http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/ Recent news from the Institure of Internal Auditorsen-us Fri, 03 Nov 2006 20:52:25 GMTWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:22:10 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17362The IIA is seeking all internal audit leaders to weigh in. The existing compliance, regulatory, and economic environment will continue to exert significant influence on audit plans, priorities, and activities. Trends indicate that internal audit plans continue to rebalance away from a post-Sarbanes-Oxley financial controls focus to assessments of business and strategic risks. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Your input will directly influence the Audit Executive Center’s and The IIA’s thought leadership and benchmarking information on what you consider emerging trends and topics for the profession.It will be shared at upcoming IIA events/conferences and incorporated into a final knowledge-based report that will be made available to you.   Reply by February 29, 2012. Take the survey now.  Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:20:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17360The International Internal Audit Standards Board (IIASB) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) recently conducted a comprehensive review of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) and is proposing changes to some of the Standards. The changes reflect consideration of input the IIASB has received from internal auditors and stakeholders, as well as global surveys and other research focused on the Standards.   Exposure Period Part of the established process includes the exposure of the proposed changes to the Standards to stakeholders of the profession to ensure that the modifications are clear, understandable, and consistent with the practice of internal auditing. The proposed revised Standards will have a 90-day exposure period from February 20, 2012, to May 20, 2012. Purpose for the Exposure The proposed changes include: Clarifying the responsibilities of internal auditors, the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) and the internal audit activity for conforming with the Standards. Increasing focus on the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program requirements and clarifying ways in which conformance may be achieved. Clarifying the CAE's role to communicate unacceptable risk. Explicitly requiring timely adjustments to the internal audit plan for changes. Increasing coverage of risks to the achievement of strategic objectives. Adding more examples of functional reporting to the board. Adding the definitions of "overall opinion" and "engagement opinion" into the glossary, as well as changing the definitions of "risk" and "board." How to Respond To facilitate your response to this exposure draft, you will complete an online survey that guides you through each of the proposed changes to the Standards and glossary. The survey — which is available in English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Montenegrin, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish — will allow you to vote on whether you agree with the proposed additions or revisions and to provide additional comments. Access to the exposure instructions and online survey.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17349Serving on an audit committee is one of the most prestigious and challenging roles in business. So much so, its inherent responsibilities could result in a very serious case of sleep deprivation! This edition of Tone at the Top addresses the top concerns expressed by audit committees today, and how internal auditing can help them rest assured they’re able to carry out their governance duties effectively. Plus, New Look and Circulation—we’re excited to unveil a new look for Tone at the Top and an increased distribution from quarterly to bi-monthly. Download your copy now. Tone at the Top provides executive management, boards of directors, and audit committees with concise, leading-edge information on such issues as ethics, internal control, governance, and the changing role of internal auditing; and guidance relative to their roles in, and responsibilities for, the internal audit function. Your colleagues and audit committee and board members are invited to receive complimentary subscriptions to Tone at the Top. Register online.Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:50:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17330The Global Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the nominees for the Executive Committee, Directors at Large, Institute Directors, and North American Directors.   These candidates have agreed to serve subject to election at the Annual Business Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts on July 11, 2012. The new leaders will take office immediately upon election. All members are invited to attend and may vote in person or by proxy. Officers are elected for one-year terms; Institute Directors, North American Directors, and Directors-at-large serve one- or two-year terms.  Click here to see the announcement of the 2012-2013 slate of nominees.    The Institute of Internal Auditors Global Headquarters 247 Maitland Avenue Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 U.S.A. Tel: +1-407-937-1224   Fax: +1-407-937-1101   E-mail: governance@theiia.org Web:http://www.theiia.org  Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:50:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17293The Professional Certifications Board (PCB) has announced the transition plan for Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) program candidates who cannot complete their certification before the new exam is launched in mid-2013. The plan explains how credit for partial completion in the four-part exam will translate to the three-part exam format, and it indicates any additional requirements for achieving credit for specific parts. To assist candidates with their transition, The IIA also has released a document that shows the realignment of content from the four-part structure to the 2013 three-part exam format. The content map highlights which content has transitioned to a new part, has been removed or added, or has changed knowledge level on the exam. Read more about The CIA Candidate Transition Plan in the Certification News section of The IIA’s Global website.  Download the CIA Four-part to Three-part Exam Content Map.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17278The IIA’s Audit Executive Center recently hosted three roundtables to garner insight from the internal audit profession on the exposure draft of proposed updates, revisions, and enhancements to the 1992 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s (COSO’s) Internal Control — Integrated Framework (Framework), which was released for public comment in December. Roundtable discussions explored seven observations on the exposure draft. Read more . . .Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:40:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17261Internal Auditor magazine has launched a new look AND a smartphone app. The magazine went through a major redesign to create a look that is up-to-date, more reader friendly, and translates easily to mobile editions of the publication.   “From the cover to every inside page, our design firm, Yacinski Design LLC, used a cleaner, more open look and a wider variety of design elements to create a more interesting appearance for the publication,” say Editor in Chief Anne Millage. “The firm captured our vision for the redesign perfectly.”  The new app includes the digital edition of the redesigned magazine, daily news updates, and the latest posts from InternalAuditorOnline’s “Chambers on the Profession” and “Marks on Governance” blogs. Readers can access the magazine via their iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Android phone by downloading the app from either the App Store or Android Market using their member/subscriber number and password. They must currently receive the publication to be able to download the app.   For more information: http://www.theiia.org/intAuditor/mobileapp/  Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17260Updated Supplemental Guidance Released: The Role of Auditing in Public Sector Governance, 2nd Edition This supplemental guidance updated by The IIA is intended to further clarify the importance of the public sector audit activity to effective governance and defines the key elements needed to maximize the value the audit activity provides to all levels of the public sector. The guidance is intended to point to the roles of audit (without differentiating between external and internal), methods by which those roles can be fulfilled, and the essential ingredients necessary to support an effective audit function. As such, it may not be fully applicable in every jurisdiction, particularly where public sector audit roles and responsibilities are specifically defined by governing institutes or legal mandates to exclude certain functions or assign them to other entities  You can download The Role of Auditing in Public Sector Governance, 2nd Edition and other supporting supplemental guidance today. This document is classified in our new category titled “Supplemental Guidance.”  Please note that this new category is not part of the IPPF.  This material is not mandatory or strongly recommended IPPF guidance. Learn more about this category and other guidance available. Additional supplemental guidance focused on the public sector will soon be released: Value of Internal Audit and the Internal Audit Capability Model – Public Sector and Implementing a New Internal Audit Function – Public Sector. Public Sector Definition is currently available for download.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:20:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17257ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., USA — The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) has recently released a new report examining the prospect for internal auditors to make meaningful contributions to the organizations they serve by providing insight into organizational risks and opportunities. Based on a 2011 survey of 358 chief audit executives (CAEs), board members, and senior management from organizations in 39 countries, as well as in-depth follow-up interviews, Insight: Delivering Value to Stakeholders provides a global snapshot of stakeholders' views on whether internal audit should and is delivering insight, and with what regularity. “The value of the internal audit activity is in its ability to provide objective assurance and insight on the effectiveness and efficiency of governance, risk management, and internal control processes,” explains IIARF Vice President Margie Bastolla, CIA. “And although there is extensive reference material available to support the assurance and objectivity aspects of the function, there’s an opportunity for The IIARF to provide more detailed knowledge about the topic of internal audit insight.” With that in mind, The IIARF commissioned research to gain an understanding of how CAEs and key stakeholders view the current state of insight delivery. Researchers also explored key enablers or hindrances to insight delivery and provide suggestions for CAEs eager to enhance the delivery of insight by internal audit. The top five factors consistently identified as critical enablers of insight delivery are: A strong control environment and tone at the top, where executive leadership and operating management are open to improvement recommendations. Clear board and management expectations for value delivery. A reporting relationship that supports the independence of the internal audit function. A competent CAE. An internal audit team with sufficient practical skills as well as industry and organizational knowledge to provide a pragmatic bridge between an audit process and the business management of risk.   The study also revealed a gap between CAEs’ perceptions of how the internal audit activity provides insight versus stakeholders’ perceptions. Specifically, 66 percent of CAEs indicated their internal audit function “always or frequently” provides insight, whereas only 61 percent of board members believe their organization’s internal audit function always or frequently provides insight. That number drops sharply for senior management executives: A mere 38 percent believe their internal auditors always or frequently provide insight. In the interviews, board members consistently identified the importance of internal auditors having strong information technology (IT) knowledge and experience. This partially sheds some light on the differences in opinion between board and executive stakeholders regarding internal audit’s actual delivery of insight “frequently” or “always.” During research interviews, board members expressed they value the assurance on internal controls and risk management that internal auditors provide. They particularly value assurance on IT areas of the organization where, as board members, they generally have minimal hands-on experience. Executive stakeholders felt IT assurance, however, does not rise to the level of “insight” They do view as insight the advice from internal auditing on things such as a new way to approach an issue or a useful recommendation to enhance operations.” Stakeholders expressed that an internal auditor’s lack of operating or general management experience is viewed as a hindrance to providing true organizational insights, and may cause management to reject an internal audit analysis or recommendation. “We hope CAEs use the information provided to thoughtfully self-assess their functions, consider the applicability of the examples provided by other CAEs, discuss expectations with their stakeholders, and ultimately strive to enhance insight delivery within their organizations,” says Deloitte & Touche Internal Audit Partner Patricia Miller, CIA, who co-authored the report. If there is one take-away CAEs should glean from the study, she says it is this: “You have to be proactive, well-informed, articulate, business- and management-knowledgeable, and sometimes a courageous leader to demonstrate insight delivery to your stakeholders.” The IIARF report indicates an opportunity for internal audit practitioners to bridge the gaps and provides workable guidance and recommendations. It outlines five “next steps” for CAEs to enhance insight delivery:  Meet with your stakeholders routinely. Consider the importance of reporting relationships and sufficient organizational independence. Align the internal audit mission and focus with the agreed expectations. Refocus your internal audit approach to agree with the mission. Assess your leadership skills and communication style.   Researchers also found a statistically valid relationship between certification and insight delivery. Those CAEs with more than 50 percent of their staff holding a certification were more likely to agree that their internal audit organization delivered insights, and did so more frequently than those who had fewer certified staff members. Authored by Patty Miller, CIA, CISA, CPA and Tara Smith, CIA, Insight: Delivering Value to Stakeholders was published by The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation and available for free download at http://www.theiia.org/bookstore/product/insight-delivering-value-to-stakeholders-1587.cfm.     ###   About The IIA Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. (IIA) is an international professional association with global headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Fla., USA. With more than 170,000 members in 165 countries, The IIA is the internal audit profession's global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator.   About The IIA Research Foundation Founded by The IIA in 1976, The Research Foundation expands knowledge and understanding of internal auditing by providing relevant research and educational products to advance the profession globally.   About the Authors  Patricia Miller, CIA, CISA, CPA recently retired as an experienced internal audit partner in the Northern California Advisory Services practice of Deloitte & Touche. She led the internal audit risk management function nationally, providing consultation on engagement quality and risk management, and on quality assurance activities. She has worked with large and small public clients in a variety of industries.   Tara Smith, CIA is a senior manager at Deloitte & Touche, serving a range of clients with a primary focus in the oil & gas industry. She has managed all engagement-related items for large global projects, including planning and execution, coordinating international resources, and ensuring standard global deliverables.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17221The Institute of Internal Auditors is asking for nominations for its three highest and most prestigious awards. All three awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the field of internal auditing: BRADFORD CADMUS MEMORIAL AWARD For contributions to the global profession of internal auditing VICTOR Z. BRINK AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE For contributions to the profession through global or regional service to The IIA WILLIAM G. BISHOP III, CIA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD For impact on the global profession through a lifetime of accomplishments and dedication to The IIA Recipients of these awards will receive complimentary registration and travel arrangements for the International Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in July 2012, as well as special recognition during the conference. The deadline for nominations is February 28, 2012. Click here to download the Call for Nominations, click here to download the nomination form. If you would prefer to receive the Call for Nominations as an attachment, please request a copy from Lori Gagnon at Lori.Gagnon@theiia.org. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17177The North American Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the nominees for North American Board officers and members, and for the open district advisor and representative positions. These candidates have agreed to serve subject to election at the North American Membership Meeting at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, April 22, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.  The new NA Board members and district representatives and district advisors will take office upon election.  IIA members in the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Bermuda may vote in person or by proxy.  All North American members are invited to attend.  NA Board members, District Representatives, and District Advisors are elected for one- or two-year terms.  NA Board officers are elected for one-year terms. Click here to see the 2012-2013 slate of nominees.  Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17098Join your colleagues for an IIA/AICPA Webinar on January 31 from 12:30- 2:00 p.m. EST  that will cover the update to the 1992 Internal Control - Integrated Framework with subject matter experts discussing how this initiative will enable organizations worldwide to better design, implement, and assess internal control. It’s free to IIA members. Learn more and register today.   Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:14:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17178The North American Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the nominees for North American Board officers and members, and for the open district advisor and representative positions. These candidates have agreed to serve subject to election at the North American Membership Meeting at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, April 22, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.  The new NA Board members and district representatives and district advisors will take office upon election.  IIA members in the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Bermuda may vote in person or by proxy.  All North American members are invited to attend.  NA Board members, District Representatives, and District Advisors are elected for one- or two-year terms.  NA Board officers are elected for one-year terms. Click here to see the 2012-2013 slate of nominees.  Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:26:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17169Enterprise Risk Management – Understanding and Communicating Risk Appetite Organizations encounter risk every day as they pursue their objectives. Risk appetite — the amount of risk organizations are willing to accept in pursuit of their objectives — is an integral part of an effective ERM system. This thought paper aims to help organizations develop, better articulate, and implement “risk appetite.” It provides examples of statements of risk appetite and emphasizes the notion that risk appetite should be clearly defined, communicated by management, embraced by the board, and continually monitored and updated. More…Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:28:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17154NEW DELHI —More than 120 representatives from over 50 countries will convene at the Lalit Hotel in New Delhi, India February 5-8, 2012 for The IIA’s annual Global Council. Coordinated by IIA Global Headquarters and hosted by the IIA’s Indian institute (IIA-India), Global Council brings together top leaders of The IIA from around the world to discuss key matters impacting the global profession of internal auditing. For The IIA, as the internal audit profession’s global guiding body and standard-setter, each year this event helps frame a number of important global initiatives for the profession. “We are proud to receive our fellow internal audit leaders here in India where the internal audit profession and The IIA are continuously advancing,” said IIA-India spokesperson Naren Aneja. “In India, it is a top priority that our companies and government understand the full scope of internal auditing, as well as the valuable role The IIA plays around the world supporting internal auditors as they conduct their governance, risk management and controls assessment work professionally.” Established in 1941, with headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Fla., USA, The IIA comprises more than 170,000 members in 165 countries. IIA leaders represent members working in a variety of professional capacities such as internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, information technology audit, education, and security. The IIA has been establishing chapters to serve its members in India since 1963.  Due to its strategic importance in the accomplishment of the global institute’s mission, IIA India was chosen as the host for the 2012 Global Council to set the stage for discussions regarding globalization of the internal audit profession and the importance of advocacy in emerging countries. “We must ensure that our profession’s global standards are embraced worldwide, and that we advocate to all our stakeholders with one united voice,” said IIA Chairman of the Board Denny Beran, CIA, CCSA, CRMA. “By leveraging this unique opportunity to join together in India from all parts of the globe, we can share with one another how to continue to advance in important areas such as adoption of global Standards and certification programs. This event embodies The IIA’s long-standing motto: Progress through Sharing!”   ### About The IIA The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is internationally recognized as a trustworthy guidance-setting body. Serving members in 165 countries, The IIA is the internal audit profession's global voice, chief advocate, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, and principal educator. About IIA-India  IIA-India serves the internal audit profession in India through its chapters in Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:10:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17153As the global research leader, The IIA Research Foundation has identified nine RFPs to be released for 2012. Among these research topics, the following six priority topics and three CBOK-related topics are now posted.  Priority Topic Research RFPs for 2012  Strategic Direction Internal Audit Communication Responding to Significant Risk Events Fraud in Emerging Markets and Global Security Auditing Ethical Behavior  Effective Use of Technology to Improve Board of Directors’ Communication   CBOK-related Research RFPs for 2012 Internal Audit Around the World Topic1: A Perspective on Global Regions Internal Audit Around the World Topic2: A Perspective on Global Regions IT and Internal Audit IA: Quality Assurance and Improvement   Proposals with a global research team are encouraged to submit. All proposals must be submitted no later than March 12, 2012.Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:03:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17152Win big with The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore Sweepstakes! Now through Feb. 29, 2012, you are invited to enter to win free registration to The IIA’s 2012 International Conference. No purchase is necessary. Just for entering the contest, you will receive a special bookstore coupon for $10 off of your next purchase. Click here  to enter. Find the most comprehensive collection of practitioner-reviewed content at The IIARF Bookstore, your one-stop-shop for internal audit resources such as books, training materials, certification preparation, interactive programs, and more. The IIARF Bookstore products have been reviewed by internal auditors to guarantee a perfect fit. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:20:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17110The Institute of Internal Auditors comments on PCAOB’s Concept Release regarding Auditor Independence and Audit Firm Rotation   ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Auditor independence, objectivity, healthy professional skepticism and, ultimately, overall audit quality are vital as internal auditors work very closely with external auditors, as mandated by the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. However, mandatory audit firm rotation could significantly impact the relationship between the external and internal auditors; how their audits are planned, coordinated and performed; and how the external auditors leverage the knowledge, experience and expertise of internal auditors to enhance overall effectiveness. This was the overarching message of The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA’s) response to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB’s) Concept Release on Auditor Independence and Audit Firm Rotation. “It’s not clear whether mandatory audit firm rotation will enhance auditor independence, objectivity, and professional skepticism when considering the cost/benefit trade-offs,” said IIA President and CEO Richard F. Chambers in a December 14 letter to the PCAOB. The IIA — a global professional member association of more than 170,000 internal auditors (63,000 of which are in North America) — went on to say in its response to the PCAOB that their research has indicated a majority of their members disagree with the concept of mandatory audit firm rotation. Members also feel that the independence, objectivity and professional skepticism of “new” external audit firms is not markedly different than that of a prior existing firm. The IIA’s member research also cited other disadvantages of mandatory audit firm rotation, including: Increased costs to the company and/or audit firm. A steep learning curve and loss of knowledge. Potential erosion in the quality of audits Potential opportunities for opinion shopping. Potential that mandatory rotation would diminish the role and influence of the audit committee. In lieu of time-based mandatory rotation, The IIA suggested the PCAOB require a change in the external auditor when circumstances arise, such as restatements (which result in the Company’s filing an 8K removing reliance on the prior filing); significant frauds in the companies audited financial statements; or other indicators of audit failure which impact investors. The IIA also suggested: Increased disclosure about the audit committee’s role in overseeing the quality of the audit, including its periodic evaluation of auditor independence. Providing audit committees the ability to request the PCAOB perform a directed inspection of the company’s audit with reporting directly to the audit committee. A requirement that the audit committee solicit bids from other auditors after specified intervals. Greater reliance on internal auditing. “The internal audit profession is experiencing more inquiry from and providing greater assistance to audit committees in providing perspectives on the financial auditor’s independence and overall audit quality,” added Chambers. “We encourage the Board to consider ways effective internal audit activities can contribute to the financial auditor’s independence, objectivity, professional skepticism, and audit quality. The costs and risks could be reduced by having the new auditor leverage the knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise of internal auditing and place appropriate reliance on internal audit results.” The IIA collaborated with a number of internal audit thought leaders in the U.S. and globally in developing its response to the Concept Release. Comments were based on research, surveys and discussions conducted by a core team of audit professionals who serve on The IIA’s Professional Issues Committee.  The core team consisted of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, and Certified Internal Auditors who have worked in the public and private sectors, internal and external auditing, and small, medium, large domestic and multinational SEC registered companies. To view The IIA’s full response, see comment letter number 318 on the PCAOB’s website at http://pcaobus.org/Rules/Rulemaking/Pages/Docket037Comments.aspx. ###  Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:10:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17079The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has implemented an expanded translation and delivery plan for its flagship exam, the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA), as well as one of its specialty exams, the Certified Government Auditing Professional® (CGAP®). The translations included in this most recent expansion of the certification program, which include Hebrew, Arabic, and Estonian, are in response to continued growth of the internal audit profession globally and demand for credentialed practitioners.  The IIA, which just recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, has seen a more than 140 percent increase globally in its membership over the past decade. Of The IIA’s more than 170,000 members, more than 100,000 practice in countries outside North America spanning from Ecuador to South Korea, making the need to address certification translations critical. Including the Arabic translation, the CIA exam is now offered in twenty languages, and is administered at more than 500 sites located in 165 countries around the world.  In 2008 the CIA exam transitioned from a paper-and-pencil exam to a computer-based testing (CBT) format. However, until September of this year, the Hebrew translation of the exam was still only available in the original paper-and-pencil format. While exam registrants can access the CBT exam format year-round, the paper-and-pencil format is only offered twice a year. In Israel alone, the addition of the Hebrew translation of the CIA exam to the CBT format will offer the more than 1,100 members, as well as hundreds of internal auditors within the country who are not members, the flexibility to pursue professional certification on a schedule that allows them to balance this undertaking with meeting the increasing demands of stakeholders.  Additionally, beginning in January 2011, CIA registrants will be able to sit for the exam in Arabic. IIA Institute leaders in a number of Arabic-speaking countries, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar, approached IIA Headquarters about translating the exam. “These leaders came together and committed to fully financing the project because of their strong belief that offering the exam in Arabic will lead to an increased number of certified individuals,” says Kevin Rafiq, CCSA, Director-Institutes Relations at The IIA, who works closely with Institute leaders in the region.  “Consequently, this will create more awareness about internal auditing and assist these leaders in advocating for the profession.” Rafiq says that although the profession is growing in these countries, local leaders believe that it has not yet reached its full potential and that this will motivate internal auditors, especially those in the public sector, to seek certification.  Ensuring that public-sector auditors demonstrate their competency through certification is an issue that is not limited to Arabic-speaking regions. New regulations served as the impetus for The IIA’s CGAP exam being made available in Estonian as of September 19, 2011. This translation was critical for internal auditors in Estonia, as recently implemented government regulations now require government auditors to be certified. Several other countries — including Poland, Taiwan, and Bulgaria — have discussed or proposed legislation in support of government auditors becoming CGAPs. The CGAP is a specialty certification designed for and by public-sector internal auditing practitioners. The CGAP exam tests knowledge of public-sector internal auditing and emphasizes the internal auditor’s role in both strengthening accountability to the public and improving government services. With the addition of Estonian, the exam is currently offered in six languages and was administered in 28 countries in 2010.  The IIA is committed to offering its certification exams in all languages where there is a demand identified as part its overall mission to advance the profession globally and ensure that practitioners are equipped to meet the growing demands of the various stakeholders they now serve. “The ability to take an exam as rigorous as the CIA in one’s native language is a huge step forward in the globalization of the certification program and it demonstrates the growth of The IIA in these countries,” says IIA Vice President of Global Relations Sylvia Gonner. “Our Institutes are also making great strides in translating the International Professional Practices Framework and ensuring that certification review materials are available, as these are essential pre-requisites to offering the exam in a new language.”Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/?i=17074Supplemental Guidance - Public Sector Definition  This Supplemental Guidance released by The IIA is intended to clarify the often ambiguous term public sector. It is generally agreed that the public sector includes government and publicly-controlled or publicly-funded agencies, enterprises, and other organizations that deliver public programs, goods, or services. Yet, it is not always clear whether any specific organization should be included under that umbrella. “Public Sector Definition” provides specific, identifiable criteria to help define the boundary between public and private sector. Upon reviewing this material, you will be able to identify specific criteria to appropriately classify organizations around the world as being in the public sector. This document is classified in our new category titled “Supplemental Guidance.” Please note that this new category is not part of the IPPF. This material is not mandatory or strongly recommended IPPF guidance. More information on this category and past documents we now classify as being in the category can be found here. All of the Supplemental Guidance is available as a free download to members. Download your copies today! Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:28:00 GMT