Beyond the Checklist: Do Controls Certify Outcomes or Just Procedures?

This article challenges the fundamental assumption in risk management that control procedure completion equates to effective risk mitigation. It argues that current frameworks often certify the execution of a procedure rather than the achievement of the desired outcome, leading to a disconnect between reported residual risk and actual organizational exposure. Internal auditors should critically evaluate whether controls are truly achieving their intended purpose, rather than merely confirming procedural adherence.