There are very few people and few organizations that haven’t yet been touched directly or indirectly by the troubled economy. Everywhere we turn, individuals and organizations are making adjustments — tightening here, cutting there, and paying closer attention to how resources are being spent. Just a look at this week’s headlines gives you a good indication that everyone’s watching their step. What a perfect opportunity for our profession to step up to the plate to lead the charge in asking, “How do we adapt?”

The vastness of our profession has never ceased to amaze me. It is estimated there are more than one million internal auditors in the world. Our colleagues work tirelessly in every sector and industry imaginable to provide assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. In the vast majority of instances, our work is appreciated and lauded for the value it brings. However, with an alarming frequency, it seems that some of our colleagues who audit local government operations are waging an uphill battle against formidable political forces.