Inside the Auditorium

Inside the Auditorium is back for a second season and shines a spotlight on women in audit. I have been honoured to speak to an exceptional lineup of women in the financial services audit industry.  

My first guest is Sally Clark, a seasoned financial services audit professional. Sally is currently a non-executive director and leadership advisor at Pelham Street, Chair for a number of audit committees and former chief internal auditor at Barclays. Sally shares insights on transitioning to non-executive roles and the challenges faced by women in senior positions. She emphasises the need for diversity and inclusion in boardrooms and offers advice for women navigating their careers.  

This episode explores:  

• Claiming your space: Sally shares practical advice on navigating the corporate landscape, emphasising the importance of positioning oneself strategically in the room to ensure visibility and influence. She sheds light on the power of allies and building strong networks to amplify one's voice in challenging environments. 
• Motivating through purpose: Drawing from her extensive experience, Sally discusses the keys to motivating teams for peak performance. She references Daniel Pink's groundbreaking work on human motivation, and the significance of purpose, autonomy, and mastery in driving excellence within organisations. 
• The evolution of audit: Sally explores the advancements of internal audit and the shift from retrospective analysis to forward-thinking, proactive strategies to mitigate risks. She highlights the emerging focus of auditing culture and behavioural risk to drive meaningful change.  

Don’t miss this episode as Sally brings a wealth of experience and insight, sharing invaluable wisdom that resonates with both seasoned professionals and aspiring auditors alike. 

Note: The views expressed by Sally are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. 

Delve into the dynamic world of audit, explore the importance of transferable skills, and share insights into key risks for 2024 in the tenth episode of Inside the Auditorium with our guest, Keith Burns, Audit Director of IT Operations and Financial Crime for Santander.  

This episode explores: 

• The acceleration of data analytics: Keith shares his view on the pace of change, with organisations harnessing the power of data more efficiently in the last 18 months and the evolving landscape shaping the next 12 months. 
• Mastering risk management and control: Keith emphasises that auditors aren't expected to be experts in every facet of a bank's operations. Instead, their expertise lies in risk management and control and the symbiotic relationship auditors develop with businesses, helping them navigate risk management and enhance control environments. 
• Challenges of remote auditing: As the world adapts to virtual environments, Keith sheds light on the challenges of remote auditing, the intricacies of the internal audit process, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and how building stakeholder relationships enhances the audit experience. 

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that promises to empower internal audit professionals with invaluable insights and foresight into key risks for 2024. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Keith are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

Listen to an insightful dive into the future of AI in internal audit in the ninth episode of Inside the Auditorium with our guest Shehryar Humayun, audit director for models, data and applied sciences at Lloyds Banking Group. 

This episode explores: 

• Navigating the AI Landscape: Shehryar sheds light on the widespread adoption of AI, particularly Gen.AI and LLMs in organisations. He discusses the need for adept auditors with an understanding of these concepts to ensure organisations implement AI with the right guardrails. 
• Apprenticeship Programmes: Discover more about Lloyd’s award-winning apprenticeship programmes, where data science graduates actively participate in rotation, gaining exposure to multiple areas of the business, including internal audit. Shehryar highlights the value of this experience, noting the recognition and impact the internal audit function has. 
• Broadening Exposure in Internal Audit: Gaining broader exposure is important for internal auditors, opening opportunities for diverse experiences. Shehryah’s perspective challenges the notion that moving out of internal audit is detrimental, emphasising there is a mutual benefit between internal audit and other business areas. 

Don’t miss this engaging conversation that explores the exciting intersection of AI, internal audit apprenticeships, award-winning schemes, and the importance of diverse experiences in retaining top talent. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Shehryar are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

Explore climate change, data analytics and AI in internal audit in the eighth episode of Inside the Auditorium with our guest Imtiaz Hussain, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Auditor for BNY Mellon. 

This episode explores: 

• Navigating environmental and climate risks: Financial services has a responsibility to the environment, and internal audit plays a big part in this. Imtiaz shares the three critical dimensions organisations focus on today: People, planet, profit. Internal audit plays a vital role in evaluating organisational commitments, preventing greenwashing as well as rolling out environmental, social or D&I strategies.  
• The power of emotional intelligence in stakeholder engagement: Imtiaz shares his learnings on the importance of emotional intelligence as a leadership style and in stakeholder management. Whether addressing or selling an issue, understanding viewpoints and being able to effectively listen and communicate is paramount.  
• Internal audit and beyond: Imtiaz discusses the expansive role and the opportunities to play a role in educating the entire organisation, providing value-add services such as training, awareness, education and thought leadership. 

Don’t miss this episode as Imtiaz delves into the pivotal role of an internal auditor and the breadth of opportunities and responsibilities available as he provides actionable insights and key takeaways, particularly across the ESG space.  

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Imtiaz are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

Delve into the untapped potential and unique skill sets that internal auditors bring to the table in the seventh episode of Inside the Auditorium with our guest, Ivan Martinez, Chief Audit Executive for the Santander London branch.  

This episode explores: 

• Unlocking hidden potential: Ivan shares his perspective on how individuals transitioning from non-audit backgrounds often perceive internal audit as mere rule enforcers. However, he explains the evolving role of internal audit, transforming from traditional assurance work to becoming strategic advisors and essential business partners. 
• The internal auditor's breadth of perspective: Apart from the CEO, internal auditors possess a holistic understanding of an organisation's structure. The internal auditor’s role positions them as the CEO’s ally in managing a wide scope of risks and issues that otherwise may go unnoticed.  
• Embracing data analytics: Ivan advocates for incorporating more data analytics into Business as Usual (BAU) activities and stresses the importance of automating testing processes, such as reconciliations and independent business analysis, through embedding new tools. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Ivan as he challenges the stereotypes of internal audit as a "tick in the box" role and the increasing demand for internal auditors to be integral to decision-making processes. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Ivan are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

Explore the secrets of success and opportunities in internal audit in the sixth episode of Inside the Auditorium with our guest, Scott Strachan, Head of Audit at Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), as he discusses the role of internal audit in the investment management industry.  

This episode explores: 

• The soft skills edge: Scott emphasises the importance of soft skills in internal audit and the need for curiosity and commercial awareness as he shares the challenges of drawing out that curiosity and gravitas in an interview setting. 
• A breadth of exposure: For recent graduates considering their career paths, don't underestimate the potential of internal audit for building a promising career. Discover how internal audit is the place where you not only gain unparalleled technical development but also cultivate soft skills that set you apart.  
• A passion for internal audit: Scott Shares his passion for internal audit and the diversity the role brings, the opportunities to provide perspective across the global business landscape and having a significant voice at the top table.  

Don’t miss this episode packed with key takeaways that can transform your approach to internal audit, identify risks to anticipate, including climate change, technical disruption and demographic shifts, as well as the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Scott are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

Unlock the future of internal auditing in the fifth episode of ‘Inside the Auditorium’ with Aaron Brewer, the Chief Security Architect for Standard Chartered Bank.

This episode explores: 

• Support leadership and talent retention: Aaron shares his views on supporting team members in their career journey and the benefits of allowing them to explore external opportunities while maintaining an open and transparent environment. 
• Bridging the Technological Gap in Audit Teams: Discover why organisations embracing a diverse skillset within their audit teams are leading the charge and value of integrating technologists into the audit process. 
• Anticipating future risks: Gain insight into the explosion of new technology and what risks we should be paying attention to. Aaron explores the potential game-changing effects of quantum computing on encryption and protocols, prompting us to consider how to navigate these challenges. 

Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation that delves into the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and internal auditing. Gain a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape and the strategies needed to stay ahead of the curve. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Aaron are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

In the fourth episode of ‘Inside the Auditorium’, Peter Jones, the Head of Data Analytics Audit for Legal & General, dives into the intersection of data analytics and internal audit.  

This episode explores:  

• Synergy between data experts and auditors: Peter sheds light on how analytics can transform core processes and applying tools to discover new insights and identifying anomalies. Learn how the fusion of a good auditor and a skilled analyst creates magic in the realm of internal audit. 
• Keeping monotony at bay: Discover why some repeatability keeps the role interesting. From applying a new piece of code and developing that across different business divisions and verticals. Find out how each application remains interesting and dynamic in the world of data analytics. 
• The power of analytics: Peter explains what drives his passion for data analytics, sharing his enthusiasm for problem-solving in the complexity of big organisations and the opportunity to be able to provide insight and solutions.  
• Insight over data: Peter shares his invaluable advice on the importance of being a good storyteller. Understand that data is a means to gain insight, and the key is to communicate those insights effectively.  

Whether you're an internal audit professional or simply intrigued by the world of data analytics, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Peter are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

The third episode of ‘Inside the Auditorium’, Andy Blight, Chief Auditor for Risk at Citibank, pushes us beyond the traditional boundaries of internal audit and offers a fresh perspective that will resonate with internal audit professionals.  

This episode explores:  

• Longevity in Internal Audit: Andy emphasises the appeal of navigating challenges within the control environment, and what’s kept him in the industry. He also sheds light on the significance of the people side of audit, highlighting relationships, reputation, and the ever-important human element in this profession. 
• Navigating emerging challenges and trends in 2024: As a thought leader in the industry, Andy discusses the macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges that internal auditors need to navigate. From the evolving landscape of ESG, climate risk and artificial intelligence, the conversation explores the need for ongoing understanding and knowledge.  
• Internal Audit as a people business: Andy encourages a mindset of problem-solving, improvement, and active engagement with stakeholders, echoing the roots of the term "audit" derived from the Greek word "audio" – to listen. This episode explores how the profession has transformed over the years, shifting from a desk-centric approach to a people-centric ethos.  

This episode is a must-listen for internal audit professionals seeking inspiration, valuable insights, and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of auditing. 

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Andy are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

The second episode of ‘Inside the Auditorium’, discovers the business-critical role of the internal audit profession. 

I’m joined by Sandro Boeri, a leader and audit specialist with an impressive career trajectory from head of audit, to audit recruiter and trainer and now head of culture assessment for Deutsche Bank and his new role as president of Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors. In this episode, Sandro shares invaluable perspectives on auditing culture and retention, his advocacy for the industry and moving the dial on diversifying talent outside the mainstream system.  

This episode explores:  

• Diversifying internal audit entry points: Sandro challenges the conventional notion that an accounting background is the sole gateway to a successful career in internal audit. He advocates for a diverse range of entry points, encouraging professionals to embrace the expansive nature of the field. 
• Nurturing Talent and Culture: Internal audit has a critical role in shaping organisational culture. Sandro shares his experiences in fostering career progression, investing in people, and creating a culture that retains and develops young talents. 
• Crafting a dynamic career path: Retention is paramount. Discover how internal audit can be a stepping stone to a varied and dynamic career path. Sandro advocates for mobility within a business to gain an understanding of day-to-day business pressures and laying the foundations for returning to internal audit at a more senior level.  

This episode shares deep insights that will reshape your perspective on internal audit careers and the spectrum of opportunities available.  

Enjoy! 

Note: The views expressed by Sandro are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.