Chief auditor outlook: 2024 insights and perspectives

Sophie Barker (née Roebuck), Davide Cassanelli, Stuart Higson, Marcus Beale 26 Mar 2024

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To uncover what the next 12 months has in store for audit leaders, we conducted interviews with chief auditors, globally. Technology, productivity and succession planning were revealed as the top areas of focus. Report highlights below.

 

Embracing technology and data in audit leadership: the importance of effectively utilizing data is clear and from those surveyed, the use of data to drive decision-making is more established than other digital methodologies or technologies.

Prioritizing efficiency over budget: we’re seeing a strong inclination towards investing in areas that yield tangible improvements, particularly in technology, automation, and process efficiencies.

Succession challenges: risks and implications: concerns over succession planning within the chief auditor role and its leadership have emerged, revealing a notable lack of confidence. The effectiveness of internal succession strategies is questioned by many, with a significant portion – about a quarter – deeming it ineffective

Audit leadership, building trust and technology integration: given the critical role of technology and data, there’s a pronounced focus on boosting capabilities in these domains, and we expect to see significant investment here in the coming year

 

Click here to read the full report

 

Image of Leathwaite employee Sophie Barker

Sophie Barker (née Roebuck)

Sophie is a Consultant in the CFO & Audit  and Board practices in London. She executes on global searches, primarily in the UK, Asia, Middle East and Americas. Her primary areas of focus include CFOs and FDs as well as…

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Davide Cassanelli

Davide is an Executive Search Consultant based in the London office. Davide is a member of the global CFO and the Private Equity practices, helping Leathwaite to further grow the Portfolio Company market. Davide brings over a decade of global…

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Image of Leathwaite employee Stuart Higson

Stuart Higson

Stuart is a Partner in Leathwaite’s New York office, leading the Financial Officers practice across North America and specializing in placing Chief Financial Officers, Chief Auditors and their direct reports. Stuart has been with Leathwaite since 2014, spending five years…

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Marcus Beale

Marcus is a Partner in Leathwaite’s London office, leading the Financial Officers practice across EMEA and specialises in placing Chief Financial Officers and Chief Internal Auditors. After graduating in law/finance and training as a chartered accountant with KPMG, Marcus worked…

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