COURSE SUMMARY

Our Project Management for Auditors course offers auditors of all levels of experience the opportunity to explore project management concepts in the context of performing and leading audit engagements. The goal is to build consistency across the audit department and a common project management framework to apply to audit engagements going forward.

The content of this course can be tailored to your audit team’s specific needs and goals. For example, the agenda could be designed to incorporate specific project management software tools or to focus on specific areas of inefficiency or confusion.

While the course is highly customizable, an example agenda is to the right.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Summarize key project management concepts
    in the context of performing an audit.
  • Use a four-step process to effectively and
    efficiently manage audit engagements as projects.
  • Create a plan for proactive project management

COURSE INFORMATION

Delivery Methods Fields of Study
Group Live

Group Internet

 Auditing (6)

Personal Development (6)
CPE Credits Prerequisites
12 Credits  None
Level Advance Preparation
Basic None

COURSE OUTLINE

MODULE TITLE DURATION MIN
INTRODUCTION

This topic leads participants through the process of identifying current project management challenges and the potential adverse impact of subpar project management in auditing.

 25
PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOUNDATIONS

Providing an overview of key project management terms and methods, this section allows participants to put the content into the context of an audit via small group activities and discussions.

 75
PHASE 1:  DEFINE THE PROJECT

Using input from leaders at the firm, as well as group discussion during the session, this section will begin by defining “what done means” to eliminate any mismatch in expectations between engagement team leaders and audit staff and seniors. Participants will identify audit stakeholders and discuss techniques for holding a successful project management meetings in the context of an audit.

 75
PHASE 2:  PLAN THE PROJECT

This section will focus on the value of budgeting and scheduling, both on an individual engagement level, as well as across the team or department.  Participants will identify specific practices to ensure effective project management throughout the planning phase.

 100
PHASE 3:  MANAGE THE PROJECT

This section focuses on project management as the audit moves into fieldwork and through review and completion, including assigning tasks, using “agile sprints” to track progress, monitoring budget to actual, tracking project status , time blocking and dealing with the unexpected.

 100
PHASE 4: REVIEW THE PROJECT

Spotlighting the importance of reflecting on the successes and challenges of each audit engagement as quickly as possible after completing, this section
will include techniques for capturing forward-looking feedback and holding engagement team members accountable for implementing future changes to
respond to project management challenges. Also, participants will develop a post-project review checklist.

 25
SOLVING PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

Participants will identify issues and challenges in the current project management processes in place before using problem solving techniques to further define problems, identify root causes and brainstorm potential solutions.

 100
CLOSING

As a capstone to the training program, participants create a summary of a Customized Project Management Process, including defining key steps, responsibilities, and tools the team agrees to use moving forward.  This summary results in an action plan for participants that can be shared across the team after the session to implement techniques learned during the session.

 100
TOTAL 600