The Audit Podcast

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!

Haim Halpern, Co-founder and CEO of Datricks, is an expert in finance and compliance. He discusses the transformative power of AI in auditing and real-time risk insights that keep companies audit-ready. Haim emphasizes the need for Chief Audit Executives to embrace strategic AI implementation and constant monitoring to enhance organizational transparency. Additionally, he shares insights on balancing professional communication with modern trends, from emoji usage to creative hobbies like epoxy resin furniture.

This week, we’re testing an exciting new AI tool called Notebook LM. This tool takes written articles, processes the data, and turns them into podcasts with artificially generated voices.   We decided to try it out using an article by Monica Royal, founder of Nerd Nourishment. Monika attended the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference and wrote a great LinkedIn article about her key takeaways. We uploaded her article to Notebook LM, and the result is an unedited, AI-generated podcast episode.   If you're curious about how AI can transform how we share and listen to information, give it a listen! Be sure to read Monica’s article.   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: 0:48 - What's Notebook ML? 3:50– Insider Perspective on AI and analytics 4:55 – Exploring AI and Machine Learning 5:26 – How AI Is Transforming Security 7:00 – Storytelling Through Data Visualization 8:55 – Embracing Innovation and New Technology 10:02 – Closing Insights   *   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 Tom O’Reilly, Founder of Internal Audit Collective.   In this episode, Tom talks about what he would change in the audit profession, the importance of bringing in outside perspectives, working with consultants during audits, and helping auditors grow their careers. Be sure to connect with Tom 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: 2:50 - What's in your Internet Browsing History? 8:27 – One Thing to Change About Auditing 13:58 – Adding Outside Perspectives to Audits 23:18 – Working with Consultants in Audits 28:46 – Helping Auditors Grow Their Careers 36:12 – 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 Michael Pellet, Director of Internal Audit at Lyft. In this episode, Michael explores strategies for hiring and retaining top talent, highlighting his innovative staffing model. He emphasizes the importance of all auditors being proficient in data, even if they aren’t experts in AI, and underscores the critical role of data governance in today's audit landscape. Michael also shares how marketing automation techniques can be adapted to enhance internal audit processes. Be sure to connect with Michael on LinkedIn.   Resources:   Why All Internal Auditors Need to Be Data Experts - Internal Audit 360   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: 2:19 - What's in your Internet Browsing History? 6:10 - Tackling Hiring and Retention Challenges 16:17 - Innovative Staffing Model 18:03 - Why All Auditors Should Be Data Experts (But Not Necessarily AI Specialists) 27:28 - Why Data Governance Matters More Than Ever 36:48 - Applying Marketing Automation Techniques to Internal Audit 47:22 - 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 Julio Tirado, Executive Vice President-Director of Internal Audit & Compliance at SpiritBank.   In this episode, we focus on responsible AI and effective strategies for managing new technologies. Julio shares insights on integrating AI in the workplace, understanding AI hallucinations, and exploring emerging AI trends. He also recommends some great AI resources.   Be sure to connect with Julio 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: 1:07 - What's in your Internet Browsing History? 4:44 – Exploring Responsible AI 8:36 – Integrating AI into Your Workspace 11:35 – Applying Responsible AI to Internal Audit and Risk 18:24 – Understanding AI Hallucinations 22:27 – ChatGPT and Security Considerations 28:44 – Emerging Trends in AI Technology 37:58 – AI Community and Top Resources 42:36 – ChatGPT's 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.

Marie Walsh, Head of Internal Audit and Risk at Spotify, shares her insights on career growth strategies within the internal audit world. She emphasizes the power of one-on-one meetings for mentor-mentee relationships. Marie also discusses how analytics and technology intersect with auditing to drive data-driven decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of personal engagement and fostering a positive atmosphere in audits, making professional development inclusive and impactful.

Norman Marks, an influential author and thought leader in internal audit, emphasizes the critical need for Chief Audit Executives to secure appropriate budgets amidst rising demands. He shares practical strategies for justifying resources and aligning audit activities with organizational objectives. The discussion also highlights the evolving role of auditors, urging them to embrace critical thinking and active listening to enhance their value. Personal insights and reflections on modern communication add a relatable twist to the conversation.