Auditing Internal Controls in a Changing Environment

Internal control evaluation remains one of the most critical components of the audit process, particularly as organizations undergo rapid change, adapt new technologies, and face heightened risk of misstatement. This course provides auditors with a practical and current understanding of how to assess, test, and communicate internal control matters in accordance with U.S. GAAS and new AICPA Auditing Standards Board (ASB) guidance.

Participants will explore how changes in management, processes, systems, and technology influence control design and implementation. The program also addresses professional skepticism, risk identification, and communication obligations related to control deficiencies, significant deficiencies, and material weaknesses. With real‑world considerations for remote auditing and Quality Management Standards, this course equips auditors to perform stronger, more responsive, and more innovative internal control assessments in 2026.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for professionals responsible for evaluating, supervising, or maintaining internal control systems.

Topics Covered

• Internal control updates and recent AICPA auditing standards
• Internal control reporting: updates on audit and attestation requirements
• New Quality Management Standards and their impact on internal control evaluation
• Professional skepticism and auditor mindset in evolving audit environments
• Understanding, documenting, and testing control design and implementation
• Remote auditing considerations and evaluating control effectiveness in changed environments
• Risk assessment: identifying where misstatements are most likely to occur
• Communicating control deficiencies, significant deficiencies, and material weaknesses

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate how changes in management and organizational structure affect the control environment
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to enhance internal control evaluation and audit efficiency
• Apply enhanced professional skepticism techniques in assessing control design, implementation, and risks of material misstatement
• Recognize how to communicate control deficiencies, significant deficiencies, and material weaknesses in accordance with GAAS requirements
• Use inquiry and corroborative procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in high‑risk or evolving environments
• Assess how new ASB Quality Management Standards impact internal control evaluation and reporting

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study
Auditing (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of GAAS

Advance Preparation
None