Project Abstract

Internal audit is a key function within organizations that provides independent and objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. This research explores the role of internal audit as a management tool and its impact on organizational performance. The primary objective of this study is to examine how internal audit functions can be utilized as a strategic management tool to enhance organizational performance. By conducting a thorough literature review, this research identifies the various ways in which internal audit can add value to an organization beyond traditional compliance and financial auditing activities. The study also investigates the factors that influence the effectiveness of internal audit as a management tool, such as the independence and objectivity of the internal audit function, the competence and skills of internal auditors, and the support of top management. Moreover, this research aims to provide practical insights for organizations looking to optimize their internal audit functions. By analyzing case studies and best practices from various industries, the study offers recommendations on how organizations can leverage internal audit to improve risk management, internal controls, and overall governance practices. The research also highlights the importance of aligning internal audit activities with organizational objectives and priorities to maximize its impact on performance. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge on internal audit and its role in modern organizations. By emphasizing the strategic value of internal audit, this research underscores the importance of viewing internal audit as a proactive management tool rather than a reactive compliance function. The study also sheds light on the evolving role of internal audit in addressing emerging risks and challenges facing organizations in today's dynamic business environment. In conclusion, this research highlights the significance of internal audit as a management tool that can drive continuous improvement and enhance organizational resilience. By adopting a proactive and strategic approach to internal audit, organizations can unlock the full potential of this function to support decision-making, mitigate risks, and achieve their strategic objectives. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of internal audit in promoting good governance, accountability, and performance across all levels of an organization.

Project Overview

This is a research project. The subject of study is “Internal Audit as a Management Tool”. The choice of the subject matter reflects the researcher desire to shed light on the efficiency and effectiveness of internal audit of corporate organization such as Banks, Manufacturing Company, Government parastatals, etc, through findings, contribute towards evolving an established policies and procedures, thereby ensuring a sound and reliable internal control system. Oladipupo (2005: 96), pointed out that internal audit is a managerial tool which functions by examining, evaluating and reporting on the adequacy of internal control as a contribution to the proper economic, efficient and effective use of resources within an organization.

Internal audit is a control which measure evaluates and reports upon the effectiveness of internal control, financial and otherwise, as a contribution to the efficient use of resources within an organization, which was stated by Nwabueze, (2000: 278). It is the requirement of the Companies and All Matter Act (CAMA) 1990, that management should keep and maintain accounts, which presents a true and fair view of the organization financial position which must be attested to by an external auditors report. To achieve this management do establish its own policies which all the operational and service units of the organization must comply with to assure itself that its policies and programme are properly implemented, management does establish various internal control system among which the internal audit.

Internal audit is an independent arm of the organization which help in appraising both financial and other operations with the specific purpose of rendering protective and constructive services to management. The proper administration of any organization is solely dependent on the management which sees to the effective and efficient utilization of the limited resources available to it through proper planning controls to ensure the realization of corporate objectives. With the growth in size and complexity of many organizations, the need for internal audit has correspondingly increased, so that it is today a major factor in establishing the quality of an organizations internal control system and its development.

The establishment of the internal audit is not required by law but is the brain-child of management with the specific objective of fulfilling its stewardship function. This is why the internal audit unit has been identified not only as an arm of management but also as an important tool the management uses in the discharge of its duties. This study will therefore go a long way to ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit. Thereby ensuring a sound and reliable control system.

1.2  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The rationale for choice of the subject matter is the inability of management in ensuring a proper internal audit system coupled with the absence of a sound and reliable internal control system. Ojaide (200: 6) pointed out that the role of an internal audit department is to assist management in ensuring that the system of accounting, internal control and internal check are operating effectively and efficiency.

1.3  OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are:

1. To ascertain if accounting records are accurate and reliable.

2. Serving as a training unit on internal control matter.

3. Review of operational performance and reporting on variance.

4. To ascertain whether the internal check and the accounting system.

5. To ascertain the independence of the internal audit department.

6. To find out whether periodic report on operation of the organization are made to management.

7. To look at the performance of the different departments, branches and assess the impact on the over all performance of the academic institution or organization.

8. To find out whether the internal control system is sound in principle and effective in operation.

9. To find out whether periodic reports on operation of the organization are made to management.

1.4  RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Are all established policies and plans followed by the different department?

2. Are periodic reports carried out?

3. Is the accounting records accurate and reliable?

4. Is the internal audit department independence?

5. Do periodic report on operation of the organization made to management?

6. Is the internal check and accounting system effective?

7. Do performance of the different departments make any impact on the overall performance of the organization?

1.5  SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The nature, scope and responsibility of the internal audit may vary from parastatal to parastatal this study will hence, cover the internal audit department or unit of corporate organization such as Banks, oil & gas companies, manufacturing company, government parastatals, etc. in Nigeria.

1.6   RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

There are significant differences in the method of establishing policies and plans.

2. The performance of the different departments differs.

3. The periodic report made every year are not the same.

4. The accounting records of the organization made every year differ.

1.7  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to the management, as good quality of work rendered by the internal auditor to management will improve the quality of services rendered by the units, thus ensuring the realization of corporate objectives. It would highlight defects and problems in the system and suggest ways of rectifying them, thereby ensuring improvement in the quality of work of the internal audit department and hence increase the confidence imposed on them by the management. Furthermore, the study will throw more light on the importance of efficiency and effectiveness of internal audit in the organization. An insight into the extent of efficiency and effectiveness of internal audit of the organization will help not only in sensitizing management of the organization on the needs for an established policies and procedures but also contribute towards evolving a sound and reliable control system.

1.8  LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The researchers were confronted by some certain constraints, which almost undermined the objectives and aims of the research. The researchers were confronted by the inability to participate and observe some of the activities carried out by the staff of the internal audit such as stock taking and the internal auditor’s visitation to other department and unit of the organization. Thus, vital information that would have been gathered were denied the researchers. Also, as a result of the limited time available to the researchers, it was not possible to reach the organization external auditors who would have given information on how reliable the report of the internal auditor is.

1.9 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Internal Audit: This is an independent appraisal activity within an organization for the review of operation as a service to management; it is a management control which functions by measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of other controls.

2. Management: These are the group of people who engage in performing routine and strategic duties so as to ensure the realization of corporate objectives.

3. Investigation: An investigation is the examination of records and accounts of an organization for a special purpose.

4. Audit Report: It is the statutory final product of audit process.

5. Auditing: This is an independent examination of, and expression of opinion on the financial statement of an enterprise, organization by an appointed auditor in pursuance of that appointment and in compliance with any relevant law and regulation.

6. Internal Control: This is not only about internal audit or internal check but the whole system of control established by management to ensure that the organization is run in an orderly and efficient manner. This can be achieved by ensuring adherence to management policies, safe guarding of asset and securing as far as possible the accuracy and completeness of records.

7. Internal Check: This is the segregation of duty such that no one person is responsible for the processing and recording of a particular transaction.

8. True and Fair: This is a term common in auditing which can be likened to mean a fact which conform to standard that is, it is free from bias and meats users expectation.

9. Appraisal: This is assessing the value of quality of work done by management.

10. Statutory: This means having a legal backing. Auditing is under the requirement of the companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA) 1990.

11. Effectiveness: The internal audit is effective when its existence which causes a striking impression produce the intended result.

12. Vouching: This has to do with examining books and records to ascertaining their truth and fairness as regards the financial statement.

13. Financial Statement: It can be defined as a written account of facts of an individual, institution or organizations financial records.

14. Examination: This is a popular term used in auditing which refers to verification and vouching.

15. Research: This is a careful study or investigation into discovering new facts or information such as the research carried out in the topic “Internal audit as a management tool” helped to discover benefits, problems and corrective measures.

16. Limitation: This is nothing but constraints faced by the researcher while carrying out the research work which could result from time factor, inadequacy of research materials, lack of cooperation from respondents etc.

17. Respondents: Respondents aid research work as they help to provide answers to certain question/questionnaires.

18. Questionnaires: This is a list of questions covering all aspect of the research work; to be answered by respondents in order to discover facts and information.

19. Staff Strength: This is simply the number of staff employed in a particular department. It can either be a number just perfect, less or above the required number needed to attain the objectives of the department.

20. Audit Programme: Audit programme is a schedule of how the auditing work is carried out. It is a guide to staffs of the audit department so as to reach a desired goal.

21. Misappropriation: This is an irregularity carried out by staffs or management but being checked by an auditor through vouching and verification.

22. Independence: Independence is the freedom from any influence which may militate against the discharge of a responsibility and can be seen in a biased opinion the auditor is expected to be independent of other controls.

23. Management Tool: Managerial tool refers to an instrument like internal audit which management uses to ensure the adherences of its policies, safe guarding of assets and securing as far as possible the accuracy and completeness of records.

24. Accounting System: Is a staff appointed by management to appraise the activities of management by reviewing its operation as a service to them. It also functions by measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of other controls.