Skip to Content

Foundation in Focus

Foundation in Focus

August 2021

Thank you for your continued support of the Internal Audit Foundation! Your contribution enables the Foundation to conduct timely research, develop books and whitepapers on relevant topics, and support internal audit education delivery at higher education institutions. This edition of Foundation in Focus will give you a glimpse of how your investment impacts the internal auditing profession.

Dr. Christopher Calvin, CIA
Assistant Professor
Univeristy of Dayton.

Academia Convene to Share Latest in Internal Audit Research and Curriculum

More than 70 educators and researchers gained insight into current research and explored innovative teaching techniques at the Sawyer’s Educators’ Symposium held virtually in July. Experts presented on leveraging internal audit education partnerships, understanding the impact of data analytics and technology, and determining how LinkedIn® usage affects internal audit quality.

“This symposium provided an excellent opportunity for internal audit academics to connect with each other. It allowed us to share insights from research and teaching, and to collaborate to better align the needs and goals of academia and the profession.”

African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors

AFIIA Takes a Leading Role With IAF Partnership

AFIIA, the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, is investing in the global profession of internal auditing by partnering with the Internal Audit Foundation to sponsor critical research projects and publications of benefit to practitioners worldwide.

Are You Future Ready? Upskill Today for the Profession of Tomorrow

Be sure to check out Future Ready: Upskilling Today for the Profession of Tomorrow, authored by Charlie T. Wright, Chairman of The IIA Global Board of Directors. This complimentary, newly released, Foundation and IIA report highlights the critical skills and competencies that internal auditors must develop today to compete in the workforce of the future.

Virtual panel discussion with TAMU IAP students and internal audit professionals.

Internal Audit Higher Education Grant Program Now Open

The Internal Audit Foundation is pleased to announce that the annual grant program for Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) institutions and awareness schools is now open. Eligible universities can receive grants to support program advancement, student engagement, graduate assistants, scholarships, and more.

In 2021, 12 universities from around the globe received support from the Foundation’s Academic Fund totaling $78,500. One grateful grant recipient, Texas A&M University, uses its funding for outreach events, student recruitment, and a student assistant.

Students representing TAMU IAP at a panel discussion on internships.

The Internal Audit Foundation grant has been critical for our program. Marketing funds have allowed us to invest in our recruitment and engagement events, and other grant funds cover our teaching assistant, who handles administrative logistics, allowing faculty to focus on strategic initiatives of the program. Simply put, the growth of our program would not be where it is today without the support of the Foundation.” - Tara Blasor, CIA, IAEP Coordinator, Texas A&M University

Share Your Insight on Internal Audit Practices and the IPPF

If you haven’t already completed the Internal Audit Foundation and IIA’s global survey, Assessing Internal Audit Practices, it’s not too late!

Your views on the value and relevance of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) are crucial to ensuring their continued applicability and effectiveness.

Stay Tuned for Findings From Global Survey on Internal Audit Competency

Through its 2020 Premier Global Survey, the Foundation, in partnership with Deloitte, took a close look at the competency level of today’s internal audit practitioners. A complimentary report of the results will be available soon, focusing on competency assessment, resource availability, and the knowledge required to audit emerging risk areas.

Foundation Releases New CRMA® Study Guide Book and Exam Study Questions

To keep pace with the dynamic global risk arena, The IIA relaunched its Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®) program. And to help you prepare for the exam, the Bookstore released the CRMA® Exam Study Guide and Practice Questions, 2nd Edition.

The new CRMA Exam Study Guide and Practice Questions, 2nd Edition, is co-sponsored by the IIA–Chicago and IIA–Philadelphia Chapters. “We provided support for this study guide because it was the most applicable to the highest number of internal auditors, and we wanted to do something especially relevant to the profession,” said Kyle O’Rourke, CIA, CGAP, IIA–Chicago president. “CRMA is a great foundational certification for everyone, whether you are in an internal audit role, risk and compliance role, or running your organization’s ERM program,” he adds.

If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring an upcoming publication, please contact foundation@theiia.org.

Commit to Contributing With a Recurring Gift

You might use the convenience of autopay for your monthly bills, but did you know you also can give to the Internal Audit Foundation with a recurring donation? Monthly or quarterly donations allow you to give back to your profession on an ongoing basis.

In Development: Resources to Meet the Dynamic Needs of the Profession

Thanks to our donors and partners, the Internal Audit Foundation is currently developing new reports and educational publications on business resilience, cognitive bias, ESG, DEI, managing the remote audit function, data protection and privacy, third-party risk management, and the fifth edition of Internal Auditing: Assurance & Advisory Services.