulazizAlzeban , (2015) "Influence of audit committees on internal audit conformance with internal audit
standards", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 30 Iss: 6/7, pp.539 – 559.
5)Susan Hass, Mohammad J. Abdolmohammadi, Priscilla Burnaby, (2006) "The Americas literature review on
internal auditing", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 21 Issue: 8, pp.835-844
6) Goodwin, J., & Yeo, T. Y. (2001). Two factors affecting internal audit independence and objectivity: Evidence
from Singapore. International Journal of Auditing, 5(2), 107-125.
7) Hermanson, D.R., Rittenberg, L.E., 2003. Internal audit and organizational governance. In: Research
Opportunities in Internal Auditing. The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation: Altamonte Springs, FL
8)Anderson, U. (2003). Assurance and consulting services. Research Opportunities in Internal Auditing. Institute of
Internal Auditors Research Foundation. Altamonte Springs, FL.
9) Dominic S.B. Soh, NonnaMartinov‐Bennie, (2011) "The internal audit function: Perceptions of internal audit
roles, effectiveness and evaluation", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 26 Issue: 7, pp.605 622
11)Jenny Stewart, Nava Subramaniam, (2010) "Internal audit independence and objectivity: emerging research
opportunities", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 25 Issue: 4, pp.328-360 .
12) Mutchler, J. F. (2003). Independence and objectivity: a framework for research opportunities in internal
auditing. Research Opportunities in Internal Auditing, 231-268.
Journal:
1. Accounting & Finance.
Website:
1) www.theiia.com .
2) http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Lbid.
3) www.aicpa.org/cpyright.htm.
4) http://aaahq.org/.
5) http://www.fasb.org/home.
6) http://www.jstor.org/.
7) http://www.emeraldinsight.com.
8) http://library.birzeit.edu/library/index.html
9) http://www.pwc.com/us/en.html
10) https://home.kpmg.com/us/en/home.html
11) https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html
12) https://www.google.ps/webhp?hl=ar&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjk143l363SAhWsJ5oKHWygDlwQPAgD .
Databases:
(DATA RESOURCES):
- ebrary (e-Books) .
- Ebsco (e-Books).
- Springer (e-Books).