We had an excellent turnout at our spotlight session on 8th May 2025 on Audit Findings in BarnOwl Web introduced in version 11.6.1. Thank you very much to everyone who joined the Spotlight session.
BarnOwl’s web-based audit findings simplify the review process between Auditor and Auditee, while action plans promote accountability and enable real-time tracking of progress. BarnOwl’s web-based Findings and Action Plan portal is freely accessible (Open License) to all auditees, allowing them to view and update progress on findings for which they are owners / responsible.
Step by step process to using BarnOwl Audit Findings on the Web
Alignment with the new (2024) Global Internal Audit Standards
The Global Internal Audit Standards 2024 underscore internal audit’s evolving role in safeguarding organisations against risks by strengthening risk-based methodologies, addressing emerging risk areas, and improving collaboration on governance and risk oversight. This broader and deeper integration of risk management reflects its importance in modern internal auditing practices.
BarnOwl GRC facilitates these internal audit requirements by providing a structured framework and automation tools that streamline the evaluation, documentation, and communication of engagement findings.
BarnOwl GRC facilitates these internal audit requirements by providing a structured platform for documenting findings, collaborating with management, and tracking action plans:
- Structured Finding Documentation: Including Standard / Criteria (expected standards), Condition (actual state), Root Cause, Effect / Impact (risk or exposure), Recommendations, Management comment (management /auditee response).
- Collaboration: Auditors can engage with management (the auditee) directly within the system (BarnOwl web portal) to discuss recommendations, ensuring feasibility and agreement on corrective actions.
- Action Plans: Dynamic action plans are captured in BarnOwl for each finding, enabling real-time tracking, ensuring accountability by management (the auditee), and providing visibility to stakeholders to support timely resolution of findings by the specified due date.
BarnOwl GRC facilitates the development of final audit communications by providing a structured, automated framework for documenting engagement results, findings, and action plans.
BarnOwl GRC facilitates the confirmation of management’s implementation of action plans through an automated tracking system, risk-based follow-ups, and structured reporting:
- Tracking and Monitoring Action Plans
- Follow-Up Assessments and Risk-Based Reviews
- Automated Communication and Workflow Management
- Real-time reporting tools provide insights into:
- open and overdue action plans
- trend analysis helps identify recurring issues and systemic risks, supporting long-term process improvements.
By automating action tracking, enforcing follow-up methodologies, and facilitating risk-based decision-making, BarnOwl GRC ensures that internal auditors effectively confirm the implementation of management’s action plans and maintain accountability across the organisation.
Conclusion
BarnOwl’s web-based findings streamline the review process which assists with management’s (the Auditee) buy-in for the finding.
Real time action plans linked to the finding/s drive ownership and accountability for resolving and closing finding/s.
BarnOwl’s web based portal helps embed enterprise risk management, assurance and good corporate governance throughout the organisation:
- My Action Plans (free / open license)
- My Findings (free / open license)
- My Key Indicators input values (free / open license)
- My Votes (surveys, Risk & Control self-assessments (RCSAs), questionnaires) (free / open license)
- My Risk Re-assessments (paid-for BarnOwl web license)
Useful links
Please find the presentation here
Please find the spotlight recording here
About BarnOwl:
BarnOwl is a fully integrated governance, risk management, compliance and audit software solution used by over 150 blue chip organisations. BarnOwl is a locally developed software solution and is the preferred risk management solution for the South African public sector supporting the National Treasury risk framework.
Please see www.barnowl.co.za for more information.