Dare to Be Different
An Auditors Personal Guide to Excellence
by
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So, here is the first “Key to Excellence”. Build expertise through personal experience or the experience of others so that your intuitive abilities grow. If you don’t have the direct experience you may want to consider this tidbit from Henry Ford. Once asked if he knew the details about certain aspects of his business he responded, “No, but I know who to talk with to find out.” So, if you want to be the best, build an inner network of experts that will be honest and candid with you and use them to gain insights that you may not have. Now let’s take a look at “Keys to Excellence” numbers five and six: Always define terms and ensure full understanding before proceeding with your work. Remember to “commune” with your clients. Drive to common understanding and definition, not just of words and printed material, but implied realities as well. This means you may need to change your perspective and that is alright. Have you ever watched auditors interviewing people or reporting out on findings? It fascinates me to sit back and watch one of my staff try to convince someone that what they have found and their interpretation of it is correct. Inevitably they all approach it the same way. It is almost as if they believe that if I do all the talking then they cannot object. The best auditors do more than convince someone that their point of view is correct. They help their client convert themselves into believing what they are seeing. This conversion process relies on well-constructed facts that provide the pathway to conviction. That being said, our first Secret of Success for this chapter is: Arguments are won more easily if the other person convinces themselves of the facts, issues, or the resolution.
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About the Book
Don’t be mistaken. This is not your typical audit book. If you are looking for a traditional example of how to improve your sampling technique, your risk assessment methodology, or your annual audit planning, then this is not the book for you. But if you want to be excellent at your position, then this book will show you how to expand your circle of influence through learning the keys of excellence. As a result, your professional career will be unsurpassed, and you will obtain excellence in your career. Learn how to develop a circle of experts that can provide you up to the minute advice that will strengthen your audit arguments. Read about the difference between insight and foresight and why it is important to develop both skills. Explore the new approach to writing and communication that will build credibility in your final product and throughout your process. Also, see practical examples of when not to stop analyzing results so your issues are more meaningful and provide the powerful impact you desire. Most important of all, use the keys of excellence to your personal advantage and be the best auditor that you can possibly be.
About the Author
Dan has over 30 years in financial service industry. Beginning his career in 1982 and spending over 25 years within Citibank, he was exposed to national and international banking, primarily focusing in consumer, small business and retirement services. During his last 12 years at Citibank, he was an active leader in the Audit and Risk Review department. His audit and risk career at Citibank culminated when he resided in Miami and Mexico City and was responsible for auditing all consumer banking activities located in Latin America, including the largest bank in Mexico, Banamex. After leaving Citibank, Dan has held senior audit positions as Director of Consumer Bank Auditing, Chief Auditor, Director of Professional Practices, Director of Americas Audit and Interim Chief Auditor. Presently Dan is the Director of Internal Audit at a large community bank in the Pacific Northwest. He holds three certifications, including the QIAL and is a strong advocate of progressive risk based audit processes. He is also owner of THECRABBYAUDITOR.com, a site dedicated to auditor personal development.