Lessons Learned on the Audit Trail

Every internal audit professional wants to look back on their career with the satisfaction of knowing our work made a significant difference. Richard F. Chambers journey on the audit trail spans nearly 40 years with stops in both government and the corporate sector and, since 2009, as President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors.

In Lessons Learned on the Audit Trail, his first book release, Chambers shares many of the key events and insights gained during his impressive career, as well as valuable lessons he learned along the way. Chambers, CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CRMA, candidly recounts personal experiences to illustrate critical lessons that every internal auditor will likely learn during their own journeys in the profession.

I have learned a number of important lessons in my career some early on, some much later, Chambers says. The paradox of what you pick up later in life is you have less time to apply those lessons. But if I can help just one internal auditor become better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this profession, then my efforts writing this book will be well worth it.

Chambers imparts life-based lessons on such vital topics as the importance of: Building and sustaining relationships with internal audit stakeholders Demonstrating value Deploying risk-based audit planning and the dynamic nature of risk Achieving and sustaining a seat at the table Chambers career is unique in so many ways across government and private and not-for-profit sectors that there are sure to be key takeaways for new and seasoned practitioners alike. Whether it s in internal auditing or life in general, Chambers writes, we all aspire to make this world a better place, even if only in small ways. Foreword by Cynthia Cooper, Author of Extraordinary Circumstances. Thank you IIA-Dallas Chapter for your sponsorship of this IIA Research Foundation (IIARF) publication. All net proceeds will go to The IIARF.