Internal auditors spend weeks performing an audit, but in the end, others only see the audit report. It is time to rethink the format you have been using.

Are you including meaningful content, visuals, and an overall theme? The last thing we want to hear is that the report was boring. In this presentation, we will tear apart common report templates and make these better!

Learning Objectives
  • Explore a better report structure.
  • Identify ways to write better issues.
  • Recognize best practices in the use of visuals.
Last updated/reviewed: August 25, 2023
25 Reviews (49 ratings)

Reviews

4
Anonymous Author
Well run with clear materials. Many slides could be updated or reviewed for grammar and detail that may be inaccurate. The points, however, were clear and valid. One item that I would like to bring up is the comment about issues that may be a "little wrong" and it disturbs me because this is not only subjective, but as auditors it is our role to ensure that the readers of the financial report understand the significance. If it has "high" risk or leaves out many of the issues because we don't want to "overburden" management, this is a significant concern to the structure, integrity and timeliness of reporting. If we have 20 issues, but leave some out or essentially disregard the cumulative effect of some of the issues, we promote inefficiencies in addressing where management is failing. I've seen major private and public entities and banks, where this was their mindset, which basically means they keep on incompetent people and look for those who are "positive" in light of a storm. I do think your points are valid, but not as balanced to emphasize the fact that as auditors we must remain independent.

5
Anonymous Author
A fresh and insightful look at audit reporting that is designed to improve report effectiveness. The presenter offers some great strategies, which focus on conveying audit information constructively in a format that holds the reader's attention. Practical content that can be used daily.

5
Member's Profile
Good course. Report writing is never easy. Everyone has their own style of writing. This mentions some good facts for auditors to remember. One key item I picked up from this course was that we should also include praise the good work done by management as well - it's part of the standards.

5
Member's Profile
Great presentation! I liked the manner in which the information was presented because it was clear and straight to the point. I was engaged the entire time, never bored, and overall, I learned something new that I can use in my current role as an auditor with the government.

5
Anonymous Author
The course gave me an open view that audit reports do not have to be standardized or generic which at the end of the day makes the reports boring or too wordy. As long as you follow the IIA guidance, you can make the report more enticing for the reader.

4
Anonymous Author
The course provided a fresh look at writing an audit report. I liked the emphasis on conciseness and use of visuals in the report. The section on using language to diffuse tension is also very useful for compliance audits.

5
Member's Profile
I was surprised that the course taught that graphics should be included in audit reports. In my organization, we do not use graphics in audit reports. I agree that graphics could be helpful in showing/telling the story.

5
Anonymous Author
The course was great. I liked the presentation entirely. The instructor was giving excellent examples of what to use and what not do use when writing a report.

5
Member's Profile
I am very happy to take this course to meet my CPE requirement. The instructions, material, quiz and exam were all easy to follow. Highly recommended.

5
Anonymous Author
To include satisfactory performance in engagement; the seven second attention catch was new to me. I liked the lost standard.

5
Member's Profile
It states that this course is 1 hour and provides 1 CPE. Although it is a very good course, the Course is over 1 hour.

3
Member's Profile
I thought the training was beneficial. It is always helpful to learn other ways to write an effective audit report.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent soft voiced Professional Presentation with adequate coverage. Thanking you for your excellent services

5
Anonymous Author
the course is good it is straight to the point on how to write and include visuals very good course

5
Member's Profile
a ton of thoughtful ideas, templates, and an experienced, knowledgeable trainer--enjoyed the course

4
Member's Profile
It is not so much of the course that I dislike, but navigation through the links were difficult.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course. Good outline of best practices and current fresh approach to report writing.

5
Anonymous Author
The Create a More Engaging Audit Report course was beneficial to my area of work. .

5
Member's Profile
liked example reports to go with presentation and presenter was clear and engaging

5
Member's Profile
The instructor was very engaging, easy to understand and concise in his message.

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed learning about what is needed to make a better informative report.

5
Member's Profile
Good training. Refreshed my mind. The course flowed very well.

5
Anonymous Author
Mr. DeRoche was very clear and concise, and gave many examples.

5
Anonymous Author
It is a very well organized, thorough and detailed class.

5
Anonymous Author
Highly effective examples incorporated into the course.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Create a More Engaging Audit Report3:24
  Structure the Report12:42
  Write Better Issues14:04
  Audit Report Template5:43
  Indulge Language to Diffuse Tension4:19
  Demonstrate Best Practices8:36
  Session Recap0:52
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  Creating a More Engaging Audit49:36
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: Create a More Engaging Audit ReportPDF
  Create a More Engaging Audit Report Glossary/ IndexPDF
  Evaluate Your Writing StylePDF
  Audit ReportsPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam