CBOK - Stakeholders\\\\\\\' Advice to the Chief Audit Executive

The internal audit department is an essential part of a successful organization, and the chief audit executive (CAE) has a critical role in leading that function. As internal audit becomes more visible and more essential to an organization, so does the demand for effective CAEs—audit leaders who drive high-performing teams and deliver value by consistently addressing stakeholder needs, top-down risks, and the expectations of an evolving marketplace. Boards and executive management expect CAEs to bring innovation, strategic thinking, leadership, and expertise to the internal audit function—inspiring strong and effective internal audit departments. However, while CAEs are expected to have all of these qualities, there may be room for improvement.

What advice does senior leadership have for their CAE to help them improve, continue to grow, and better serve the organization and its stakeholders? The results of the 2015 Global Internal Audit Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) Stakeholder Study—specifically, the results from the questions asked of executives and board members who work closely with internal auditors—reveal four key messages for the CAE on how they can perform better in their roles, lead high-performing internal audit teams, and positively impact their organizations. The points of advice from stakeholders to CAEs: 

• Exhibit strong business acumen, including knowledge of the industry, the ability to understand business strategy, and the insight to understand and assess risks.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, technical competence, innovation, and relational competence with audit staff and stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities, demands, and conflicts within the organization, including communication with all areas of the organization with objectivity and integrity.
• Seek to influence the culture of the organization. Modeling right behavior and thinking, inspiring discussion, and acting as a change agent is crucial to helping improve organizational culture.