Level IV focuses on building upon an auditor’s basic supervisory experience, and digs deeper into improving people and multi-project management. This course will teach the non-technical skills necessary to improving the firm’s profitability and ability to deliver high-quality and value-added client service.

• Value-added management letter comments: Identifying potential value-added management letter comments, having the right attitude about communicating improvement opportunities, drafting comments that will more likely be embraced by the client, and delivering comments in a positive manner
• Client and engagement management: Effectively budgeting and scheduling engagements, making sure the client is ready, and improving the workpaper review process
• Coaching staff to stay on the right track : Styles of coaching, tips for having difficult conversations, and effectively counseling, mentoring and motivating staff, including giving constructive feedback and handling different team personalities
• The art of discipline and getting things done : Analyzing why we often don’t accomplish what we set out to do, practical ways to fill the discipline gap, proven techniques for better project and personal time management, including using creativity techniques to overcome barriers to success
• Internal controls: Enhancing understanding of the modern history of internal controls, including highlights of the COSO Integrated Framework, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, COSO guidance from smaller companies, the new Risk Assessment SASs, and reporting internal control matters noted during the audit. A focus will be placed on identifying and evaluating control environment and company-level controls that are the foundation for a strong overall system of internal controls, as well as properly determining the nature and timing of tests of operating effectiveness.
• Analytical procedures: Impact of the new Risk Assessment SASs on the use of substantive analytical procedures on an audit, and a reinforcement of properly selecting appropriate procedures, strengthening analytical tests, improving expectations, and resolving differences

Prerequisites: Experience supervising basic audit engagements with one or more staff.

Advance Prep: Calculator

Designed For: Professionals with 3-5 years audit experience

Course Level: Intermediate

Field of study: Auditing (6), Communications (7), and Business Management & Organization (3)