

The Audit Podcast
Trent Russell
On the show you can expect to hear from everyone: from the intern, to the IT audit director, CAE and audit committee members because all of their opinions are important.
We'll talk about integrating tech into audit, how to get quick wins, the latest SOX guidance and whatever other topics the guests want to talk about and whatever you want to hear about.
Be sure to subscribe to the show in whatever you're listening to it on now and we'll talk to you soon.
We'll talk about integrating tech into audit, how to get quick wins, the latest SOX guidance and whatever other topics the guests want to talk about and whatever you want to hear about.
Be sure to subscribe to the show in whatever you're listening to it on now and we'll talk to you soon.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2024 • 24min
Ep 211: The Best Advice for Hiring and Retention
This week's episode, we are highlighting clips from previous episodes of the best advice about hiring and retention. In this episode, Scott Madenburg talks about the balance between recruiting for talent versus character, while Melissa Pici highlights the importance of screening candidates for passion, curiosity, and drive. Jo Erven shares her approach to preparing the next generation to tackle hiring and retention challenges, and Megan Blackstone outlines her company's process for building a talent pipeline that helps them fill roles within a month. Be sure to connect with Scott, Melissa, Jo, and Megan 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: 1:41 - Recruiting Talent vs. Character 7:47 - Screening Candidates for Passion, Curiosity, and Drive 11:03 - NextGen Solution to Hiring and Retention 15:11 - How to Build a Talent Pipeline and Fill Roles within a Month * 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.

Oct 1, 2024 • 51min
Ep 210: Terrible Audit Recommendations w/ Jennie Wallace (Melody Advisory Services)
This week features Jennie Wallace, CEO and Founder of Melody Advisory Services, an expert in audit and risk management. She shares insights on improving relationships between auditors and management, emphasizing empathy and communication. Jennie discusses how to avoid 'dumb findings' that create friction and the value of good judgment in audits. She also explores the importance of audit independence and how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance productivity in audit tasks. Tune in for her engaging anecdotes and practical advice!

Sep 24, 2024 • 52min
Ep 209: Standup Comedian and Auditor on Humor in the Workplace w/ Mike Lynn
This week's episode, we're joined by Mike Lynn, owner of ARG*O and Adjunct Professor at St. John's University. Recognized by the IIA as the "Funniest Accountant in America," Mike brings a unique perspective to the podcast. In this episode, Mike talks about the power of humor in business, including how he incorporates it into serious audit situations. He recounts his stand-up comedy background and discusses how improv skills can be invaluable in boardrooms. Mike even shares a memorable story of how a well-timed joke shifted the mood of an audit committee. Be sure to connect with Mike on LinkedIn. IIA Article - IAm Michael Lynn 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: 7:13 - From Standup Comedian to Funniest Accountant in America 21:48 - Best Methods for Planning out Humor in your Presentations 30:30 - Internet Browsing History 34:35 - AI and Humor 38:36 - How Auditors can be Better at Improv 48:13 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today. * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Sep 17, 2024 • 54min
Ep 208: Favorite Fraud Stories and Protecting Vulnerable Customers w/ Mark Houston (Audient Group)
This week's episode, we're joined by Mark Houston, a Partner at Audient Group. He is a seasoned expert in Fraud Risk Management and Data & Analytics Strategy. In this episode, we explore the world of fraud detection as Mark shares his top two favorite fraud cases. We also cover current fraud trends in both organizations and personal life, introduce elder fraud protection, and highlight the use of data in audits. Be sure to connect with Mark 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: 6:05 - ChatGPT 10:49 - Fraud Use Cases 19:13 - Fraud Trends 28:50 - Elder Fraud 36:41- A Love Letter to Auditors 41:03 - Using Data for an Effective Audit 50:41 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Sep 10, 2024 • 33min
Ep 207: Tax Analytics Use Cases w/ Michelle Velez (ITT Inc)
This week's episode, we're joined by Michelle Velez, Vice President of Internal Audit at ITT Inc. Michelle offers a unique perspective, having transitioned from a tax background into internal audit. In this episode, Michelle covers how to audit tax processes effectively, why tax strategies matter, and the role of analytics in making audits more efficient. Michelle also shares lessons from her first year as CAE and practical tips for improving audit processes. Be sure to connect with Michelle 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: 7:51 - Journey from Tax to CAE 11:14 - Where to Start in Audit from a Tax Perspective 13:47 - Lessons Learned from Being a CAE 16:58 - How to Audit Tax 22:28 - Tax Jurisdiction Information 27:24 - Efficiencies and ROI Hacks 30:46 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Aug 27, 2024 • 8min
Quick Announcement
Secure your spot at the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference today! 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. AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today. * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Aug 20, 2024 • 36min
Ep 206: Lessons Learning in Building an IA Team w/ Kim Ford (Ingersoll Rand)
Secure your spot at the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference today! This week's episode, we're joined by Kim Ford, Vice President of Internal Audit at Ingersoll Rand. In this episode, Kim shares her approach to building a strong internal audit function, including a program that trains auditors before moving them into the finance department, enhancing both controls and financial insight. She also discusses the evolving expectations of the audit committee, offering insights from a recent meeting, and explores how data and automation can boost audit efficiency, providing practical takeaways for listeners. Be sure to connect with Kim 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: 6:56 - Building Internal Audit Functions 9:31 - People, Processes and Technology 10:35 - Kim's Training Method 15:04 - What the Audit Committee wants from a CAE 17:23 - Best Ways to Measure Success 23:19 - RPA Use Cases 25:12 - The Personal Side of DA 28:12- The BTS of the Audit Committee Quarterly Updates 32:18- Taking Analytics to the Next Level 33:29 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today. * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Aug 13, 2024 • 39min
Ep 205: Reducing SOX Hours w/ Yasemin Agatan (Clarivate)
Secure your spot at the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference today! This week's episode, we're joined by Yasemin Agatan, Vice President and Chief Audit Executive at Clarivate. In this episode, Yasemin shares her unique journey and insights as a top executive in one of the world's most data-driven companies. She also discusses how she successfully shifted her department's focus from predominantly SOX work to a balanced mix of SOX and operational audits. Yasemin offers valuable insights into prioritizing risks, developing internal audit strategies over the years, and effectively communicating these strategies to the audit committee. Be sure to connect with Yasemin 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. Phoenix CFOLC Chapter Website: Phoenix - CFO Leadership Council CFOLF Membership info: Membership - CFO Leadership Council Timecodes: 5:53 - Internet Browsing History 9:25 - Taking Analytics to the Next Level 18:50 - Best Methods for Decreasing SOX and Increasing Operational Work 24:48 - Tools and Implementation 28:02 - The Benefits of Obtaining Certifications 31:27 - How to Present Strategies to the Audit Committee 35:55 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today. * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

Aug 6, 2024 • 23min
Ep 204: Your CFOs Top Priority w/ Ben Phillips (PetSmart)
Secure your spot at the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference today! This week's episode, we're joined by Ben Phillips, Chief Audit Executive at PetSmart. In this episode, Ben shares his unique insights into the value that internal audit resources can bring to an organization, particularly in driving effective change. He also discusses his involvement with the CFO Leadership Council, highlighting the top concerns and priorities of CFOs today. Be sure to connect with Ben 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. Resources: Phoenix CFOLC Chapter Website: Phoenix - CFO Leadership Council CFOLF Membership info: Membership - CFO Leadership Council Timecodes: 5:33 - ChatGPT 7:00 - Creating Change with Internal Audit 11:00 - Staying Up-To-Date with the Business of Audit 15:20 - AI and Inflation 20:09 - How to be a Better Auditor 21:51 - 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. * AuditBoard's integrated suite of easy-to-use audit, risk, and compliance solutions streamlines internal audit, SOX compliance, risk management, and security compliance. Automate processes and improve execution with AuditBoard's purpose-built solution, which is designed to address the most pressing challenges of today's practitioners. Experience the latest in Audit, Risk, and Compliance technology. Visit AuditBoard.com to schedule your product walkthrough to see AuditBoard's award-winning platform in action today. * Want to start audit analytics but have limited time and technical skills? Need to get quick wins and demonstrate value fast? Supervizor is an audit analytics platform providing 350+ ready-to-use checks directly applicable to any financial system and industry, enabling internal audit teams to continuously monitor for risk and get the value of an audit analytics program in less than a week. Book a demo or visit Supervizor website.

8 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 31min
Ep 203: How to Implement the New IIA Standards w/ Derry Herring
Derry Herring, Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Officer at Protective Life Corporation, shares his expertise in implementing the new IIA standards. He discusses the challenges faced and valuable lessons learned during the transition. Derry offers practical advice on expanding audit teams, having grown his from 4 to 26 members. Additionally, he shares effective Excel methods to optimize audit processes for smaller departments, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and clear communication within internal audit functions.


