What is crucial for achieving the internal audit mission?

Collaboration and the availability of audited entities are essential for successfully achieving the internal audit mission. When audited entities are accessible and willing to engage in the process, it fosters an environment where information can be shared openly, leading to more effective audits. This availability ensures that auditors can ask questions, clarify any uncertainties, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the controls, processes, and risks within the organization.

Moreover, collaboration facilitates a dialogue between auditors and auditees, encouraging feedback and suggestions for improvements. The willingness of the audited entities to cooperate helps auditors gather the necessary evidence effectively, assess the effectiveness of controls, and ultimately deliver more valuable insights and recommendations. This cooperative approach enhances trust and transparency, which are vital components in the overall audit process.

In contrast, while the experience of the auditors can certainly contribute to the success of an audit, it is the synergy between auditors and the entities being audited that truly drives the audit mission forward. Extended timelines for audits may seem beneficial but they can complicate the process and may not directly improve the audit outcomes. Interference from audited entities generally undermines the integrity and objectivity of the audit, making collaboration the preferable choice for achieving the audit objectives.