Internal Audit Review:
An internal audit review of control design involves a thorough examination of the control’s structure, implementation, and effectiveness.
Auditors use a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
Steps in Audit Review:
Understand Control Objectives:Auditors ensure that the control is designed to meet specific risk management objectives.
Evaluate Implementation:Check whether the control has been implemented as designed.
Test Effectiveness:Perform tests to verify that the control operates effectively and consistently over time.
Importance of Audit Review:
Provides independent and objective assurance that the control is appropriately designed and functioning as intended.
Identifies any deficiencies or areas for improvement in the control design.
Comparing Other Validation Methods:
Senior Management Approval:Indicates support but does not validate effectiveness.
Documentation of Control Objectives:Important for understanding intent but not validation.
Control Owner Attestation:Provides insight but lacks the independence of an audit.
References:
The CRISC Review Manual highlights the role of internal audits in validating control design and ensuring effective risk management (CRISC Review Manual, Chapter 3: Risk Response and Mitigation, Section 3.9 Control Testing and Effectiveness Evaluation).