How does it feel to be a chief Audit Executive (CAE)?

How does it feel to be a Chief Audit Executive (CAE)?

We all know that Internal Auditors are perceived in so many cases as policemen. This misconception of Internal Auditors’ nature of work is, mainly, due to the auditors themselves.

Now here is the why; as internal auditors, we present ourselves, to take the extremely serious attitude, and this is a step one for other employees to perceive us negatively. Number two is how do we execute our work and interact with our auditees.

If a real positive perception is to be obtained, then we need to really think of change in approach; benefits beyond getting audited need to be communicated in a clear and easy to understand manner, not only to the key auditees but to all the personnel involved. In addition follow up of recommendations until completion and explaining to auditees the generated benefits post implementation is key to positively enhancing the image of internal audit.

Now, based on all the above, how does a CAE really feel? In most cases, he feels (different) compared to other chief executives, but why? Well, it is simple, they are non-executive, and because they don’t perform a routine daily job with a tangible and direct impact on main operations. Let us admit, we are still traditional in our thinking even though we are in the 21st century.

CAEs need to give the real value and importance to their role They will need to convince, that without Internal Audit, business is really at a high risk An mall-inclusive change in perception and approach of dealing with auditees will change, so basically it is us, CAEs, that must work towards a change in perception.