WHY CONFORMANCE MATTERS
Meeting Internal Audit Standards Key to Providing True Assurance
Introduction
Internal auditing is conducted in diverse legal and cultural environments for organizations that vary in purpose, size, complexity, and structure, and by persons within or outside the organization. Yet, no matter the environment, internal auditing is a critical component of effective governance and organizational success.
To best serve the organization and inspire stakeholder confidence, internal audit must
operate at the highest level of ethical and professional competencies to ensure consistent and accuratedeliveryof risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight. Internal audit is most effective when its resource level,
competence, and structure are aligned with organizational strategy, and when it follows the International Professional Practices Framework(IPPF) promulgated by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)1.