Evaluation of Internal Auditing in Business in General and in Trading Companies in Particular

Abstract

ABSTRACT : The main objective of the research is to evaluate the internal audit performance in business in general and in trading companies (as case study in Kingdom of Bahrain) in particular, to investigate the main problem and the obstacles encountering the internal audit function in trading companies, to highlight on the other area related to internal audit such as risk management in order to evaluate and develop the overall company's strategies through an effective audit program to come out with a conclusion based on certain recommendations whereby the culture of internal audit be developed and be supported by its shareholders and the organization as a whole. The reason of carrying this research arises from the following facts: The importance role of internal audit as an emerging profession in business activities is being neglected and marginalized. The scope of internal audit is limited to merely verifying accounting transactions, prevention and detection of fraud and errors and in some cases safe guard assets and properties of assets rather it concerned more with assisting management in all its activities. Nowadays the scope of the company's business has been expanded and growing with each passing day to survive from being collapsed, in such a difficult climate, research shows that the assurance provided by a professional internal audit function is becoming more valuable than ever. Hence, the above - mentioned facts were the main impetus to select this topic. To achieve the above objectives, data selected randomly consisting of 37 companies comprising of different business. These companies include small, medium and large size. Questionnaires, interviews and field visit were conducted. The sources of the data include directors, managers, manager's assistance, and senior and junior staff. Main finding emerged from this thesis: Organizationally the status of an internal audit manager is below the grade of other departmental managers. There is no strength awareness from top management and other departments to the role of internal audit department, rather the Companies should look at the internal audit department as one of the most influential and value- based services available to the board, with the power to make a tangible contribution to the stewardship, efficiency and profitability of the organization. Internal audit department reporting to other than audit committee, rather it should report to audit committee as an independent committee for evaluating the effectiveness and the quality of an internal audit. It was found in some companies, that the internal audit staff is below the university degree and with inadequate practical experience in auditing, and also with no written policies, procedures and ethical standards governing the business organization.