Thursday, September 6, 2012

Strategies for Auditors

1.     If your auditee is in range, so are you.
2.     Incoming audit evidence has the right of way.
3.     Don't look conspicuous: it draws defensive attention from management.
4.     The easy finding is already known.
5.     Try to look unimportant; they may be not in mood to criticize you.

6.     Professionals are predictable; it's the amateurs that are dangerous.
7.     The management argues against your audit findings only (a) when you're ready for them and (b) when you're not ready for them.
8.     Audit teamwork is essential; it prevents management from dividing and conquering.
9.     If you can't remember details, they will dispute your audit findings.
10.  If your substantive testing is going well, you have walked into an ambush.

11.  Don't attract criticism; it irritates the people around you.
12.  When you made a mistake, Mr. Audit Report is not your friend.
13.  If it's a stupid procedure but works, it isn't so stupid.
14.  When in doubt, add more details.
15.  Anything you do can get you shot down, including doing nothing.

16.  Mistakes are equal opportunity weapons.
17.  A Purple Heart just proves that were you smart enough to think of a plan, stupid enough to try it, and lucky enough to survive--just like some audits.
18.  (Empty number, left on purpose.)
19.  Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last, and don't ever volunteer to do anything--you'll make partner soon.
20.  It is generally inadvisable to send your resume to company you just audit slammed. 

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