Audit AUDT

Delivering independent, risk-based assessments of the effectiveness of processes, the controls and the compliance environment of an organisation.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
Content and/or readability changes have been made to level 7.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Audit activity is conducted with appropriate independence from the organisation’s management and may be conducted internally or for a third-party client organisation.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

planning and conducting risk-based assessments
evaluating the effectiveness of controls and compliance measures
documenting and reporting audit findings and recommendations
providing assurance on the integrity of processes and systems
collaborating with management to develop corrective action plans
conducting follow-up reviews to ensure implementation of recommendations
staying current with relevant regulations and industry standards.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Audit: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists in collecting evidence and conducting audit activities under routine supervision.

Maintains documentation and audit trails.

Helps identify and report issues and discrepancies.

Audit: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Adopts a structured approach to executing and documenting audit fieldwork, following agreed standards.

Maintains integrity of records to support and satisfy audit trails.

Identifies typical risk indicators and explains prevention measures.

Audit: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Contributes to planning and executing of risk-based audit of existing and planned processes, products, systems and services.

Identifies and documents risks in detail.

Identifies the root cause of issues during an audit and communicates these effectively as risk insights.

Collates evidence regarding the interpretation and implementation of control measures. Prepares and communicates reports to stakeholders, providing a factual basis for findings.

Audit: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Plans, organises and conducts audits of complex domains areas, cross-functional areas and across the supply chain.

Confirms the scope and objectives of specific audit activities with management. Aligns with the scope of the audit programme and organisational policies.

Determines appropriate methods of investigation to achieve the audit objectives. Presents audit findings to management describing the effectiveness and efficiency of control mechanisms.

Provides general and specific audit advice. Collaborates with professionals in related specialisms to develop and integrate findings.

Audit: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Leads and manages complex audits and programmes of audit activity.

Obtains and manages appropriate specialist expertise to contribute highly specialised technical knowledge and experience.

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for the conduct of audits. Ensures the objectivity and impartiality of the audit process.

Identifies areas of risk and specifies audit programmes. Ensures audit coverage is sufficient to provide the business with assurance of adequacy and integrity. Authorises the issue of formal reports to management on the effectiveness and efficiency of control mechanisms.

Audit: Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Directs the definition and implementation of the organisation's audit function, and oversees its communication to stakeholders.

Defines audit strategy, plans audit cycles and ensures appropriate coverage across the organisation. Ensures the audit function adds value. Liaises with stakeholders to ensure audit coverage is relevant and understood.

Directs use of risk analysis to identify areas for review. Ensures appropriate resources are available to deliver organisational requirements for audits.

Reports to the most senior level on findings, relevance and recommendations for improvement of audit activity.

New level Guidance notes