An Examination of Internal Auditor Objectivity: In-House versus Outsourcing

2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunita S. Ahlawat ◽  
D. Jordan Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Big 4 ◽  
Client Advocacy

The internal audit function is evolving from its traditional oversight function to one that includes a wider spectrum of activities that add value to their organizations. In addition, economic pressures have forced many companies to consider outsourcing as an alternative. These ongoing changes have caused some concern regarding the potential lack of objectivity and independence for internal auditors. This exploratory study examines whether outsourcing of the internal audit function is susceptible to client advocacy vis-a`-vis in-house auditing, which itself may be sensitive to an employer advocacy Sixty-six practicing members of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) completed a case study involving a corporate acquisition scenario. Of the 66 participants, 35 were from corporations (in-house), while the remaining 31 were from the Big 4 accounting firms (outsource). Advocacy was manipulated by asking participants to assume the role of internal auditor for either the buyer or the seller of a target division. Result s indicate that significant advocacy existed in the judgments of both in-house and outsource internal auditors. However, the extent of advocacy was less severe in the case of outsource auditors.

scholarly journals Efektifitas Peran Internal Audit Dalam Mencegah Dan Mendeteksi Kecurangan

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yessy Aryanti Lestari ◽  
Yustrida Bernawati
Keyword(s):  
Internal Audit ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
And Gender

This study aims to explain the role of internal auditor effectiveness in preventing and detecting fraud. The significance costs incurred due to fraud encourages the importance of strategies to overcome. Internal auditors as one of the functions of an independent appraiser help the company to minimize the occurrence of fraud. Therefore, optimizing its role is necessary to consider in preventing and detecting fraud. This role encourages the entity to make the internal audit function more effective. Aspects considered in creating an effective internal audit role are competence, size, independence, activities, management support for internal audit, and gender of CAE.

Internal Audit and Fraud

2021 ◽  
pp. 216-229
Author(s):  
Safa Chemingui
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Fraud Triangle ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Third Dimension ◽  
The One

The purpose of this chapter is to study the role of the internal audit function in detecting and preventing fraud. First, this chapter will determine the notion and types of fraud on the one hand and the fraud triangle that companies face and that internal auditors try to detect and address on the other hand. Second, a description of the notion of internal audit will be provided, along with the specificities of this function at the heart of companies. The procedure of internal control and the fundamental principles leading to its effectiveness will be identified. In this regard, the authors analysed the profile of internal auditor. Therefore, an internal audit function with competent staff would generate a good system of internal control and is able to maintain the internal audit's ability to detect fraud. Finally, the role of the internal auditor in preventing fraud is analysed with reference to three dimensions: The first dimension is preemptive. The second dimension is social and ethical. The third dimension is the practical dimension.

Factors associated with security/cybersecurity audit by internal audit function

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Shariful Islam ◽  
Nusrat Farah ◽  
Thomas F. Stafford
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Enterprise Risk

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the factors associated with the extent of security/cybersecurity audit by the internal audit function (IAF) of the firm. Specifically, the authors focused on whether IAF/CAE (certified audit executive [CAE]) characteristics, board involvement related to governance, role of the audit committee (or equivalent) and the chief risk officer (CRO) and IAF tasked with enterprise risk management (ERM) are associated with the extent to which the firm engages in security/cybersecurity audit. Design/methodology/approach For analysis, the paper uses responses of 970 CAEs as compiled in the Common Body of Knowledge database (CBOK, 2015) developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF). Findings The results of the study suggest that the extent of security/cybersecurity audit by IAF is significantly and positively associated with IAF competence related to governance, risk and control. Board support regarding governance is also significant and positive. However, the Audit Committee (AC) or equivalent and the CRO role are not significant across the regions studied. Comprehensive risk assessment done by IAF and IAF quality have a significant and positive effect on security/cybersecurity audit. Unexpectedly, CAEs with security certification and IAFs tasked with ERM do not have a significant effect on security/cybersecurity audit; however, other certifications such as CISA or CPA have a marginal or mixed effect on the extent of security/cybersecurity audit. Originality/value This study is the first to describe IAF involvement in security/cybersecurity audit. It provides insights into the specific IAF/CAE characteristics and corporate governance characteristics that can lead IAF to contribute significantly to security/cybersecurity audit. The findings add to the results of prior studies on the IAF involvement in different IT-related aspects such as IT audit and XBRL implementation and on the role of the board and the audit committee (or its equivalent) in ERM and the detection and correction of security breaches.

Internal Auditing in India and China: Some Empirical Evidence and Issues for Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Narayanaswamy ◽  
K. Raghunandan ◽  
Dasaratha V. Rama
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Internal Auditing ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
India And China

Internal auditing is an important element in the corporate governance framework. Yet, research related to internal auditing, particularly in emerging economies like India and China, is sparse. We use data from responses provided by chief audit executives to provide empirical evidence about the extent of support for internal auditing and the determinants of such support in India and China, and compare the data with those from the United States. We find that such support is negatively related to pressure on internal auditors to suppress or alter their findings. We also provide descriptive evidence about the work and staffing of the internal audit function. We discuss the role of internal auditing in India and identify some possible avenues for future research.

External Auditor Evaluations of Outsourced Internal Auditors

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duane M. Brandon
Keyword(s):  
Internal Audit ◽  
Audit Fees ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Consulting Services ◽  
Significant Area ◽  
External Auditor ◽  
Nonaudit Services

SUMMARY: In the last decade internal auditing services has been a significant area of growth for public accounting firms. Unlike the provision of external audits, the provision of outsourced internal audit services does not prohibit accounting firms from providing the client with additional services. This study investigates some implications of an outsourced internal auditor providing nonaudit services. Specifically, 89 experienced external auditors completed an experiment to investigate whether external auditors will evaluate and rely on an outsourced internal auditor’s work differently when the internal auditor also provides nonaudit services. Results indicate that evaluations of the outsourced internal auditors’ objectivity were negatively affected by the provision of nonaudit services. Further, the differences in objectivity perceptions are tempered by the use of different personnel to provide consulting services. Competence perceptions were not affected. Results also indicate that external auditor reliance on internal audit and suggested audit fees are affected. However, these results do not appear to be tempered by audit and nonaudit staffing decisions.

scholarly journals PERAN AUDITOR INTERNAL DALAM MEWUJUDKAN KEPATUHAN ORGANISASI PERANGKAT DAERAH (OPD) DI BIDANG PENATAUSAHAAN KEUANGAN PADA KANTOR INSPEKTORAT KABUPATEN MINAHASA UTARA

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 527
Author(s):  
Andini Anjali ◽  
Jenny Morasa ◽  
Stanley Kho Walandouw
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
The Government ◽  
Financial Administration ◽  
Monitoring Performance

The role of internal audit in this case is that government internal auditors play an important role in the government system, namely as a supervisory function where the internal auditors are given the responsibility of examining, evaluating and carrying out the supervisory function. This study aims to determine the role of the Inspectorate as an internal government auditor in realizing the compliance of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) in the field of financial administration. Data collection techniques using interviews and documentation. Based on the research results, it is known that the Inspectorate of North Minahasa Regency as the government's internal auditor has a very important role in supervising the financial administration sector. This is evidenced by the implementation of the supervisory function in internal audit, namely planning the supervision program, formulating policies and monitoring facilities as well as examining, investigating, testing and evaluating the supervisory duties as well as monitoring performance and finance by the Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD) in North Minahasa Regency. Apart from overseeing and examining the government internal auditors also play a role in detecting fraud.

scholarly journals MODEL PENGUKURAN KUALITAS AUDIT INTERNAL

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Ida Rosnidah
Keyword(s):  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Private Companies ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
State Enterprises

Internal auditor’s independence is sometimes in doubt. This makes sense because the internal auditor is an integrated part of the organization. As a part of the organization, the internal auditor has a role to audited financial statements, give some suggestions and recommendations that can be used as the basis for making some decisions in the future. The lower of internal auditor’s independence has an impact audit quality, that can make the role of internal auditor degrade. So, the quality of internal auditor still becomes an important issue until  now. The purpose of this study is to establish a measurement model of internal audit quality based on the influencing factors not only independence, but also competence, professionalism and motivation. This study uses primary data by distributing questionnaires spread to 60 internal auditors who work  in  inspectorate, private companies, state enterprises (BUMN) and local government enterprises (BUMD) in Cirebon District and Municipalities. Data analysis method used is single stage multivariate model among variables/pathway analysis. The results show that the competence, independence, professionalism and motivation affect the quality of internal audit either partially or simultaneously, and competence contributes the most to the quality of the internal audit. Thus, this research model can be used to measure the quality of internal audit.

THE EFFECT BETWEEN COORDINATION AND COOPERATION IN INTERNAL AUDITOR WITH EXTERNAL AUDITORS TO AN EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL AUDIT: CASE STUDY ON A ROLE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
hendra poltak
Keyword(s):  
Internal Audit ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Pls Analysis ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Audit Effectiveness

The internal audit ineffectiveness is marked by the weakness of financial accountability. This research aimed to examine and provide determinants of the internal audit effectiveness at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The research sample consisted of 31 inter-nal auditors and 31 KKP employees. This research belongs to the explanatory research. The re- search questionnaire data to test hypotheses were analyzed with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis tool. The results showed that the coordination and cooperation of internal auditors with external auditors had a positive effect on the effectiveness of internal audits. In addition, man-agement support was able to moderate the coordination and cooperation of internal auditors with external auditors on the effectiveness of internal audits. This finding can open the horizons of interested parties, especially KKP leaders to consider policies that can improve the effectiveness of internal audits to improve organizational objectives and performance.

The Role of the Internal Audit Function in the Disclosure of Material Weaknesses

2011 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 287-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Lin ◽  
Mina Pizzini ◽  
Mark Vargus ◽  
Indranil R. Bardhan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Section 404 ◽  
Material Weakness ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Sarbanes Oxley ◽  
Material Weaknesses ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the role that a firm’s internal audit function (IAF) plays in the disclosure of material weaknesses reported under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (U.S. Congress 2002). Using data from 214 firms, we examine the relation between material weakness (MW) disclosures and various IAF attributes and activities. Our results indicate that MW disclosures are negatively associated with the education level of the IAF and the extent to which the IAF incorporates quality assurance techniques into fieldwork, audits activities related to financial reporting, and monitors the remediation of previously identified control problems. The timing of Section 404 work and the nature of follow-up monitoring suggests that these aspects of IAF quality help prevent MWs from occurring. We find that MW disclosures are positively associated with the IAF practice of grading audit engagements and external-internal auditor coordination, suggesting that these activities increase the effectiveness of Section 404 compliance processes.

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