How Involved Is Your Audit Team in the Audit Community?
Being part of the audit community is more than just having lunch with your audit colleagues, although that is fun!
Let’s explore some questions that can help you gauge the level of your team’s engagement with the broader audit community.
To what extent are auditors actively involved in the audit community?
Being part of the audit community isn’t just a checkbox on a list—it’s a commitment. Are your auditors attending events, contributing to discussions, or simply lurking in the background? Active involvement can mean the difference between staying relevant and getting left behind.
To what extent do members of the audit team serve as leaders in the audit community?
Leadership in the audit community isn’t just for the big wigs. It’s an opportunity for anyone to step up and make a difference. Are members of your team leading committees, spearheading initiatives, or mentoring the next generation of auditors? Leadership can take many forms—what does it look like in your team?
What audit-related leadership positions in the audit community, if any, do you currently hold or did you hold in recent years?
Look back at the past few years—has anyone on your team held a leadership position in the audit community? Whether it’s chairing a committee, leading a task force, or organizing a conference, these roles are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Reflect on your team’s involvement and consider if there’s room to take on more leadership responsibilities.
To what extent do the auditors network with other audit professionals?
Networking isn’t just for job hunters—it’s essential for staying connected and informed in the audit world. How often do your auditors reach out to peers, share insights, or attend networking events? Whether it’s a virtual coffee chat or a full-blown conference, these connections can lead to new ideas, collaborations, and maybe even a few friends who understand your ridiculous audit jokes.
To what extent do the auditors participate in professional organizations?
Professional organizations offer a wealth of resources, from training to networking opportunities. But they’re only valuable if you’re actually participating. Are your auditors active members, or did they join for the free tote bag? Active participation can open doors to new knowledge, leadership roles, and industry recognition.
To what extent do the auditors attend professional conferences?
Conferences are where the magic happens—new trends are revealed, industry leaders share their wisdom, and you might even score some free swag. But attendance alone isn’t enough. Are your auditors actively engaging at these conferences, or are they just there for the coffee breaks? Think about how conference attendance could be leveraged more effectively for your team’s growth.
Does the audit organization benchmark against other audit organizations?
Benchmarking isn’t just about comparing numbers—it’s about learning and improving. Is your audit organization looking at what others are doing and using that information to get better? Whether it’s processes, technologies, or methodologies, understanding how you stack up can be a powerful tool for continuous improvement.
How are you keeping current on audit technology and trends?
Staying current with technology and audit methods sometimes seems like a full-time job. Are your auditors regularly updating their knowledge, attending training sessions, and experimenting with new technologies? If not, you may be missing out on some opportunities for innovation and service to your clients.
By reflecting on these questions, you can get a clearer picture of how involved your audit team is in the audit community and identify areas where they could step in and reap the benefits.