<p>In order to really add value to your organization, internal audit has to move to the strategic level. Too often we spend our time in the details and weeds and then wonder why executives are not interested in what we have to say. If you are being ignored, you are probably not talking and acting at the strategic level. Unless we focus on what is relevant to executives and the board, we risk being viewed as as not adding value and even worse irrelevant.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Norman Marks, a retired Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer and thought leader to discuss what internal audit needs to do to move up to the strategic level and get a seat at the big kids' table.</p> <p>#internalauditpodcast #jammingwithjason #chiefauditexecutive #internalaudit</p>

<p>Independence and objectivity are two words I hear auditors use incorrectly all the time. Even though the standards describe internal audit as being independent and objective, the truth is very few internal audit functions are truly independent, but we have to remain objective. While we may not be able to control our independence (don't worry I explain in the episode) we have complete control over being objective.</p> <p>"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." Warren Buffet. While lacking objectivity won't really get you "killed" it can definitely get you fired.</p> <p>If you will be at the IIA's International Conference in Anaheim, make sure to stop by the Unified Compliance booth in the exhibit area to say 'hi,' join me at the breakout session where I will be speaking on Tuesday, 12:45-1:45 on "How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader" or look for the guy in the hat :)</p> <p>#internalaudit #internalauditpodcast #chiefauditexecutive #independence #objectivity</p>

<p>As we move forward in our career it's easy to wake up one day and realize we haven't really invested in ourselves in years. I know, cause I've been there too. We get so busy dealing with the day-to-day stresses on our job, trying to balance life-work commitments that we don't take time to invest in ourselves. We become dependent on our employer to provide or pay for training, and when that doesn't happen we usually stop taking the time for personal development. After all, we have so much else on our plate, and we don't believe we "have" the time or money.</p> <p>In this episode, I discuss two "gods" of the strings that we can learn a lot about how to become an expert in our craft. It takes, blood, sweat and tears ... of daily / weekly / monthly consistent dedication ... and a mindset to "make" the time or money investment in ourselves. Learn how these two individuals put in the time to become icons of their instruments.</p> <p>If you want to be at the top of your game, you have to make time and invest in yourself. If you don't do it, nobody else will think it's important either. When we do invest, we may not become "gods," but the sky in definitely the limit on what we can accomplish.</p> <p>To access the offer from cRisk Academy to save $100 on your first two on-demand trainings, visit: <a href='https://criskacademy.com/save100/'>https://criskacademy.com/save100/</a></p> <p>For complete show notes and downloads related to this episode, visit: <a href='http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/'>http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/</a> </p> <p> </p>

<p>Auditors experience resistance from audit clients and others in the organization on a regular basis. Using the six principles of Influence helps build relationships, overcome objections, and help people take action. Incorporating these principles into your work and personal life will help you persuade without manipulation and avoid the extra stress and frustration caused by resistance.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer of Influence People and one of only 20 certified trainers in the world on the Cialdini Influence Methodology. You can learn more about Brian at: influencepeople.biz, or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.</p> <p>#internalaudit #internalauditpodcast #influence #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>Most people in internal audit focus a lot of time and energy on technical skills, ignoring soft-skills since those are just "touchy-feely" topics anyway that aren't that important in internal audit. Think again. You will still get ignored no matter how technically competent you are. The key to being heard and moving to trusted advisor status is through developing soft-skills.</p> <p>Internal audit can also be a dangerous profession (and I'm not talking about paper cuts). Learn how you can stay out of harm's way.</p> <p>Make sure to join me for the breakout session at IIA International Conference on "How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader" on Tuesday, 9 July at 12:45. If you'd like to have a mini-interview that will appear on a future episode, make sure to message me on LinkedIn, e-mail me, or stop by the Unified Compliance booth in the exhibit hall, where I'll be hanging out.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p>Interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in internal audit, risk management, and compliance.</p> <p>#internalauditpodcast #internalaudit #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>Yep, you read the title correctly. Performing an excellent audit, following all of the standards, and writing a great report won't stop you from getting fired. In fact, sometimes that is what helps gets you fired. To learn more, and how to avoid those land mines, take a listen to this episode.</p> <p>There is also some important information about the upcoming IIA International Conference from 7-10 July in Anaheim, California and how you can be featured on an upcoming podcast episode.</p> <p>The cRisk Academy webinar referenced in this episode with Jason Mefford and Brian Ahearn on Influence is: Tuesday 7 June, 10am PDT, 1pm EDT: https://www.bigmarker.com/crisk-academy/Avoiding-Resistance-by-Using-the-Principles-of-Influence3-2019-05-21-09-30-pm</p> <p>If you can't make it to the webinar, the recording will be available later at: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/</p> <p>#internalauditpodcast #internalaudit #internalauditwebinar #chiefauditexecutive #influence #communication</p>

<p>Certifications are an important part of developing one's career, but you need to focus on the right certifications and learning. We'll discuss the Big-3 certifications (the ones internal auditors should have) and how to make informed decisions about the training and learning needs to move your career forward. Hint: it's not about just getting alphabet soup certifications behind your name, it's about being strategic in determining which certifications and training will move you forward in your career. We'll also give some guidance on top competencies internal auditors need to develop to succeed in the future.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Karl Stingily, the Chief Audit Executive at Caeser's Entertainment, the world’s most geographically diversified casino-entertainment company.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p>Interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in internal audit, risk management, and compliance.</p> <p>Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</p> <p>PodBean: https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</p> <p>#CIAexam #certifications #internalaudit</p>

<p>Moving to an agile internal audit approach is a big shift in mindset. It is not just performing audits in a more nimble or lean way. It is about using agile methodologies to transform the whole audit process. This method produces a more collaborative approach with the audit client, a more self-managed team mentality, and scheduling the audits in time box work cycles (sprints). This fundamentally changes how we plan, perform, staff and report on audits.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Rick Wright, CAE of YRC Worldwide to discuss the big picture view of agile auditing, how to transform your audit team into an agile methodology team, and discusses Rick's upcoming book on Agile Auditing that will be published summer of 2019, which includes a practical approach and case studies on how to move from traditional auditing to agile auditing.</p> <p>#agileauditing #internalaudit #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>Internal audit has established some great traditions over the years. As Tevye, the character from Fiddler on the Roof said: "Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as... as a fiddler on the roof!" Later; however, Tevye realizes, "our old ways were once new, weren't they?" We have to be willing to change with the times and create new traditions that provide more value to our organizations than the old ones.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Dan Clark, for a discussion on establishing your own personal brand, tips for becoming a better auditor, and making internal audit a career. You'll also learn how to become a trusted advisor and provide insight and foresight.</p> <p>Dan Clark is the GOAT of Internal Audit (you'll have to listen to learn what that means) and CAE of Washington Trust Bank. In a career that spans more than 30 years, Dan has accumulated a lot of wisdom that he shares in his book: Dare to Be Different - An Auditor's Personal Guide To Excellence. Currently, he is working on new book: The Tao of Internal Audit.</p>

<p>Most Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) struggle with justifying the level of internal audit resources. When internal audit is viewed by stakeholders as a "cost center" this is an annual challenge justifying headcount and annual budgets, especially when the organization is in cost-cutting mode. Many in the profession advocate using benchmarking as a way to "right size" the internal audit function, but this can be a very slippery slope and is based on some faulty assumptions. A much better approach is to focus on the organizational risks and expectations of the board and senior management.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Many professionals get caught in a CPE mindset when it comes to professional development. A CPE mindset will not get you promotions or new positions. In the knowledge revolution, we have to become lifelong learners - those concerned with learning and growing each day, week, and month - not just completing hours of random CPE each year. Find out how to switch mindsets, increase your likelihood of having your training requests approved, and some questions you can ask yourself to be proactive with your learning opportunities.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. <a href='http://www.jasonmefford.com'>http://www.jasonmefford.com</a>  and <a href='http://www.meffordassociates.com'>http://www.meffordassociates.com</a></p> <p>#internalaudit #internalaudittraining #lifelonglearning</p>

<p>As auditors we audit the effectiveness of controls and make recommendations for improving controls. If we are not careful, what we may actually do is recommend ineffective controls or try to over control our organizations, effectively strangling the organization and making it more difficult to achieve objectives. Here's a case study showing some ineffective and over control from one of the largest banks in the world that should know better. Makes me want to scream "give me a break."</p> <p> </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com/ and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p> Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</p> <p>PodBean: https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</p> <p>#internalaudit #internalauditpodcast #jammingwithjason #internalcontrols #cae #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>Jason Mefford is joined by Dan Clayton, for a discussion of how internal audit is evolving and changing, driving some of the updates to Sawyer's Internal Auditing, 7th edition.</p> <p>Information in the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), the Internal Audit textbook, and CIA Review Course materials, provide a basis for how to practice internal auditing, but Sawyer's Internal Auditing (one of the most influential books in the profession) fills in some of the gaps, and shows where internal audit is headed.</p> <p>Dan Clayton is the Director of Strategy and Knowledge Management for the System Audit Office at The University of Texas System, and was the project leader for the update team to Sawyers Internal Auditing, 7th edition.</p> <p>#jammingwithjason #internalaudit #sawyersinternalauditing</p>

<p>A recently released study from the AICPA and NC State show that despite the constant drumbeat for improving and formalizing risk management processes, most organizations are still way behind in their efforts. When 60% agree the volume and complexity or risk have changed extensively over the last five years, and 65% of boards are call for "somewhat" to "extensively" increasing managment involvement in risk oversight, why aren't more organizations on board with implementing ERM (only 34% have "mature" or "robust" oversight)? We'll unpack the results of the study, discuss some of the reasons and implications this has on organizations, internal audit, and how to use ERM as a strategic advantage.</p> <p>Jason Mefford is joined by Joseph McCafferty, Editor & Publisher of Internal Audit 360 who recently reported on this study in an article. <a href='https://internalaudit360.com/'>https://internalaudit360.com/</a> </p> <p>You can access Joe's article "Report: Companies Lad on Improving Risk Management" at <a href='https://internalaudit360.com/report-companies-lag-on-improving-risk-management-programs/'>https://internalaudit360.com/report-companies-lag-on-improving-risk-management-programs/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com/ and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p> Apple Podcast: <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699'>https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</a> </p> <p>PodBean: <a href='https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/'>https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</a> </p>

<p>I spent the last several months interviewing many chief audit executives (CAEs) from all over the world to gain a better understanding of the current state of internal audit. What I found is that not only is the pace of change accelerating at an alarming rate, but along with the mounting challenges come plenty of opportunities too.</p> <p>From these interviews, and my own experiences as a CAE at two organizations, I have identified some clear trends, challenges, and opportunities that most CAEs are working to address.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com/ and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p> Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</p> <p>PodBean: https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</p> <p>#internalaudit #cae #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>When we try to go through this thing called life and our career alone, the road is hard and usually full of landmines. It's better to admit we need help and create or join a group that can be a support network and group of advisors before the stress and pressures from work spill over into our personal life and send us spiraling downward.</p> <p>There is magic in groups. When the right people get together, develop real connections, and provide support and encouragement for each others, some really amazing things happen. Learn how magic happened during the writing of "Werewolves of London," hear a story of what happens when you try to do it alone, and how you can create your own support network, or join a group like the new CAE Roundtable.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. <a href='http://www.jasonmefford.com/'>http://www.jasonmefford.com/</a>  and <a href='http://www.meffordassociates.com'>http://www.meffordassociates.com</a> </p> <p> Apple Podcast: <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699'>https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</a> </p> <p>PodBean: <a href='https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/'>https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</a></p> <p>#internalaudit #chiefauditexecutive #cae</p>

<p>Many support functions in organizations want to be seen as a “trusted advisor” to the business, and internal audit is no exception. There is an aspiration to provide value, so we work really hard proving to ourselves that we are adding value, but other don't see it and tend to runaway.</p> <p>“And I wonder, I wo, wo, wo, wo, wonder, why,” we aren’t seen as trusted advisors. Maybe it’s because we don’t really understand what “trust” and “advice” really mean. </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the minefields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com/ and http://www.meffordassociates.com</p> <p> Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamming-with-jason-mefford/id1456660699</p> <p>PodBean: https://jammingwithjason.podbean.com/</p> <p>#trustedadvisor #internalaudit #cae #chiefauditexecutive</p>

<p>In this first episode of Jamming with Jason you'll hear a little ditty about the show - format, content, and why this show is being produced. We'll also discuss some of the elephants in the room related to internal audit - the topics of many of the future shows.</p> <p>This is a real, unscripted, and unedited show about what it takes to be a successful Chief Audit Executive and professional in internal audit, risk management, and compliance.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the minefields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations.</p> <p><a href='http://www.jasonmefford.com/'>http://www.jasonmefford.com/</a> </p>