Stopping the 5:00 PM Response

The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit

In this episode, Mike Levy speaks with Adam Neifach about the challenges of late audit responses — what they call the “dreaded 5:00 p.m. response.” They discuss why audit clients delay engagement, how to foster collaboration, and practical strategies for improving responsiveness. 

Host:Mike Levy, CIA, CRMA, CISA, CEO and managing principal, Cherry Hill Advisory  

Guests:

Adam Neifach, CIA, CPA, CISA, senior manager of Internal Audit, Frontier Airlines

Key Points: 

• Introduction [00:00-00:43]
• The 5:00 PM Response [00:44-02:28]
  • Explanation of the "5:00 PM response" and its impact on audit processes.
  • Discussion on why audit clients delay engagement.
• Challenges and Causes [02:29-03:36]
  • Adam Neifach shares his experiences with late responses and the challenges they pose.
  • Exploration of potential reasons behind delayed responses, including inefficiencies and reluctance.
• Building Relationships [03:37-05:32]
  • Importance of building relationships with audit clients to improve responsiveness.
  • Strategies for fostering collaboration and understanding client perspectives.
• Proactive Communication [05:33-07:03]
  • The role of proactive communication in preventing late responses.
  • Techniques for maintaining open and constant communication throughout the audit process.
• Real-world Tactics [07:04-09:35]
  • Adam Neifach shares real-world tactics from his own experience.
  • Practical strategies for encouraging earlier engagement and ensuring smoother audits.
• Cultural and Generational Differences [09:36-11:08]
  • How cultural and generational differences impact audit responses.
  • Adapting communication styles to different stakeholders.
• Tactical Solutions [11:09-13:08]
  • Specific tactics for dealing with delayed responses, including setting up pre-deadline meetings.
  • Importance of addressing resource constraints and understanding client workloads.
• Escalation and Management [13:09-15:11]
  • When and how to escalate issues to management without damaging relationships.
  • Balancing the need for timely responses with maintaining positive client relationships.
• Final Thoughts [15:12-17:57]
  • Final advice for auditors on improving audit response times and fostering collaboration.

The IIA Related Content: Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources:

• 2025 AuditSphere Conference
• 'Mastering Soft Skills in Internal Auditing,' All Things Internal Audit Podcast
• The IIA's On-demand Communication Basics Course
• The IIA's Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution for Internal Auditors Course

Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.

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