Senior internal auditors based in Qatar attended a seminar organised by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and KPMG at the Marriot Hotel here recently. Entitled “COSO — the journey beyond,” the three-day seminar gathered world-class resource speakers and trainers who provided “key information, examples and updates on the 2013 COSO framework and the changes that have taken place since COSO was introduced as an internal control framework.” IIA president Hassan al-Mulla formally opened the seminar and elaborated on the changing trends in risk management and controls due to globalisation. Al-Mulla also provided participants a preview of events on the upcoming “National Internal Audit Conference,” which will be held on May this year. KPMG Qatar risk consulting partner Issa Habash delivered the seminar topic. Habash said: “While internal auditors play a key role in the system of control, management has responsibility for internal control.” IIA board member Sundaresan Rajeswar said: “The 2013 COSO Framework can be practically implemented and adapted by organisations and will be useful when auditors are required to provide assurance on adequacy of organisational controls.” Aside from discussing the COSO framework and effective internal controls, Habash also stressed on the following topics: establishing a common business risk language; establishment of a risk-sensitive culture; incorporating strategic business objectives into the risk management process; and providing a flexible approach to evaluating or designing business risk controls. IIA board members Adel al-Hashmi, Sundaresan Rajeswar, Girish Jain, Chris Adonis, Don Felix, and Muralikrishna were also present. Picture shows KPMG Qatar risk consulting partner Issa Habash, who was the main speaker at the conference, with IIA members during the seminar.