Enhancing the Competency Development Program for New Recruits: A Case Study at Internal Audit & Risk Management Function

Abstract

The pandemic created unsettling vulnerability as organization accelerated the shift to digital operations. One bright spot is that asset misappropriation, while still a top category of fraud, was down in the last 24 months perhaps due to more employees working remotely, with limited access to company assets. At the same time, remote working increased risks beyond just digital security. Hence, it is important to have effective internal controls to identify and prevent any kind of fraud. The increasing need for recruiting strong internal audit and risk management functions especially in public company is due to several factors, including increased regulatory scrutiny, greater stakeholder demands for transparency and accountability, and the growing complexity of business operations. With the increasing number of public companies, there is a greater need for effective internal controls and risk management systems to ensure financial reporting accuracy, prevent fraud, and meet regulatory requirements. Internal audit and risk management improve governance, decision-making, and identify risks for organizations. Strong functions require adequate manpower, trained personnel, and resources for effective performance. Group Audit and Risk Management (GARM) in one of public company, working on Internal Audit and Risk Management (IARM). To ensure GARM fulfils its responsibilities as a corporate center, they define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are reviewed semi-annually by the Board of Directors (BOD). Unfortunately, one of the KPIs related to advisory and supporting roles, namely supporting the fulfilment of Group IARM manpower requirements, has not been met since 2013. The purpose of this study is to identify the root cause of the decrease in new recruit manpower fulfilment requests from Internal Audit and Risk Management functions in subsidiaries company and enhance the existing competency program in order to increase participation from Internal Audit and Risk Management functions. Using design thinking method and conducting in depth interview author may determine framework to enhance the programs that are more relevant to the competency needs.