Complete Internal Audit Process and Compliance Guide

Complete Internal Audit Process and Compliance Guide

Audit Checklists
100 Items
Comprehensive internal audit checklist covering governance, financial management, operations, IT, quality, HSE, procurement, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Internal Audit Checklist

Ensure organizational compliance and efficiency with this detailed internal audit checklist. It covers key areas including governance, financial management, operational controls, IT systems, health and safety, procurement, and customer service. This guide helps auditors evaluate risks, verify documentation, ensure policy adherence, and promote continuous improvement across all business functions.

1. Governance & Compliance

1Verify that company policies are up to date and approved by management.
2Confirm that legal and regulatory requirements are documented and accessible.
3Check if periodic compliance reviews are conducted and recorded.
4Ensure all business licenses and permits are valid.
5Review the organization's code of conduct and ethics implementation.
6Confirm board meeting minutes are maintained and decisions documented.
7Validate anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures are enforced.
8Review risk management procedures and mitigation plans.
9Check internal audit independence and objectivity policies.
10Verify corrective actions from previous audits are tracked to closure.

2. Financial Management

1Confirm all financial records are accurate and properly maintained.
2Check segregation of duties in financial transactions.
3Review procurement and payment approval processes.
4Verify that bank reconciliations are performed regularly.
5Ensure petty cash controls and limits are followed.
6Confirm compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
7Review fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules.
8Check that financial reports are reviewed and signed by authorized personnel.
9Ensure budgets are prepared, approved, and monitored.
10Review procedures for detecting and reporting financial irregularities.

3. Human Resources & Payroll

1Verify that employee files contain complete and current documentation.
2Ensure recruitment and selection follow approved procedures.
3Check that new hires undergo orientation and safety training.
4Review performance appraisal and promotion processes.
5Confirm payroll calculations and deductions are accurate.
6Verify statutory remittances (taxes, social security, etc.) are timely.
7Ensure disciplinary procedures are fair and documented.
8Review employee exit and clearance procedures.
9Check staff training and development records.
10Confirm confidentiality and data protection compliance for employee information.

4. Operations & Production

1Check standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all key activities.
2Verify calibration and maintenance of production equipment.
3Ensure raw material inventory records are accurate.
4Review product quality control and testing procedures.
5Check efficiency and downtime tracking logs.
6Verify traceability of materials and products.
7Review waste management and process improvement initiatives.
8Confirm compliance with health and safety standards in production areas.
9Ensure capacity utilization reports are maintained.
10Review corrective and preventive actions related to production defects.

5. Information Technology (IT)

1Verify IT policies for security, access, and data protection.
2Ensure backups are scheduled, tested, and stored securely.
3Check antivirus and endpoint protection systems are up to date.
4Review access control lists and user permissions.
5Confirm incident and breach logs are maintained.
6Check system uptime, performance monitoring, and service logs.
7Verify software licensing compliance.
8Review disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
9Ensure password management policies are enforced.
10Confirm secure disposal of obsolete IT assets and data.

6. Quality Management

1Verify compliance with ISO 9001 or equivalent standards.
2Review document control and version management practices.
3Check internal audit schedules and reports.
4Ensure management reviews are conducted as planned.
5Review nonconformance and corrective action tracking.
6Confirm supplier evaluation and approval procedures.
7Verify customer feedback and complaint resolution logs.
8Check training records for quality awareness.
9Ensure product specifications and quality plans are followed.
10Validate continuous improvement initiatives and KPIs.

7. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

1Verify existence and implementation of HSE policies.
2Review workplace risk assessments and hazard controls.
3Check availability and inspection of PPE.
4Ensure emergency response and evacuation plans are tested.
5Review incident reporting and investigation records.
6Verify fire safety equipment is regularly inspected.
7Confirm waste disposal and environmental controls are in place.
8Check training and toolbox talk attendance records.
9Ensure chemical handling and storage comply with safety standards.
10Review compliance with local occupational safety regulations.

8. Procurement & Inventory

1Verify approved supplier lists are maintained.
2Review purchase requisition and approval workflow.
3Check supplier evaluations and performance assessments.
4Confirm contracts and terms are properly documented.
5Ensure goods received are checked against purchase orders.
6Verify storage and inventory management procedures.
7Check for obsolete or slow-moving inventory.
8Ensure periodic stock counts are performed and reconciled.
9Review segregation of purchasing and receiving duties.
10Confirm procurement ethics and anti-fraud controls.

9. Customer Service & Communication

1Verify customer service policies and communication protocols.
2Check complaint handling and response time metrics.
3Review customer satisfaction surveys and feedback reports.
4Ensure customer data is handled securely and confidentially.
5Confirm response and resolution timeframes are tracked.
6Review escalation procedures for unresolved issues.
7Verify after-sales service and warranty processes.
8Check staff training on communication and empathy.
9Ensure transparency in pricing and service commitments.
10Review marketing and communication materials for accuracy.

10. Continuous Improvement & Reporting

1Verify periodic audit reports are submitted to management.
2Check audit findings are prioritized and assigned owners.
3Review progress on corrective and preventive actions.
4Ensure lessons learned are shared across departments.
5Verify effectiveness reviews of implemented actions.
6Confirm internal audit KPIs are tracked and analyzed.
7Review benchmarking or best practice adoption.
8Check for innovation or improvement initiatives.
9Ensure feedback from audits informs management reviews.
10Confirm documentation of continuous improvement cycles (Plan–Do–Check–Act).
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