Value for Money Audit

Course overview

Citizens and parliaments want to know not only whether public money was spent according to the rules, but whether it bought what was promised at a sensible cost. Value for money audits answer that question, yet many auditors trained in financial and compliance audit find them unfamiliar. This value for money audit training gives auditors the methods to plan and deliver performance audits that lead to real improvements.

Participants learn the concepts of economy, efficiency and effectiveness and how value for money audit differs from financial audit. They practise selecting audit topics, designing audit questions and criteria, and choosing methods such as document review, data analysis, site visits, surveys and benchmarking. Fieldwork sessions cover collecting and analysing evidence, working with the audited body and managing disagreements. The course ends with writing persuasive findings and recommendations and following up on implementation. Case material includes road projects, health supplies and county service delivery.

Participants leave able to plan, conduct and report value for money audits that influence decisions and improve services.

What you will be able to do

• Explain economy, efficiency and effectiveness in audit terms
• Select value for money audit topics using risk and significance
• Design audit questions, criteria and methods
• Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative evidence
• Develop findings with clear cause, effect and recommendations
• Write and follow up value for money audit reports

Who should attend

For internal and external auditors, inspectors and performance reviewers who assess public or organisational spending.

• Internal auditors
• Supreme audit institution auditors
• Performance auditors
• Inspectors general
• Budget and planning officers
• Audit committee members
• Monitoring and evaluation officers

Course outline

Fees are per participant in US dollars and cover tuition, course materials and your certificate. Travel and accommodation are not included.