May 2026

internalauditcollective.com · Curated 3 months ago

The WOW Factor: Essential Skills for Internal Audit to Prove Its Value

This article explores the "WOW Factor" in internal audit, highlighting the critical soft skills that enable auditors to stand out, prove their value, and advance their careers. Based on insights from CAEs Robert Taft and Agnessa Vartanova, it emphasizes the importance of relationship building, critical thinking, communication, and curiosity over purely technical skills, even in the age of AI. The piece offers practical advice on asking strategic questions, crafting impactful reports, and judiciously using AI to enhance credibility and stakeholder engagement.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

internalauditcollective.com · Curated 3 months ago

Key Themes from Q1 2026 External Auditor Feedback Share Roundtables

The Internal Audit Collective hosted quarterly roundtables for members to share insights and challenges regarding their external auditors (Big Four firms). This article summarizes key themes from the Q1 2026 sessions, highlighting common focus areas, methodology changes, and emerging issues perceived by internal audit and SOX teams. The goal is to foster better communication and collaboration between internal and external audit functions.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

internalauditcollective.com · Curated 3 months ago

20 Questions on AI in SOX: Reliance, Data Privacy, Integration, and Tool Comparison

This article addresses 20 common questions internal audit and SOX teams have regarding the integration of AI into their processes, highlighting a significant gap between confidence in AI's potential and actual implementation. It covers critical areas such as external auditor reliance, data privacy concerns, integration with existing SOX platforms, and practical advice on comparing and utilizing different AI tools. The insights are drawn from a webinar and working group discussions by the Internal Audit Collective, aiming to demystify AI adoption for audit professionals.

News & Blogs · North America Read more

internalauditcollective.com · Curated 3 months ago

Becoming a Triple-Threat Auditor: Key IT Audit Questions Answered

This article addresses critical IT audit questions, emphasizing the need for internal auditors to become "triple-threats" by integrating analytics, AI, and IT audit skills with traditional acumen. It covers topics from improving IT risk assessments and auditing cloud transitions to validating automated controls and identifying essential next-generation IT audit skills. The piece highlights the urgency of these skills given the rapid proliferation of AI and its associated risks.

News & Blogs · North America Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Apr 6, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Receives Appreciation from National Bank of Ukraine's Internal Audit Team

Dr. Rainer Lenz shares positive feedback from the Internal Audit Team at the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) regarding his co-authored 2025 book. This highlights the importance of professional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global internal audit community, especially in fostering connections and supporting audit functions in challenging environments.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 31, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

The Gardener of Governance: Redefining Internal Audit's Role for Future Relevance

This interview with Dr. Rainer Lenz, Chief Internal Auditor and thought leader, explores the evolving identity of internal audit, advocating for a shift from a "policing" role to a collaborative "Gardener of Governance." It challenges traditional notions of objectivity and independence, emphasizing empathy, human intelligence, and a focus on nurturing organizational health to prevent governance failures and ensure long-term relevance.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 27, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

University of Pretoria Announces 2026 Gardener of Governance™ Award Winners for Internal Audit Excellence

The University of Pretoria's annual Gardener of Governance™ Award recognizes outstanding internal audit research and practice. This year's winners, Elzandie van Zyl and Zanri Hanekom, highlight the critical role of internal audit in fostering strong corporate governance through stakeholder engagement, trust, transparency, and continuous improvement. Their work underscores internal audit's function as a "gardener" nurturing organizational health and sustainability, a concept vital for audit professionals seeking to elevate their strategic impact.

News & Blogs · Sub-Saharan Africa Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 21, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

Integrated Assurance: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

This article highlights the persistent challenge of implementing truly holistic Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Integrated Assurance models within organizations. It announces an upcoming conference presentation and a university research initiative aimed at exploring the obstacles and opportunities in translating integrated assurance concepts into practical application. For audit and assurance professionals, this underscores the ongoing need to develop and adopt more effective strategies for integrated assurance to enhance organizational oversight and value.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 18, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

Dr. Rainer Lenz Announces Global Speaking Engagements on Internal Audit and Governance

Dr. Rainer Lenz has released his upcoming speaking schedule, featuring presentations across Europe, Africa, and a global virtual conference. These engagements cover critical topics for internal audit and assurance professionals, including integrated assurance, AI's role in internal audit, and governance in a changing geopolitical landscape. This offers valuable opportunities for professionals to gain insights from a leading expert and stay abreast of evolving industry trends.

News & Blogs · Global Read more

drrainerlenz.wordpress.com · Mar 15, 2026 · Curated 3 months ago

The Gardener of Governance: A New Metaphor for Internal Audit's Role in Cultivating Organizational Health

This book review highlights "The Gardener of Governance" by Dr. Rainer Lenz and Barrie Enslin, which challenges the traditional view of governance as mere control. For internal audit professionals, this reframing is crucial, advocating for a shift towards a more nurturing, ecosystem-based approach to governance. It encourages auditors to see themselves as cultivators of organizational health, fostering flourishing rather than simply enforcing rules, thereby enhancing their strategic value and impact.

News & Blogs · Global Read more