International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions - INTOSAI and Internal Audit

INTOSAI and Internal Audit

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is among the 4 associated members of the INTOSAI.
The INTOSAI is a strong advocate for the establishment of Independent Internal audit in public entities.

• ISSAI 1610 – Using the Work of Internal Auditors
• INTOSAI Guidance for Good governance : INTOSAI GOVs 9100 - 9230

The guidance 'INTOSAI GOV 9100' states: -(page 46) "The Supreme Audit Institution also has a vested interest in ensuring that strong internal audit units exist where needed. Those audit units constitute an important element of internal control by providing a continuous means for improving an organisation's operations. In some countries, however, the internal audit units may lack independence, be weak, or be non-existent. In those cases, the SAI should, whenever possible, offer assistance and guidance to establish and develop those capacities and to ensure the independence of the internal auditor's activities." - "The creation of an internal audit unit as part of the internal control system is a strong signal by management that internal control is important.
(...) For an internal audit function to be effective, it is essential that the internal audit staff be independent from management, work in an unbiased, correct and honest way and that they report directly to the highest level of authority within the organisation.
(...) "For professional guidance, internal auditors should use the Professional Practices Framework (PPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) (...)Additionally, internal auditors should follow the INTOSAI Code of Ethics".