Chapter 6
Professionalism
Introduction
The internal auditor must be professional in the way work is planned and performed. This basic requirement involves a great deal of effort to ensure it is achieved and there are many sources of information that we can turn to for guidance in this respect. The ACCA argue that the term ‘profession’ suggests a grouping of people who have made a study of an area of knowledge or expertise and have achieved a level of competence in their chosen field.1
Internal audit is now a full-blown profession that features in most large organizations, throughout all sectors. This entails the use of competent staff, a respected role in the organization and robust quality assurance arrangements that underpin the defined services that are provided. Note that all references to IIA definitions, code of ethics, IIA attribute and performance standards, practice advisories and practice guides relate to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) prepared by the Institute of Internal Auditors in 2009. This chapter covers the following areas:
6.1 Audit Professionalism
6.2 Internal Auditing Standards
6.3 Due Professional Care
6.4 Professional Consulting Services
6.5 The Quality Concept
6.6 Supervision
6.7 Internal Review
6.8 External Reviews
6.9 Marketing the Audit Role
6.10 Creating the Audit Image
6.11 New Developments
Summary and Conclusions
Note that the IIA International Standards for the Professional Practices of Internal Auditing is used extensively ...
