Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Audit Leadership and Managing the Audit Function

Leading an internal audit function requires management, influence and strategic skills beyond technical auditing. This course covers audit leadership: building and developing the team, managing the audit plan and resources, quality and methodology, stakeholder relationships, technology, budgets and positioning the function for value.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The leadership of the audit function determines its credibility and impact. You will learn practices of successful chief audit executives.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Leadership case studies, team and resource planning exercises, stakeholder role plays and peer discussions.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Lead and develop an internal audit team
Manage plans, resources and budgets
Maintain quality and methodology
Build relationships with executives and committees
Use technology to improve audit
Position the function for strategic value

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Heads of internal audit
Audit directors and managers
Aspiring chief audit executives
Audit committee members
Senior auditors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Team leadership
Resource management
Quality management
Stakeholder influence
Strategic positioning

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Audit Leadership

09:00–10:08Role of the chief audit executive
10:08–11:00Leadership challenges
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Leadership challenges (continued)
11:45–12:53Self-assessment
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2The Team

09:00–10:08Skills and structure
10:08–11:00Recruitment and development
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Recruitment and development (continued)
11:45–12:53Performance
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Managing Delivery

09:00–10:08Plan management
10:08–11:00Resources and budgets
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Resources and budgets (continued)
11:45–12:53Quality
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Stakeholders

09:00–10:08Executives and committees
10:08–11:00Influence
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Influence (continued)
11:45–12:53Difficult situations
12:53–14:00Role play

Day 5Strategic Value

09:00–10:08Technology and innovation
10:08–11:00Value metrics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Value metrics (continued)
11:45–12:53Strategy
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.