Operational internal audit assignments involve the internal auditor being asked by management to focus at a particular aspect of the enterprise’s operations, such as marketing activities or the activities of human resources department.
Operational internal audit assignments are thus defined as audits of specific processes and operations performed by an organization. They are also known as management audits, or efficiency audits.
The purpose of an operational internal audit assignment is to assess management’s performance in the specific area of operations that is subject to the audit, and to ensure that company policy and control procedures are adhered to. The audit will identify areas for improvement in efficiency and performance, and
improvements in management.
The general approach to an operational internal audit assignment will be determined by the purpose of the audit. For each area of operations that is subject to an operational internal audit assignment, the internal auditor should assess:
- the adequacy of the policies, procedures and controls adopted, and
- the effectiveness of the policies, procedures and controls.