Recurring errors or delays
Review the approvals, checks and handovers behind repeated problems.
Internal Audit
Let’s talk
A specific concern?
Start with the process you want to understand better.
Why Internal Audit
A clearer view of how controls work in practice.
Internal audit focuses on risks, controls and processes. A scoped review can help management understand where working practices differ from intended procedures and which issues deserve attention.
Growth and business change
Consider whether responsibilities and controls still fit your current operations.
Management needs better visibility
Examine selected processes and the evidence available to support oversight.
What we review
A clearer view of how controls work in practice.
Internal audit focuses on risks, controls and processes. A scoped review can help management understand where working practices differ from intended procedures and which issues deserve attention.
Finance and payment controls
Discuss authorisation, bank reconciliations, access to payment systems and the separation of key responsibilities.
Purchasing and supplier processes
Review selected steps from supplier setup and purchase approval to invoice checks and payment.
Sales and receivables
Consider customer setup, invoicing, credit approvals, collections and the handling of adjustments.
Inventory and asset controls
Examine record keeping, custody, stock counts and the approval of asset movements where relevant.
Payroll and staff-related controls
Review selected employee record changes, payroll checks, approvals and responsibilities.
Policies, access and reporting
These areas illustrate possible scope, not an automatic commitment to every service. Specialist technical work, investigations and additional professional appointments must be confirmed separately.
Internal audit and external audit serve different purposes.
| Engagement | Primary focus | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| Internal audit | Selected risks, controls and business processes. | Agreed findings, recommendations and management action points. |
| External financial-statement audit | Financial statements and the applicable reporting framework. | An independent opinion on the financial statements. |
An internal audit review does not replace a statutory financial-statement audit. Confirm who will perform the work, the reporting arrangements and any relevant independence requirements.
How it works?
Internal audit and external audit serve different purposes.
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01 · Define the scope
Discuss objectives, relevant risks, processes, reporting recipients and access to information.
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02 · Understand current practices
Review procedures and walk through selected activities with the relevant team members.
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03 · Review supporting evidence
Examine agreed records and test selected controls within the scope. Discuss issues and clarify the facts.
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04 · Report and agree actions
Present findings and recommendations. Agree management responses, action owners and target dates.
What you receive
Findings your management team can act on.
Agree the deliverables and intended readers before work begins.
A defined review scope
Objectives, processes, period, exclusions and reporting responsibilities.
A findings report
Evidence-based observations, associated risks and recommendations within the agreed scope.
A management action plan
Responses, responsible owners and target dates. Follow-up reviews are included only when expressly agreed.
Prepare with confidence
What information will help the review?
Business and team information
Your activities, organisation structure, process owners and relevant locations.Policies and working records
Procedures, approval limits, workflows and examples of records from the review period.Existing concerns and prior findings
Management reports, known incidents, recurring errors and previous review action plans.Do not send confidential records through the initial enquiry form. Agree a secure sharing method first.
A useful starting point
Your internal audit preparation checklist
- Identify the processes you want reviewed.
- Describe the main concerns or recurring issues.
- Nominate a management contact.
- Gather current procedures and approval limits.
- Locate relevant reports and supporting records.
- Note your preferred reporting date.
Fees & timescales
A proposal built around the review you need.
A clear brief helps establish a realistic fee and timetable. Discuss the following factors before agreeing the engagement.
Breadth and complexity
The number of processes, locations, systems and departments affects the scope.
Evidence and team availability
Accessible records and timely responses help the review progress. Missing information can affect timing.
Reporting and follow-up
Agree report format, management discussions and whether follow-up testing is included.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you need. Let’s discuss your requirements.
Why start with Arabian Advisor?
Connect the review with your business priorities.
Your Audit & Assurance enquiry starts with the purpose of the work, available records and suitable engagement. Bring your internal control questions into the same conversation as your accounting and operational needs.
Who will perform the review?
Confirm the appointed team, relevant experience, reporting line and any independence considerations.What will the proposal include?
Define processes, testing boundaries, deliverables and any separately scoped work.How will findings be followed up?
Agree how management responses, action owners and progress will be recorded.Your questions, answered
Internal Audit FAQs.
Practical answers to help you prepare for your first discussion.
What is the purpose of an internal audit?
It reviews selected risks, controls and processes to help management understand weaknesses and improve how the business operates. The objectives and depth of work are agreed in the scope.
Can the review cover just one process?
Yes. The proposed scope can focus on a specific process, department or issue, subject to confirming the appropriate engagement.
Does internal audit replace an external audit?
No. An internal audit review and an external financial-statement audit have different objectives and outputs. Confirm separately whether you need an external audit opinion.
Is internal audit mandatory for my business?
Requirements depend on your entity, sector, governance arrangements and applicable obligations. Share your jurisdiction and the reason for the review so any relevant requirements can be checked.
Will the review identify every error or fraud?
No. Work is performed within an agreed scope and may involve selected testing. A review cannot guarantee that every error, control failure or fraud will be detected. A specific investigation needs a separate scope.
What will management receive?
Agree the reporting format before work starts. Outputs may include findings, associated risks, recommendations and a management action plan.
Will you implement the recommendations?
Management retains responsibility for decisions and controls. Any implementation assistance or follow-up testing must be separately specified, including relevant independence considerations.
How long does an internal audit take?
Timing depends on scope, process complexity, evidence availability and staff access. Share your preferred reporting date so a realistic schedule can be discussed.
Your next step starts here
Let's talk about your business.
Share your requirements. Explore the support you need.
Let's talk business
What does your business need next?
Whether you have a specific requirement or are exploring your options, start by sharing a little about your business.
Our focus
Businesses in Dubai, UAE
Accounting. Tax. Business setup.
A clear place to begin.
- +97150 388 7627
- alarabianadvisors@gmail.com
- Shams Business Center, Sharjah Media City Free Zone, Al Messaned, UAE.