Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Internal Audit for Small Audit Functions

Small audit teams must cover broad risks with limited people and budgets. This course helps small internal audit functions maximise impact: prioritising risks, efficient audit methods, co-sourcing, using analytics and technology, meeting standards proportionately and building credibility.

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.

Small teams cannot do everything, so they must choose wisely. You will learn practical ways to deliver strong assurance with limited resources.

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.

Planning exercises, case studies of small functions, peer discussion and toolkits.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Prioritise audit coverage with limited resources
Use efficient audit methods
Decide when to co-source or outsource
Leverage analytics and simple tools
Meet professional standards proportionately
Build credibility with management and committees

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Heads of small audit functions
Sole internal auditors
Audit managers in small organisations
Audit committee members
Finance managers with audit duties

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Prioritisation
Efficiency
Resourcing decisions
Analytics
Stakeholder management

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Small Function Challenges

09:00–10:08Coverage and independence
10:08–11:00Expectations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Expectations (continued)
11:45–12:53Self-assessment
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Prioritisation

09:00–10:08Risk-based planning
10:08–11:00Rotation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Rotation (continued)
11:45–12:53Limited reviews
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Efficiency

09:00–10:08Lean audit methods
10:08–11:00Templates
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Templates (continued)
11:45–12:53Analytics
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Resourcing

09:00–10:08Co-sourcing
10:08–11:00Guest auditors
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Guest auditors (continued)
11:45–12:53Skills development
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Standards and Credibility

09:00–10:08Proportionate compliance
10:08–11:00Quality
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Quality (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting
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.

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