Audit Committees showing high level of interest in innovation and transformation activities of the Internal Audit function
Dubai, UAE: According to Protiviti’s 2021 Next-Generation Internal Audit Survey, most of the chief audit executives (CAEs) and senior internal audit leaders surveyed reported that their teams are still in the early stages of, or have yet to embark on, their next-gen internal audit journeys. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation initiatives across organizations, including internal audit (IA). In the Middle East, the potential to transform and initiate growth in IA is immense, though the initiatives are at a nascent stage.
The survey shows that 73% of the internal audit groups in the Middle East are contemplating deeper focus on innovation and transformation initiatives.
“COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for internal audit groups to adopt technologies and upskill to become strategic partners and advisors to their C-suites, boards and audit committees. This warrants IA functions to add talent with technology skills, which can work in tandem with the traditional accounting and auditing skill set,” said Sanjay Rajagopalan, Managing Director, Protiviti Member Firm for the Middle East Region.
The survey also finds that one of the key accelerators to adoption of the Next Gen IA initiatives will be the interest level of and increasing questions from the Audit Committees.
In the Middle East, 58% of the Audit Committees have shown medium to high level of interest in understanding the transformation and innovation activities undertaken by IA groups. Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM) is among the strong initiatives undertaken by the IA groups in the region. However, the survey shows that currently, only 10% of the respondents in the region identified their internal audit departments as ‘digital leaders’ as against 14% of global respondents.
It indicates that in the Middle East, less than 30% of the organizations have a formal structure to foster innovation and transformation as against the global result of 41%.
This can be gauged from the outcome of a question on the maturity level for a variety of NextGen IA capabilities. Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, process mining and automation have shown the lowest maturity.
“IA leadership will have to formalize the innovation and transformation agenda and reward team members who go an extra mile to innovate or transform the way they are functioning and add more value to business,” Sanjay added.
The report includes benchmarking results derived from more than 60 questions and discusses recommended steps for a roadmap to a next-gen audit function. It is available for complimentary download here in addition to an infographic that highlights key findings.
For further information please contact, Lisa George, Iris Public Relations, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +97144341207. E-mail: Lisa@irispr.net. Website: http://www.irispr.net
About Protiviti:
Protiviti is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and our independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit through our network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries.
Named to the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, Protiviti has served more than 60 percent of Fortune 1000 and 35 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.
