Global Internal Audit Executives Share Best Practices in Latest Edition of
Protiviti's 'Internal Auditing Around the World'

    
    Internal Audit Emerges as the Secret Weapon of Choice for Businesses
Facing
    Significant Change





    
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<p>MENLO PARK, Calif., <chron>Oct. 8</chron> /CNW/ -- Companies that can adapt in the face of significant change, and even take advantage of untapped opportunities, share one thing in common:  They understand the power of their internal audit departments. Protiviti has captured the secrets and best practices of some of the globe's more internal audit-savvy businesses in the fifth volume of its Internal Auditing Around the World series - Profiles of Internal Audit Functions at Leading International Companies Undergoing Significant Change.</p>
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<p>In the new publication, Protiviti, a global business consulting and internal audit firm, tells the stories of internal audit departments that are driving more effective business operations and improving their companies' bottom lines during times of great change. The latest volume profiles 11 successful international companies undergoing such significant changes as restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and industry transformation.</p>
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<p>"The need to create greater transparency, establish sound corporate governance and understand risk exposures has never been greater. The most successful internal audit leaders, like those featured in this guide, have identified ways to partner more effectively with their boards and management, as well as provide accountability to key stakeholders such as investors and customers," said <person>Bob Hirth</person>, Protiviti executive vice president and head of global internal audit. "Our new edition of Internal Auditing Around the World is designed to guide and inspire internal auditors to effect change in their own organizations by sharing the best practices and key insights of internal audit leaders in companies like Microsoft, Unilever, and United Health Group among others."</p>
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<p>A complimentary copy of Profiles of Internal Audit Functions at Leading International Companies Undergoing Significant Change is available from Protiviti at <a href="http://www.protiviti.com/go/iaaroundtheworld5">www.protiviti.com/go/iaaroundtheworld5</a>.</p>
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<p>One company featured in the new publication - Continental Airlines - has seen more than its share of changes in recent years. Faced with the triple threat of reduced airline capacity, increased industry merger and acquisition activity, and budget cuts, <person>Steve Goepfert</person>, staff vice president of internal audit, and his lean team have found ways to succeed while doing more with less. "Too often, when things get difficult, auditors either stay with the tried and true, like doing the routine compliance audits, or become distracted and veer in many different directions," Goepfert said. "To ensure we provide consistent quality to our constituents, we have re-emphasized the importance of empowering our team by identifying ways to work smarter."</p>
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<p>At Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, the internal audit team has evolved in recent years, growing from two to eight professionals who have coped with a merger of equals and the resulting department reorganization. Their success stems from a different approach to the standard internal audit work. "We operate as an external audit firm would by conducting an unbiased and independent evaluation," said Pierre-Arnaud Cresson, the company's director of internal audit. "We want to perform and be evaluated as an independent third party, so we measure our hours and keep track of the money we spend. We also aim to obtain the certification of The Institute of Internal Auditors to guarantee our auditors' objectivity."</p>
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<p>"Four years ago, many organizations were investing more in their internal audit functions to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act," Hirth said. "As this guide shows, internal auditors today find themselves in a very different place and facing challenges difficult to imagine just a short time ago. Like our featured companies, those who want to rise above the challenges have to be willing to adapt to change and look beyond the standard solutions."</p>
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    About Protiviti
    
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<p>Protiviti (<a href="http://www.protiviti.com">www.protiviti.com</a>) is a global business consulting and internal audit firm composed of experts specializing in risk, advisory and transaction services. The firm helps solve problems in finance and transactions, operations, technology, litigation, governance, risk, and compliance. Protiviti's highly trained, results-oriented professionals provide a unique perspective on a wide range of critical business issues for clients in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, <location>Europe</location> and the <location>Middle East</location>.</p>
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<p>Protiviti has more than 60 locations worldwide and is a wholly owned subsidiary of <person>Robert Half</person> International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, <person>Robert Half</person> International is a member of the S&P 500 index.</p>
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<p>Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services.</p>
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For further information: Kathy Keller of Protiviti, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.protiviti.com