October 02, 2025

Fieldwork Fumbles: Where Most Engagements Derail

40 minutes

Sam and Abdullah examine why the field work phase causes so many audit delays, even when planning looks solid. From missing documentation and vague responsibilities to last-minute client scrambles, Sam explains how weak leadership and poor communication turn a one-week engagement into a multi-month ordeal, and walks through the daily tracking systems and checkpoint meetings that prevent it.

(00:00) - Welcome to Audit Smarter

(01:16) - Importance of Structure and Leadership

(03:16) - Planning for the Unexpected

(06:48) - Effective Field Work Strategies

(09:27) - The Role of Clear Communication

(12:31) - Using Audit Trackers

(17:45) - Maintaining Accountability

(20:38) - The Importance of Efficiency in Field Work

(21:27) - Client Communication Strategies

(24:38) - Organizing the Audit Process

(28:08) - Daily Updates and Open Communication

(32:32) - Role of Managers in Field Work

(36:27) - Avoiding Scope Drift

(38:12) - Concluding Thoughts on Field Work

Learn more at https://mansouradvisory.com/

Connect with Sam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-mansour-cpa-2a755b271

Connect with Abdullah
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-mansour-454959108

Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

...more