The ABCs of Audit Planning for Government Professionals

Offered by the Oxford Institute of Education and Training, this course is designed to provide government professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to plan effective audits. Participants will learn the essential steps of audit planning, including risk assessment, scope definition, resource allocation, and timeline development. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, attendees will gain the expertise to design structured audit plans that address organizational priorities, improve efficiency, and enhance accountability in public sector operations.

Target Audience

Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the core principles and importance of audit planning in the public sector.
Conduct thorough risk assessments to prioritize audit focus areas.
Define clear audit objectives, scope, and deliverables.
Allocate resources and develop realistic timelines for audits.
Integrate international auditing standards into the planning process.
Create audit plans that align with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
Target Group
This course is ideal for:

Public sector auditors at entry and intermediate levels.
Compliance and risk management officers responsible for oversight.
Managers involved in audit planning and implementation.
Professionals transitioning into roles that involve audit planning.

Course Outline

Introduction to Audit Planning

  • Purpose and importance of audit planning in government operations.
  • Key components of an effective audit plan.
  • The role of audit planning in ensuring accountability and transparency.

Risk Assessment and Prioritization

  • Identifying risks in public sector operations.
  • Evaluating the likelihood and impact of risks.
  • Creating risk matrices to focus audit efforts on high-priority areas.

Defining Audit Objectives and Scope

  • Setting clear and measurable audit objectives.
  • Determining the scope to address organizational priorities.
  • Aligning audit objectives with stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

Resource Allocation and Timeline Development

  • Estimating and allocating resources effectively.
  • Developing realistic timelines for audit activities.
  • Balancing multiple audits and competing priorities.

Integrating International Standards and Best Practices

  • Overview of relevant international standards (e.g., INTOSAI, ISA).
  • Ensuring compliance with government policies and procedures.
  • Incorporating best practices into the audit planning process.

Monitoring and Adjusting Audit Plans

  • Strategies for adapting plans to changes and unforeseen challenges.
  • Maintaining flexibility while ensuring audit objectives are met.
  • Monitoring progress and evaluating plan effectiveness.

Case Studies and Practical Exercises

  • Real-world scenarios to apply audit planning techniques.
  • Hands-on activities to develop and refine audit plans.
  • Group discussions on challenges and solutions in public sector audit planning.

Enhanced Practical Experience:
Participants will engage in interactive sessions, including drafting comprehensive audit plans for simulated government scenarios. Exercises will focus on risk assessment, resource allocation, and timeline creation. Case studies will highlight successful audit planning practices in public entities, providing insights into overcoming common challenges and ensuring plans align with organizational priorities. Collaborative activities will allow participants to refine their approaches and learn from peers.

Available Dates

Register for the Course

Course Date

#Date
March 3, 2025
May 5, 2025
July 7, 2025
September 1, 2025
December 1, 2025

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