Audit Bites (Robert Berry)

Have you ever had to

deal with someone who

was stupidly stubborn?

I mean, we've all been there, right?

They are so married to

their opinions that they won't

even consider other perspectives.

Talk about frustrating.

But here's the thing.

In our line of work,

objectivity is key 🔑.

It's what sets us apart and

allows us to provide valuable

insights and recommendations.

So when auditors lack objectivity,

it feels like we're dealing with

someone who might just be

a bit like...well,

let's put it nicely,

a donkey 🐎

On this episode of Audit Bites,

we will discuss why objectivity

is absolutely necessary for

internal auditors.

But being curious is one of the primary jobs of an internal auditor.

Join us on the next episode of Audit Bites where we talk about the power of curiosity and ask ask, Are you curious enough to make a difference.

In episode 001, I talked about what happens when employees disappear from an organization. But what happens when your auditors disappear? Should subsequent auditors be concerned? Does it say something about the company's culture? We'll discuss this and more in episode 5 of Audit Bites.

#internalauditing #auditors #internalauditors #auditing

https://youtu.be/Pi0EZNltb4o

Before the world went into chaos, I was known for wearing colorful socks. It was different and added a little style to my wardrobe. Then came SOX. Ughh. A legislative mandate that was thrust upon the business world because we allowed dishonest people to be in charge. It has cost companies millions, transferred financial accountability away from management and ruined internal auditing.

Join me for a discussion on SOX on the next episode of Audit Bites.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/p5iBEVrnF0I

Many career fields occasionally suffer shortages.

There are a variety of reasons why this might happen.

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁

The field may not be attractive due to various reasons, such as low pay, poor working conditions, lack of advancement opportunities, or negative public perception.

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝗽:

The field may require specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that are not easily obtainable through traditional education or training programs.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

Changes in demographics, such as an aging workforce, may create shortages in certain career fields.

There is a shortage of talented internal auditors.

Many recent surveys confirm this.

So it must be true 🤔

Let's talk about why can't find talented audit professionals in the next episode of a Audit Bites.

Good auditors must be able to observe.

Great auditors must be able to inquire.

Observation and inquiry are two of the pillars of our profession.

So why are so many of us bad at it?

In this episode of Audit Bites, we'll show an example of horrible observation and inquiry and talk about 3 tips that can make us better at it.

Join us for the episode #004.

While you're here, Join our mailing list. We give a way free CPEs each month.

Go to www.auditbites.com.

https://youtu.be/Ch7rrP3vTvQ

Artificial intelligence is only as smart

as the humans who program and use it.

It is not perfect.

Therefore, auditors must review

the organization's artificial intelligence.

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

4 Reasons Auditors Must

Review Artificial Intelligence

You've asked your client for information and documentation several times. They promised to have it each week. And failed to deliver each week. You've asked multiple times and you still have not received the information. Why happens when clients restrict your access? What should it tell you about the organization? And what can you do about it? Let's talk about it.

https://youtu.be/x3PgzSE5khM

No one cares about your technical auditing skills if you cannot communicate constructively with people.

Auditors often encounter difficulties when communicating with clients.

On this episode of Audit Bites, we will discuss one major reason why communication skills are

crucial for internal auditors.

Auditors are awesome people.

Seriously, you can stop laughing now.

Join us on the next episode of the Audit Bites podcast as we discuss 7 Reasons Auditors Are Awesome People.

If honesty is the best policy,

why do we punish the

innocent and honest?

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss the

benefits and detriments

of honesty in the workplace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-eiMvgbT_M&t=9s

Are we setting the next generation of auditors up for success—or frustration?

This week, we confront the uncomfortable truth about how outdated practices, withheld information, and resistance to change are creating roadblocks for future auditors.

We’ll unpack the ways we’re failing to prepare auditors for the challenges ahead.

Tune in for personal stories, actionable insights, and a candid look at what needs to change to build a better future for the profession.

Are you having trouble

finding qualified staff?

I've talked to several

audit leaders who are

having a hard time

finding qualified people.

It's becoming a widespread problem.

Let's talk about it.

Watch on YouTube below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc33a_l_rQA&t=9s

What happens when you expose corrupt practices in the corporation but then everyone points the finger at you...Because you told the truth.

I guess you're a snitch.

We all know snitches get...well. Fired.

By now most of us have seen what happened to a city auditor who dared investigate a situation after receiving a credible complaint. How dare he...(was that too sarcastic?).

Let's talk about it.

Auditors, your jobs are in jeopardy if you sit back and do nothing.

Join us for this episode of Audit Bites.

Auditing is all about facts and figures—right?

Not so fast.

This week on Audit Bites, we’re tackling an uncomfortable truth: why clients often view auditors as adversaries rather than allies.

From perceived arrogance to miscommunication, we’ll explore the subtle behaviors that create tension and, more importantly, how to rebuild trust.

What’s the secret to turning difficult conversations into collaborative breakthroughs?

Tune in to discover insights that might just change how you approach your next audit.

You just finished typing the last word on the audit report you've been working on. It's a masterpiece. You hit send and hope your client has no problems with it. Unfortunately, they hate every word. And, it's probably your fault.

Join me this week on

Audit Bites

when we discuss

3 Reasons Clients Can't Stand Your Audit Reports.

Audit Bites is the first LIVE show discussing auditing.

Listen, learn, grab some CPE.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/-iseLRrsUXE

Don't you wish you could find

and fix problems before they start?

We've all been there.

You know something is wrong.

There is a feeling in the pit of your stomach.

And you do nothing.

Some auditors have a

bad habit of doing this too.

Fortunately, you don't have to

be a psychic to fend off problems

at the first sign of irregularity.

Join us in the next

episode of Audit Bites

where we discuss why

Auditors must stop

auditing after the fact.

To trust or not to trust.

That is the question for auditors.

Join us on the next episode of

Audit Bites as we discuss

The Levels of Professional Skepticism for Auditors.

Auditors always talk about

getting a seat at the executive table.

And sure it’s important.

But the gold is in the cubicles,

not the corner offices.

Join us on next episode of

Audit Bites where we discuss

the sweet spot to understanding

organizational risks and controls.

To be successful, celebrities like Taylor Swift must take risks.

But not every risk comes with a reward.

And by thinking like an auditor, she recently avoided a potentially costly partnership.

Join me on the next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss 5 reasons why Taylor Swift should have been an internal auditor.

Life is all about change.

Some might say we either adapt or die.

Change is happening fast in the internal auditing profession.

The standards we abide by are being overhauled.

The proposed new global standards for internal auditors are out.

Let's talk about it.

Join us on this special episode of Audit Bites to discuss the newly proposed Global Internal Auditing Standards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SB1gXMiTq8&t=9s

You know what they say

you do when you assume?

What if everyone reacted to the world

based on their assumptions?

That could possibly end badly.

But, on the other hand,

assumptions do have

their place in the world.

Like Goldilocks, they have to

be used just right.

Finding that balance can be difficult.

Let's talk about it on

the next episode of the

Audit Bites Podcast

with a live case study.

Where were the auditors?

People love to ask this question in the aftermath of an incident.

And

It's a fair questions.

But you may not like the answer.

Let's talk about in the next episode of Audit Bites.

www.auditbites.com

What happens when a member of management leaves an organization?

Have you ever considered this might be a risk that you should look at?

Don't believe me?

Tune in to this episode of Audit Bites to see why you should care when someone leaves the organization and why auditors should assess the aftermath.

Audit Bites gives you small bite sized chunks of audit discussions and training.

It is the first LIVE show dedicated to auditing.

And you can get CPEs too. Can't wait to see you there.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/B7y5EnTZOic

What if you could predict the future and avoid all bad risks? You'd be a super auditor. But let's face it, no one can that. But are you at least ready to discuss potential risk items with your organization's management team. Most auditors are too busy auditing the past, unaware of what is happening now and completely unprepared for the future. Let's talk about what we can do to prepare for the risks around the corner.

Visit us at www.auditbites.com and grab some CPE for listening to a podcast.

Many audit departments,

firms and agencies

struggle to find

and keep qualified people.

WHY?

The way we hire auditors is all wrong.

Let's talk about it

On the next episode of

Audit Bites.

The job of an auditor should be fairly simple. Gather facts, analyze the data, and report back to stakeholders. But is is almost never that easy, especially when dealing with people and personalities. In this episode of Audit Bites, I'll explore 5 Reasons Clients Ignore Auditor Advice.

Audit Bites gives you small bite sized chunks of audit discussions and training.

It is the first LIVE show dedicated to auditing.

And you can get CPEs too.

Go to www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/Vvb2H43y03Q

Ever wondered just how much power your audit recommendations hold? In this episode of Audit Bites, Rob Berry takes you on a deep dive into the immense responsibility that comes with being an auditor. With a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and a dash of humor, we explore the true impact of audit recommendations and the ripple effect they can have across an entire organization.

🔍 What We'll Discuss:

• The unseen weight behind every audit report and how it can shape the future of a company.
• Why it’s crucial to balance objectivity with empathy when making recommendations.
• The ethical dilemmas auditors face and how to navigate them while maintaining integrity.
• How to make sure your advice aligns with the best interests of your clients and stakeholders.

🔗 Relevant Links and Resources:

• Discover Rob’s Best-Selling Book: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, Perform Better Audits
• Learn More at That Audit Guy: ThatAuditGuy.com
• Check Out Our Audit Merchandise: Audit Hats, Shirts, and More

💬 Join the Conversation:

Have you ever felt the weight of your audit recommendations? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! 👇

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest insights into the world of auditing.

How can you trust someone

you belive is out to get you?

Many auditors face this delimma

trying to gain the trust and

respect of audit clients.

Many clients believe

we are out to get them.

We are not.

But there are reasons

why they don't trust us.

Let's talk about it.

Join us on the

next episode of

Audit Bites.

There was once a time when companies looked to auditors to be the next leaders in the organization.

Unfortunately, recent surveys indicate that most are not prepared for roles beyond auditing.

Why?

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬.

➡️ Checklist auditing is counterproductive

➡️ Soft skills are required for success

➡️ Sufficient training non negotiable

Let's talk about it on the next episode of Audit Bites.

Auditors believe in truth, justice and compliance. But even the best auditors can't cope with and/or fix a corrupt culture. A mad management team will undermine the best audit or compliance efforts.

Let's talk about culture on this episode of Audit Bites.

Why is it important?

Why you should audit it?

Internal auditing is a complex field that requires a careful balance of intuition and analytics.

While it is important to trust the data, it is also important to trust your gut.

Bad auditors will bemoan this statement.

"What about objectivity and independence?" They'll ask.

"What about observing human behavior and what happens in the world beyond and/or in conjunction with the data?" is typically my response.

Join us on this episode of Audit Bites where we discuss some of the consequences of trusting your gut and the importance of trusting gut instincts.

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your audit career, like a hamster on an eternal wheel? I get it. You're sitting at your desk uninspired. It's like banging your head against a brick wall every.single.day. I've got news that will shock you... there's a way out! Join us for an unforgettable LIVE episode of Audit Bites Podcast where we will be discussing 5 Things to Catapult Your Audit Career 

Ever walked into a meeting and felt like the villain before you’ve even said a word?

That’s how many audit clients feel—and it’s time to change the narrative.

This week on Audit Bites, we’re exploring the power of empathy in auditing.

From understanding your client’s challenges to stepping into their shoes, we’ll discuss five practical ways to build trust, reduce resistance, and create more productive audits.

Tune in to learn how empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a superpower every auditor needs.

Everyone loves a good story.

Even auditors.

But have you thought about

the effect a good story has

on your audit clients?

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast titled

Beyond Numbers:

The Crucial Role of

Storytelling in Auditing

Does everybody lie?

Sometimes it's hard getting

the truth from some people.

Auditors often have an uphill battle

to obtain the truth clients.

But why?

Why do clients lie?

Tune in to the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

5 Reasons Audit Clients Lie.

Check us out live on

LinkedIn and YouTube

or your favorite podcasting platform.

Your clients don't care about your certifications.

Let that sink in. I know some of you are shocked. But...

They don't.

At least not in the beginning.

Auditors must add value.

But before you add value,

you must be visible.

Let's talk about it on the next episode of Audit Bites.

Internal auditors will never win the most liked department in the organization award. Stop trying. In your role, you will often see the best and the worst in the organization. When times are good, your organization is happy. When times are bad, it's the auditor's fault for either a) not catching it or b) catching it. Of course I'm overexaggerating it a little. But what a no win situation. Stop trying to be liked and just be honest. It's not that difficult. But that honesty requires bravery.

In this episode of Audit Bites, I'll discuss what it takes for auditors to be brave.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/1gloibHD7nY

An auditor's primary job is to ask questions. And the questions you ask can build or kill your credibility. In this episode of Audit Bites, we'll show a live example of bad questioning at its finest. Also, I'll discuss the impact and implications of bad questions.

Audit Bites is the first live podcast/show discussing auditing.

We're live on LinkedIn and on all your favorite podcasting platforms.

https://youtu.be/TUbL8FjqS2I

You see red flags every day.

Yet you say nothing.

WHY?

Your fear is costing your company.

Auditors should

raise red flags

when you see them.

Let's talk about it

in episode 37 of

Audit Bites

Ever wondered why your

audit training feels like a sluggish

journey through quicksand?

Join us on this episode of the

Audit Bites podcast as we

uncover the 23 surprising culprits

that could be hindering your audit career.

Policies are important.

Until they aren't.

Auditors are always

talking about policies

and procedures.

And it bugs the mess

out of clients who view policies

as paper-pushing exercises.

Join us on the next episode of

Audit Bites as we discuss

Why Auditors Always Harp on Policies.

Physical security of assets and valuables is one of the most important things auditors should consider. So why do we often fail to look at physical security during audits. In this episode we'll talk about the impact of forgetting physical security and how to make sure you are covered.

https://youtu.be/IUD9sv80Hbw

Everyone in the room is staring at you.

They look angry and afraid.

It's the opening meeting and

they are looking to you

for comfort.

How do you put them at ease

so that you can get the audit done?

Join us on episode 29 of

Audit Bites

as we discuss

3 Audit Entrance Meeting Mistakes.

#internalaudit #thatauditguy #auditbites

https://youtu.be/9n_dhYXlnTI

Artificial Intelligence is changing many industries.

Writers are afraid.

Coders are excited.

and Auditors...

Well, what are we?

AI comes with risks, rewards, opportunities and threats.

This week on a special edition of Audit Bites,

we're going to talk to Danielle Supkis from Mindbridge

about AI and auditors.

Audit departments are struggling.

Don't take my word for it, auditors have been saying this to me in private for the last several years.

- Pay is not the problem.

- Status is not the problem.

- Workload is not the problem.

Let's talk about the real problems on the next episode of Audit Bites.

Planning is important.

No one can deny that.

All too often, auditors start

projects without a good plan.

A lot of junior auditors don't

know what's expected of them.

Projects have huge delays.

Join us on the next episode of

The Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

9 Problems with Modern

Internal Audit Planning

You should be thanking your auditors.

Yeah I know that sounds strange. But really.

Who has been there for you regardless of how treat them?

Who tells you the truth when others won't?

Who really wants you to succeed?

Join us today where we discuss 3 reasons to be thankful for auditors.

https://youtu.be/D3V9kcGkZXw

Auditors and attorneys should be on the same page. And most times, we are. But when there are differences of opinion, they tend to blow up. Why? Let's talk about it.

https://youtu.be/j8AcaGzCDm0

Auditing is important.

Or is it?

If it's so important, why do we have to fight so hard to simply do the job?

And sometimes the fight is so subtle, we miss the warning signs of war.

Join me on this episode of Audit Bites as we discuss:

How to Stifle an Audit Department

Our profession pays well.

Yet there is a talent shortage.

Is it that people don't want to do what we do?

or

Is it that we make it difficult for people to succeed?

Let's talk about the qualities that make a successful auditor.

Join us for episode 38 of Audit Bites.

Is your auditor instinct is strong that

you're constantly questioning things?

Do people complain that you are always auditing?

Well good.

Keep doing it.

And join us on the next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss why you should always be auditing.

Are auditors impostors? Join me on episode 44 of Audit Bites as we delve into the common feelings of insecurity and fraudulence experienced by auditors. Discover the reasons behind the imposter syndrome and how it affects the auditing profession. Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on being an auditor in today's dynamic business landscape.

Auditors often wonder how close they should and/or can get with clients. You must remain objective and independent. We hear it all the time. But being friendly does not compromise independence.

Let's talk about it today on Audit Bites with Robert (That Audit Guy) Berry.

https://youtu.be/KvkybKcnr1w

Have you ever sat in a meeting and thought, "Everyone in here is bat sh** crazy"? Thousands of auditors sit in meetings presenting facts to clients who, instead of acknowledging issues, go on the attack.

Stunned, trying to figure out what went wrong, these same auditors retreat in defeat while the control environment gets weaker.

What happens when clients are crazy?

In this episode, we'll discuss why every auditor needs to study psychology and how it can help you better understand irrational client behaviors.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/Es8G0Hix7J4

I know what you're thinking, there is no way auditors can be arrogant. We are the victims. No one likes us and they treat us badly. Well sometimes they don't like us because we can be arrogant. Some are outright arrogant. Whereas others are accidently arrogant.

And that is what we'll talk about in episode 15 of Audit Bites titled Don't be an Arrogant Auditor.

Audit Bites is hosted by Robert Berry and is the first live show to discuss auditing. And we give you CPE for watching a live show or listening to a podcast. Pretty cool right?

Go to www.auditbites.com for more.

https://youtu.be/JSvDbsk5tGk

We all have that "know it all" friend.

Always telling you what you

should and should not do.

Often unsolicited.

It's aggravating.

Isn't it?

They don't know your struggle.

They don't know your story.

It feel the same way dealing with auditors.

Yet, there we are, telling clients

what they should and should not do.

But realistically, our recommendations don't matter.

Uh oh. I may have triggered a few people.

Join me on episode 36 of Audit Bites.

Auditors are often placed on projects with mininal preparation.

You are given objectives to test and little else.

The entire time you're thinking to yourself..."A little historical context would have been helpful."

But here you are, in the middle of an audit frustrated and confused.

If you've every felt this before, join us on next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss the

benefits of truly understanding what you're auditing and 6 ways you can better understand audit areas.

Almost everyone expects auditors to find something. Afterall, we are called assurance providers. But is always finding something really reasonable? And is the job of auditor to finger point?

Join us on this episode of Audit Bites as we discuss Why Some Auditors Have Assurance All Wrong.

What do you do for a living?

Are you an auditor who struggles to answer that question?

You're not alone. But if you can't answer this simple question, how can you expect your clients or the general public to understand what it means to be an internal auditor?

Do you even know what people are saying about you?

If you not, you're going to be surprised in the episode. I'll show you what people think you do and we'll talk about how to fix it the identity issue.

www.auditbites.com

https://youtu.be/8xHhBHXdnZo

Your company's 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 can propel or kill its profits.

No one likes working for a crappy company.

Most don't want to buy from a horrible organization.

So why are so few assessing organizational culture?

Let's talk about it!

www.auditbites.com

Do clients run when they see you coming? 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🤔

It's probably not their fault because

Your communication was confusing and

caused your clients to not care

about your audit project 😮

Let's talk about

➡️ A better way to engage

➡️ Making clients comfortable

➡️ Keeping people in the loop

Join me on the next episode of Audit Bites.

How well do you understand what your organization does? Unfortunately most executives, managers and auditors do not understand the inner workings of the organization.

This is a problem.

Auditors must understand how the organization operates.

Otherwise, audit efforts are pointless.

How well do you understand how your company does what it does?

Join us on Audit Bites as we talk about the best way to understand your organization.

https://youtu.be/TDMoJ17RRXw

Auditing is fun.

Okay, okay.

For those not in the profession, you can stop laughing now.

It really is.

But is all fun and games until the auditor is fired.

Continuing the conversation about the head auditor who was recently fired after almost 15 years of service with a clean performance review history, in this episode of Audit Bites, we'll discuss what to look for in vetting an organization for employment as an auditor.

Believe it or not, there are some red flags you should watch out for that may indicate a bad culture for auditors.

Join me on this episode as we talk about them.

May the 4th be with you.

Auditors must use the force.

Let's have fun.

Yes, auditors can have fun.

Let's talk about it.

5 ways auditors must use the force.

Another audit engagement is behind schedule. 

It happens so often, it’s now the norm.

You have a few choices.

1-Tell your boss.

Or

2-Take some shortcuts in your audit work.

Neither of these is a good choice.

You want to fix the problem.

But you don’t know how.

In episode 30 of the Audit Bites podcast,

Let’s talk about why your people 

can’t perform effective audits.

https://youtu.be/2Fwct0BQg7g

Who's looking out

for your best interesting?

For businesses,

it's the board of directors. 

They are a group of people chosen

to look after a company and

make sure it is being run well.

But what happens when

a board goes beyond its authority?

Find out in the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast.

Audit Bites is a podcast that provides

valuable insights for

internal audit professionals.

Mark your calendars and join us

live on LinkedIn or YouTube.

And hey, don't forget to subscribe

on your favorite podcasting platform.

Looking forward to having you on board

(pun intended) for the next episode!

#internalaudit #auditors #thatauditguy

Facts don't care about your feelings.

Unfortunately feelings control many decisions in business environments. I worked with one woman who was overworked, underpaid and completely burned out.

Each year, she asked her boss for additional funding to hire more staff. Each year, her boss denied her request.

Why?

It finally came out that her boss simply did not like her. So she worked for years in an compromised control environment because of her boss' personal problem.

After she left, the money magically appeared to clean up the department.

Are auditors aware of emotional issues that impact the organization?

Should you be?

Let's talk about this on the next episode of Audit Bites.

www.auditbites.com