Leading the Internal Audit Function

Books on internal audit deal with leading practice concepts and IIA standards. The challenge comes when dealing with management, trying to balance independence and objectivity while also being an employee of the company. Many CAEs become complacent in the requirements of skepticism and objectivity because of push back received from management. And although SOX raised the profile of IA, Audit Committees and management are still unaware of the IIA standards and guidelines. This book uses the practical realities and lessons learned as a CAE to apply real life concepts to the challenges of managing an IA department, gaining Audit Committee support and become a valued member of the team.

Lynn A. Fountain, CGMA, CRMA, MBA has over 35 years of experience in the business profession, which includes public and industry accounting and over 20 years within internal and external auditing combined. She is a nationally recognized trainer and speaker and also a published author of both a personal book and professional books. Ms. Fountain is a subject matter expert and specializes in internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley, Enterprise Risk Management, fraud, governance, ethics, and compliance. Ms. Fountain has held two Chief Audit Executive positions for international companies. She has also been instrumental in the establishment of ERM, Sarbanes-Oxley, and governance frameworks. Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She also holds her certificate in Certified Public Accountancy.