The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Qatar Chapter has conducted virtual training sessions to equip its members with advanced skills in the changing business environment with experts drawn globally.

The chapter conducted four events in June and July with four more on the pipeline for August and September.

"Internal audit globally has proven its value in this crisis. Internal auditors are adapting to the needs of their organisations, often taking on nontraditional roles and exhibiting noteworthy flexibility in updating risk assessments and revising audit plans as part of pandemic responses," said Sundaresan Rajeswar, IIA Qatar board member who formulated and co-ordinated the knowledge sharing sessions.

The first session on 'Managing technology risks in these challenging times' was delivered by Elangovan Narasimhan, who is an international speaker on Information Systems Assurance, Data Analytics, Risk-based audit and Emerging technologies.

"As internal auditors, it is very crucial to understand the new norm and manage technology risks," he said, focusing on the changing trends, increasing technology risks due to Covid-19, cybersecurity tips and preparing technology audit checklists.

Shangon Ganesan from New Zealand presented the webinar on internal audit of the future.

"Internal auditors need to be able to think beyond traditional practices, especially in an environment of disruption. The vision is no longer what is in front, but what is far ahead," said Ganesan, who heads internal audit of the largest listed company on Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Vital Raj – a highly sought after management and assurance expert and trainer in the fields of IT governance, Information security and assurance, Risk management on business technology and strategies – talked on IT audit essentials for a post Covid world.

Larry Harrington, the past chairman of the IIA board and served as chief auditor of two Fortune 100 US companies, focused on how internal auditors can add value to organisations and the steps to take to transform the profession during this new decade.

Adel al-Hashmi, president of the IIA Qatar chapter, welcomed speakers and members who attended in large numbers.


Related Story