Presented by: Dirk Strydom, Technical and Quality Assurance Services (QAS) Manager, Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance
Thank you very much Dirk for your excellent presentation on ‘The Cornerstone of Effective and Efficient Internal Audit Functions’ at the BarnOwl info-sharing event held on 20th November 2025. Thank you to all those who attended the session.
In this presentation Dirk focusses on elements that internal auditors need to consider, enabling their stakeholders to trust them. This session focusses on external quality assessments, keeping up to date with professional developments and continual learning, and using technology and appropriate solutions.
The importance of Trust
Dirk used powerful analogies to illustrate both the importance of trust and the factors that build it. By drawing on examples such as airline pilots and medical professionals, Dirk effectively demonstrated the key components that create a genuine sense of trust.
Trust in the institution and the system
We place trust in an individual’s professional services because they operate within an established institution and system, supported by recognised qualifications, rigorous processes, and proven quality standards.
We may not know the pilots flying a plane, yet we trust them to get us to our destination safely because we trust the rigorous process behind their qualification, their extensive training, the demanding standards, and the use of simulators to prepare for emergencies. Our confidence lies in the system.
When the system or its standards are compromised, trust in the entire profession is eroded. Maintaining high standards and robust qualifications is essential; lowering the bar to satisfy populist pressures risks undermining the whole system and, by extension, the individuals operating within it.
Trust is earned
It’s not just about qualifications, nor simply about capability; although both matter. Trustworthiness is essential. Trust is built over time through consistent effort and commitment. As with a doctor, it’s their reputation and experience that ultimately establish trust.
Trust and reputation can be destroyed in an instant, which is why they demand continuous effort and unwavering determination. We must consistently do the right thing, no matter the cost, while always striving to improve.
Trust is earned.
Ongoing professional development
The world keeps progressing, and we rely on institutions to evolve, to refine their methodologies, adopt new technologies, and raise their standards. To remain relevant, we must also adapt to this changing environment. Just as we wouldn’t want a doctor using outdated equipment or treatments, we should expect professionals to embrace the significant advances made through ongoing research and development.
The Institute of Internal Auditors helps build and uphold trust by requiring us to commit to continual professional development (CPD). This ensures that we not only maintain our professional qualifications but also stay current in our field and deliver meaningful value to our clients.
Global Internal Audit Standards®
The Institute of Internal Auditors® (IIA®) released the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards®, (effective from 9th January 2025) provides clear guidance on the standards expected for trustworthiness and ethical conduct.
King V
The underpinning philosophies of King V focuses on sustainable development and value creation in the economic, social and environmental context within which they operate. Principle 1 outlines clear expectations for the governing body and its members, regarding Integrity, Competence, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness and Transparency.
Source: https://www.iodsa.co.za/page/king-v
Why Audit Software is Essential
To align with the 2024 IIA® Global Internal Audit Standards, the use of audit software is essential. The standards require audits to be trustworthy, ethical, and effective, which means audit processes must be consistent, fully documented, and transparent. Software ensures this by providing standardised workflows, secure audit trails, and automated tracking of findings and actions, reducing errors and reinforcing accountability. It also enables data-driven insights, automates routine tasks, allowing auditors to focus on judgment-based decisions.
Excel is no substitute for audit software; dedicated tools are critical to meet standards, streamline processes, and elevate the value of internal audits.
Without dedicated audit software, achieving true compliance, efficiency, and high-quality audits is impossible. Software is no longer optional; it’s essential for meaningful internal audit impact.
Optimising Internal Audit Reporting with BarnOwl
Conclusion
We should expect the same high standards from the individuals and bodies that advise and safeguard our organisations. There is no reason to tolerate anything less than the highest level of professionalism from those who act as custodians of our organisations.
The IIA plays a vital role, upholding standards, ensuring people are properly qualified, and promoting continual professional development.
Ultimately, it’s not only about ability and experience; it’s about being trustworthy and dependable, delivering on your commitments, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively when challenges arise.
Presentation, video and other useful links
Please see attached presentation here, and the info sharing recording here.
The Global Internal Audit Standards are available for free download from The IIA®
https://www.iodsa.co.za/page/king-v
Global IPPF standards: Increased focus on risk management
Reputation is King, Governance is its Guardian
Implementing Combined Assurance
Contact us
Cheryl Keller | BarnOwl | cheryl@barnowl.co.za
Dirk Strydom | Technical and Quality Assurance Services (QAS) Manager | Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance dirk@governanceacademy.co.za https://www.governanceacademy.co.za/
Once again, thank you Dirk for your time and for your informative presentation and thank you to all those who attended our info sharing session. We look forward to seeing you at our next info sharing session. Please keep a look out for our upcoming events at:
http://www.barnowl.co.za/events/
About the presentation and our guest speaker
Trust – The Cornerstone of Effective and Efficient Internal Audit Functions
In this presentation, Dirk Strydom will focus on elements that internal auditors need to consider, enabling their stakeholders to trust them.
This session will focus on external quality assessments, keeping up to date with professional developments and continual learning, and using technology and appropriate solutions.
Dirk Strydom
Dirk Strydom, Technical and Quality Assurance Services (QAS) Manager, Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance
MPhil Internal Auditing (UP), CIA, PIA, FIIASA
Technical & QAS Manager
Specialities: Internal Auditing, Risk Management, Corporate Governance, Quality Assurance, Combined Assurance and Integrated Reporting.
Dirk is an experienced internal audit, governance and risk management professional and presenter, with more than 18 years of experience in internal audit, governance and risk management. Dirk joined the Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance as the Technical and Quality Assurance Services (QAS) Manager in August 2024, where he is responsible to provide technical and Global Internal Audit Standards related input and guidance on the Academy’s training and learnership programmes, whilst also being responsible for overseeing and managing the Academy’s Quality Assurance Services offering to clients, including performing final reviews of External Quality Assessment reports.