Internal Auditing - Ethics

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Background on Internal Auditing Ethical Code/Standards Internal auditing - as defined by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – is “an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations” (Reding et al, 2009, p. 1-2). Further, it is meant to aid an organization in accomplishing its objectives by evaluating and improving upon the processes of the organization’s risk management, control and governance. Internal auditing is also an extremely important element in promoting accuracy and transparency in finance and accounting in an economy (Beauchamp, Bowie & Arnold, 2009). Because of the aforementioned, the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) – the globally recognized guidance for the internal audit profession – is composed of (among other guidance) a Code of Ethics – composed of the Principles and Rules of Conduct. The Principles which represent the core values that internal auditors should uphold are integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and competency. Integrity establishes trust which is the foundation for reliance on the auditor’s judgment. Further, objectivity proves that the auditors are not influenced by their own or outside interests in their judgments. The principle of confidentiality holds that the internal auditors will not disclose any information “without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so”. Finally, with competency, the Principles require that internal auditors must possess and be able to apply, the knowledge, skills and experience necessary (The Institute of Internal Auditors, 2012). The Rules of Conduct are twelve behavioral norms that further detail the Principles (as put into practice). In addition to the Code of Ethics, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing outline the basic

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