Right-Sizing Internal Audit - Benchmarking is Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Most Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) struggle with justifying the level of internal audit resources. When internal audit is viewed by stakeholders as a "cost center" this is an annual challenge justifying headcount and annual budgets, especially when the organization is in cost-cutting mode. Many in the profession advocate using benchmarking as a way to "right size" the internal audit function, but this can be a very slippery slope and is based on some faulty assumptions. A much better approach is to focus on the organizational risks and expectations of the board and senior management to develop a resource level commensurate with the risks and expectations. For complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/ Interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in internal audit, risk management, and compliance. Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com and http://www.meffordassociates.com