The  Institute of Internal Auditors with Scientific Accounting Association (QU) hosted a very successful seminar at the Millennium hotel. The presenter AbdulQader Obaid Ali, the Internal Audit Director shared the radical changes he made in internal audit that helped in the development of one of the world's most ambitious business undertakings: Dubai World. The speaker aptly conveyed his views and amongst some opposing views managed to steer through a well received presentation.

AbdulQader's initial views were molded by interacting with CEO's within his holding company which spans a wide array of large businesses. He noticed that the concerns, challenges and issues with Internal Audit and the Business Excellence function's have a thread running through them. With closer analysis of the internal Audit standards as well as the charter, he forked out a different pathway for independent Auditors and Business excellence group, which he compares with the prescriptive medicine the doctor orders after diagnosing decease. Once Internal Audit identifies issues, the business excellence group assists line management in rectifying. This way IA department constructively contributes to the maximization of profits and the CEO's love that.

AbdulQader is concerned why the traditional demarcation of Internal Audit department's work where 65% of time is spent on audit should remain as such. In his view the 65% should be spent on special assignments such as requests from CEO's where more value is added to the business.

It is paramount to empower the auditors, have KPI (Key Performance Index) for the department, provide training and pay them commensurate with the complexities of their work which basically proponents change in the company. As auditors we need to convince management to change from their existing practices to improved work methods, and that in itself is a daunting task. The recent survey indicated there is a tremendous war on talent. Internal Auditors are sought after within the company as well as in the market. Retention is becoming more challenging stated AbdulQader

The audit department introduced system to reward people for mistakes made to ensure that every one learns from mistakes. This way the Business units start auditing themselves. He recommends that Fraud investigations are done independently from audit, not to tarnish the image tainted with the traditional policeman role.

AbdulQader, President of the IIA UAE chapter presented to IIA Qatar President Sundaresan Rajeswar a plaque to commemorate fraternity. The presentation was very thought provoking and sharing valuable experience in managing audit will remain a great lesson. He advised to change the conventionally treaded path for audit to remain as prime contributor to business performance. The very interactive deliberations, interesting videos, acknowledging the differences and conveying adequately what he thinks as correct made the session memorable said Rajeswar

Seminar Committee Chairman Girish Jain welcomed and Chris Adonis presented memento to the speaker. International Bank of Qatar sponsored the event