This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Dal Col, Director of Risk Advisory at Clearsulting.   In this episode, we talk about the role of SOX in big business changes and why it often gets overlooked. Courtney shares how to make sure SOX is part of the process from the start, helping to avoid last-minute problems.   She also explains why SOX is more than just a compliance task, how AI and automation are shaping its future, and what to expect from new regulations. Be sure to connect with Courtney on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   2:11 - Simplify Your Kitchen Workflow With ChatGPT 4:37 - Driving Real Change In Organizations 6:02 - Rethinking Your SOX Strategy 8:11 - Clarifying SOX Roles 12:28 - The Risk Of Ignoring SOX In Transformation 15:35 - Key SOW Factors In Transformation 17:00 - Syncing SOX With Business Goals 18:50 - Leveraging Existing Automation 22:11 - A SOX Transformation Case Study 25:02 - The Future Of SOX 29:49 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.   This episode is sponsored by Clearsulting.

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Wilson, Director of Internal Audit & Chief Audit Executive of Gulfport Energy Corporation.   In this episode, we discuss how to build an effective audit committee dashboard. Eric explains how he created a Power BI dashboard that connects to his audit management system. This tool helps track progress, highlight issues, and answer important questions before they arise.   Eric shares the key benefits of using this dashboard to improve decision-making and efficiency in audit committees.   Be sure to connect with Eric on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   4:42 - Innovative Applications of ChatGPT 7:56 - Integrating Analytics Throughout the Audit Lifecycle 10:00 - AI and Analytics Plans for 2025 15:27 - New Technology in 2025 26:21 - How Audit Can Have More Influence 37:06 - Audit Committee Dashboards in Action 49:26 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.  

This week’s episode, we're joined by Marc Tasse, MBA Program Director at the University of Ottawa. He also serves on the audit committee for the Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Safety Canada.   In this episode, he discusses whether people truly respect internal controls—from the board level to the first line—and the balance between repetitional and financial risk. Marc also shares the most important tasks for an audit committee member, the common challenges they face, and how internal auditors can better connect with their audit committees.   Be sure to connect with Marc on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:  2:34 - Researching Ethics with LLMs 6:15 - The Risks of Using Emojis in Emails 8:03 - Why Internal Controls Often Get Overlooked 12:16 - Managing Repetitional Risk Effectively 14:43 - A Real-World Fraud Case Example 16:25 - Key Responsibilities of an Audit Committee Chair 17:45 - The Measure of a CAE’s Impact on the Board 19:20 - The Challenges of Being an Audit Committee Chair 20:59 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week’s episode, we're joined by the Grant Thornton risk and advisory team—Andres Castañeda, Jaynitsa Paul, and EJ Jimenez.   In this episode, they explain their article Risk Management: Get Your Three Lines in Order in simple terms. They clear up common misunderstandings about the first, second, and third lines of defense in risk management. They also give real examples of when the system works well and when it fails—and why that matters.   Check out their article, and connect with Andres, Jaynitsa, and EJ on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes: 5:19 - How Grant Thornton Utilizes LLMs 8:43 - Understanding The Three Lines of Defense 16:49 -Best Practices for Physical Inventory Control 28:37 - Roles and Responsibilities in the Three Lines of Defense 32:13 - The Relationship Between Compliance and Internal Audit 34:53 - Common Misconceptions About The Three Lines of Defense 37:36 - External Audit’s Role in The Three Lines of Defense 38:31 - Advantages of a Strong Third Line of Defense 42:05 - Tools for the Third Line of Defense 44:03 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

Trent’s AuditBoard Webinar - Up Next for Internal Audit: AI Agents   This week, Trent answers common questions about agentic AI from his recent AuditBoard webinar.   In this episode, he explains how agents are changing audit and analytics—not by taking jobs, but by creating new opportunities. He breaks down the differences between agents and traditional analytics, showing how agents can adapt and handle failures smoothly. He also discusses why internal audit should be part of the AI/agentic AI governance conversations and how auditors can stay ahead in this fast-changing space.   Follow the link above to get an on-demand version of the webinar and learn how AI Agents can transform your audit processes.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week’s episode, we're joined by David Dufek, Chief Internal Auditor at Principal Financial Group.   In this episode, David explains how to carry out a clear and effective risk assessment, making it easier to identify and prioritize potential risks. He also talks about the importance of aligning your audit work with the organization's main goals, so your efforts deliver real value. Finally, David outlines simple steps to create a focused and practical audit plan that fits your team’s needs and resources.   Be sure to connect with David on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes: 3:00 - Exploring Notebook LM 8:40 - Emojis in Professional Emails 11:21 - Crafting a Comprehensive Risk Assessment 14:00 - Defining Strategic Objectives That Work 18:36 - Mastering the Scope of Your Audit Plan 24:08 - Demonstrating Value with FTE Metrics 30:40 - David's Internal Audit Wish List 33:35 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

Trent’s AuditBoard Webinar - Up Next for Internal Audit: AI Agents   This week, Trent explains how AI Agents are set to transform internal audit. On January 22nd, he will host a webinar with AuditBoard to discuss generative AI for internal auditors, breaking down what AI Agents are and how they work. These agents handle tasks like analyzing data, writing reports, and reviewing findings, making audits faster and more efficient. If you’re involved in SOX or similar work, this could be a game-changer.   Register today and learn how AI Agents can transform your audit processes.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

John Thompson, Global AI Leader at EY, discusses the future of AI agents and their game-changing potential for businesses and internal audit teams. He highlights 2025 and 2026 as crucial years for AI technology advancements. John shares real-world examples of agent implementation and the collaborative dynamic between auditors and data scientists. He explores the ethical implications of AI and robotics, addressing privacy concerns while sharing a light-hearted perspective on AI’s impact on society. Prepare for an exciting journey into the world of AI!

In this engaging discussion, Charles King, KPMG US's Internal Controls Leader in AI, shares his insights on the future of internal auditing. He highlights the rapid rise of AI adoption, with organizations leveraging tools from basic functions to advanced applications. Charles explains the concept of AI agents and their transformative potential for auditors, enhancing workflows while automating mundane tasks. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals in harnessing AI, ensuring that technology serves the audit profession effectively.

This week features Michael Pellet, Director at Lyft, who champions data expertise for auditors but downplays the need for AI specialization. The conversation dives into how AI can revolutionize audit processes, with experts like Badal Patel discussing innovative AI tools. There's a critical look at the interplay between AI and inflation from Ben Phillips, and Julio Tirado stresses the importance of responsible AI. Richard Chambers even shares tips on enhancing workflows using ChatGPT. A treasure trove of insights for modern auditors!