Purpose: Ensure internal audit functions meet the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and Global Internal Audit Standards through independent external assessments and structured annual internal reviews.

Overview: IIA Standards require internal audit functions to maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including annual internal assessments and external assessments every five years. Ascension Business Advisory provides both — offering independent, objective evaluations that strengthen audit quality, enhance credibility, and ensure compliance with professional standards.

Services Offered

• Full external QAIP assessments

• Annual internal QAIP reviews

• Audit program maturity assessments

• Evaluation of conformance with IIA Standards

• Review of audit methodology, documentation, and reporting

• Interviews with leadership, audit staff, and stakeholders

• Recommendations for improvement and modernization

• Preparation for future external assessments

• Templates and tools for ongoing QAIP maintenance

Ideal Clients

• Internal audit functions seeking IIA conformance

• Public sector agencies and nonprofits

• Organizations preparing for their first external QAIP

• Entities needing annual internal reviews between external assessments

• Audit leaders and/or Governance leadership wanting independent validation of audit quality

Deliverables

• QAIP assessment report

• Conformance evaluation and gap analysis

• Audit program maturity model

• Improvement roadmap and action plan

• Templates for annual internal QAIP reviews

• Documentation standards and best practices