April 2023
In this edition, we discuss ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) and join us at the Health Sector Assurance Forum 2023. Plus, 10 random fun facts and bits of trivia (did you know if you sneeze too hard, you could fracture a rib?)
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
March 2023
In this edition, our Inventory (Beverage) Review, and a recap of SOPAC 2023. Plus, five interesting random facts – perfect for your next dinner party!
To read current newsletter, please click here
February 2023
In this edition, our Worker Safety Review, and SOPAC 2023. Plus, weird facts about the human body…Did you know your stomach blushes?
To read current newsletter, please click here
January 2023 Newsletter 70th Edition
In this edition, our Retail Audit Review, and there’s still time to provide assurance. Plus, weird facts about the human body!
To read current newsletter, please click here
December Newsletter
In this edition, our Staff Onboarding Review, and are you on Santa’s naughty list. Plus, a weird law that taxis are required to carry a hay bale in the boot!
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
November Newsletter
In this edition, our Chemotheraphy Medication Ordering Process Review, and highlights from the South Australia Internal Audit Conference. Plus, a weird fact about dueling in Australia.
To read current newsletter, please click here
October Newsletter
In this edition, balancing focus across compliance, risk and quality. We celebrate our 15th anniversary, and don’t miss the South Australia Internal Audit Conference . Plus, a weird fact about Australian money.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
September Newsletter
In this edition, scaling assurance activities. Plus, don’t miss the South Australia Internal Audit Conference and the state with the cleanest air in the world.
To read current newsletter, please click here
August Newsletter
In this edition, meet the team. Plus we discuss why a picutre is worth 1,000 words and why you shouldn’t vacuum at night.
To read current newsletter, please click here
July Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss taking the leap of faith with internal audit, embracing the power of data analytics, and highlights from SOPAC 2022. Plus, why you shouldn’t do business with pirates!
To read current newsletter, please click here
June Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss the value of internal audit, the upcoming SOPAC 2022 conference, and an interesting fact about Australia. Plus, do you know someone looking to take control of their Risk & Assurance career as a subject matter expert? If so, we’d love to hear from them.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
May Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss assurance maps, our Mental Health May initiative, and the upcoming Health Sector Assurance Forum. Plus, a little known fact about Australia and illegal potatoes.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
April Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss risk management and self-initiated internal audits. Plus, a little known fact about Australia and the Caped Crusader.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
March Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss Delegation of Authority and the power of data analytics. Plus, the IIA Heath Sector Assurance Forum, and a little known fact about Australia.
To read current newsletter, please click here
February Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss objective assurance, and sustainability and ESG, Plus, watch our Q&A Panel on Customer Advocacy and check out the little known fact about Australia.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
January Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss delivering remote assurance, knowing what you don’t know, and Delegation of Authority. Plus, register for our Q&A Panel and a little known fact about Australia.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
Your Invitation to Q&A Panel Customer Advocacy
Register now, please click here
December Newsletter
Are you on Santa’s Naughty List? In this edition, we discuss collaborating with aceia, ask Peter a question, confirm our Customer Advocacy Q&A Panel, and wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
November Newsletter
Hi, in this edition, we discuss leakage and the importance of knowing what you don’t know. We wrap up the South Australia Internal Audit Conference and uncover the risks and opportunities facing the mortgage broking sector. Plus, some event changes to note.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
October Newsletter
In this edition, we uncover the risks and opportunities facing a not-for-profit organisation with worldwide brand recognition, and we discuss scaled assurance. Plus, some event changes and reminders to note.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
September Newsletter
In this edition, register your interest for our exciting new Q&A Panel on Customer Advocacy on 14th October. We uncover the risks and opportunities facing a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) in the food industry, and we also discuss the ultimate customers of internal audit. Plus the South Australian Internal Audit Conference.
To read current newsletter, please click here
August Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss Reporting Arrangements for Internal Audit and the South Australian Internal Audit Conference. Plus, register your interest in attending our Customer Advocacy Q&A Panel to be held in October. Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
July Newsletter
In this edition, Resourcing Assurance Activities and the Health Sector Assurance Forum. Plus, a Quality Review on Performing Audit Engagements. Happy Reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
June Newsletter
In this edition, we discuss local or international suppliers? Plus, adding value with business process maps, and the upcoming Health Sector Assurance Forum 2021.
To read current newsletter, please click here
May Newsletter
In our 50th edition, we discuss owning your intellectual property when partnering with service providers, and the upcoming Health Sector Assurance Forum 2021. We also uncover the risks and opportunities facing a diversified food manufacturer.
Plus, taking time out to keep healthy and motivated during our Mental Health May initiative.
Happy reading!
To read current newsletter, please click here
April Newsletter
In this month’s issue, we discuss why you should worry about assurance even when business is booming. We also uncover the risks and opportunities facing an Industrial Cleaning & Heating Equipment business.
To read current newsletter, please click here
March Newsletter
In this month’s issue, we discuss how to incorporate compliance with Standards into the wider audit framework, provide a focus on the Infrastructure industry, and conduct a Gap Analysis in our audit project of the month.
Plus, explore the rapidly changing environment and how the internal audit and assurance functions transform to deliver value at the SOPAC 2021 virtual event.
To read current newsletter, please click here
February Newsletter
In this month’s issue, we discuss what to consider when you start an audit engagement, and a focus on the Information & Communications Technology industry. Plus, mitigating key risks in our audit project of the month.
To read current newsletter, please click here
January Newsletter – Welcome to 2021
In this month’s issue, we discuss Delegation of Authority and how important it is for every organisation; planning to achieve objectives; and our audit project of the month. Plus, our focus on the financial planning industry.
Happy reading!
To read the current newsletter, please click here
December Newsletter
The final issue for 2020, you will read about delivering objective assurance, Santa’s naughty list, and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. Plus, our industry focus on the automotive industry, plus lots more!
To read the current newsletter, please click here
November Newsletter
In this month’s issue, resourcing assurance activities, the Health Sector Assurance Forum, and our project on reviewing payroll processes. Plus, our industry focus on the Building & Home Improvement Product industry.
To read the current newsletter, please click here
October Newsletter
In this month’s issue, the notes & video from our latest Q&A Panel – Making the Unseen Seen, our project of the month on creating more visilility & traceability, and Assurance Mapping. Plus, our industry focus on the Power & Energy sector.
September Newsletter
In this month’s issue, our recently completed project of the month highlights how it takes time to implement change. Plus, our industry focus on Diversified Food Manufacturers. If you missed our Q&A Panel Discussion on Aged & Community Care on 10th September, please view the discussion under our Q&A section.
To read the current newsletter, please click here
The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
Aims & Principles
The National Standards have been developed in consultation with the volunteering sector to support the involvement of volunteers and act as a resource for organisations in which volunteers are involved. They provide a framework for organisations to consider the role of volunteers within the organisation and the impact effective volunteer involvement can have on achieving the strategic goals and aims of the organisation.
Using the National Standards
There are 8 standards addressing the key areas of volunteer involvement:
1. Leadership and management
2. Commitment to volunteer involvement
3. Volunteer roles
4. Recruitment and selection
5. Support and development
6. Workplace safety and wellbeing
7. Volunteer recognition
8. Quality management and continuous improvement
Organisations can use the National Standards in a number of ways, as a:
• General guide to good practice;
• Audit tool that provides a picture of how well the organisation is performing against best practice for volunteer involvement;
• Guideline or checklist to help identify opportunities for making improvements;
• Framework of reference to assist in planning and establishing a new volunteer service;
• Baseline from which progress in making improvements can be monitored and measured;
• Way of gaining formal recognition for good practice from Volunteering Australia by meeting the National Standards.
An organisation that is able to demonstrate compliance with the standards is well positioned strategically to recruit and retain more volunteers, as well as attract funding or sponsorship for new initiatives.
Click here to access a copy of the National Volunteer Standards.
For more information on using the Standards in your organisation, contact us on 1300 791 794 or email info@aceia.com.au
Important ASIC Changes 1 November, 2018 – The Sale of Car Finance
GoAuto News have published a Special Business Report on the rules governing the sale of car finance that will become mandatory on November 1, 2018.
These changes will impact both Dealers and Auto Financiers in terms of roles and responsibilities in complying with the new requirements. It will require both parties to review their current financing models and processes to ensure they not only adhere to the new requirements but take advantage of the opportunity to generate greater revenue from financing of vehicles than they are presently through greater volumes.
As your internal audit partner, aceia can review and identify areas in your finance and insurance processes, for both dealerships and financiers, that need to be strengthened to meet these new requirements
Please refer to the ASIC Report and think about how you plan on addressing these changes between now and November 1st.
Click here to read the GoAuto News Special Business Report.
For further information, contact us on 1300 791 794 or email info@aceia.com.au
The Real Cost of Employee Theft
To most businesses, employees are both the most valuable and the most costly asset to your business. You couldn’t operate without them and most of us would assume that because you pay them, they are loyal to you.
Unfortunately, dishonest employees cost Australian retailers millions of dollars in “shrinkage” every year. In fact, employee theft can be so prevalent that it can cause a small business to permanently shut its doors.
So, how do you identify employee theft and prevent it from ruining your businesses’ bottom line?
In retail terms, shrinkage is the loss of stock caused by shoplifting, employee theft, supplier fraud and administration inaccuracies. These factors all contribute to business losses and can threaten or reduce its ability to operate effectively. Therefore, identification of employee theft and its cost is critical.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, there are numerous ways employees can steal from their employers. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Outright theft of money and/or goods
- Undercharging accomplices who pose as customers
- Deliberate damage of goods for the purpose of buying at a staff discount
- Using company time and resources for non-company projects
- Altering company records – such as delivery dockets and stock receipt, invoices and receipts to hide discrepancies
- Defrauding customers – fraudulent refunding, using a customer’s forgotten credit card, charging for additional items not taken by the customer.
Why do people steal from their employers?
There are a multitude of reasons why people steal from their employers and these motivations can vary by age, gender, economic and psychological factors. Economic disadvantage and psychological factors, such as marriage breakdown or separation, employee dissatisfaction, victimisation and unfair pay – can all contribute to employee theft.
Other contributing factors thought to have seen the trend for employee theft rise include the ease of reselling stolen goods – particularly in the online environment, economic uncertainty and the likelihood of being caught (and prosecuted) – as most small retail businesses are unlikely to report employee theft to the police.
The sad fact is that employees are in the perfect position to steal from their employers – they generally understand the business and how it operates, they know other employees and when/how they work and more importantly, they have access to the money and/or goods.
With so much emphasis on customer theft – CCTV, security tags, entry/exit scanners and undercover security to name a few, many businesses don’t place as much emphasis on employee theft.
What can employers do to reduce the likelihood of theft?
There are a number of strategies employers can implement to reduce the likelihood of theft. These can include:
- Rigorous recruitment procedures
- Regulating employee unofficial ‘perks’
- Job satisfaction, respect and remuneration satisfaction
- Change management
- Employee training and compliance audits
- Loss prevention systems
- Improved analytics
- Balance everyday and determine the reason for non-balancing
- Track sales back to employees and trace the cash trail
- Employee bags to be kept away from counters, cash registers and other areas that can facilitate theft
- Strict refund policies
Please contact us on 1300 791 794 to understand more about employee shrinkage and discuss how we may assist you.
Facing Risk Head On
Businesses are faced with many challenges; delivering products to market, making a profit for shareholders and operating in an ever-changing environment. Every franchise business is faced with risks that threaten or reduce its ability to function. Managing these risks and monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls are critical for preventing or minimising the irreparable damage that risks can have on a business.
Risk management is a crucial defensive and offensive strategy for any franchise business, large or small. Risks and internal controls are often overlooked by businesses and only tend to be considered after a serious event has occurred. Preventative measures are often a low cost way to minimise Theft or even eliminate the risk of irreparable damage.
A risk management and internal audit framework ensures that franchisors and franchisees have a comprehensive approach for identifying, assessing, evaluating, managing and testing business risks – whether it is a customer potentially slipping on a wet floor, fraudulent activity or an unexpected natural or human induced event. A risk can encompass anything that may affect a business in terms of operations, finance, strategy and compliance. Now These risks can stem from triggers such as economic, technological and people factors.
To discover the steps involved in identifying and managing risk, please click here to download the full article in PDF.
Changes to the ASX CGC Principles and Recommendations 2014
Changes to the ASX CGC Principles and Recommendations 2014 are now effective.
How do you comply with each recommendation, specifically Principle 7 – Recognise and Manage Risk?
As you may be aware, on 27 March 2014, the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council (ASX CGC) released the 2014 edition of its Principles and Recommendations. Under the ASX listing rules, all listed entities are required to actively consider the content of the Principles and Recommendations and are required to report against the revised recommendations for full financial years from 1 July 2014.
In particular, Recommendation 7.3 states that a listed entity should disclose:
- If it has an internal audit function, how the function is structured and what role it performs; or
- If it does not have an internal audit function, that fact and the processes it employs for evaluating and continually improving the effectiveness of its risk management and internal control processes.
As experienced internal audit professionals, aceia can help you to identify and understand your obligations in relation to these changes and deliver you with the assurance that the ASX requires.
With over 50 years of combined internal audit experience across a wide range of industries, aceia has a proven record of adding significant value to our customers – including Tatts Group Ltd, Bridgestone Australia Ltd, Nissan Motor Company (Australia) Pty Ltd and Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Ltd.
Our dedicated team of senior internal audit professionals are members of the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia (IIA) and will provide you with real commercial solutions that leverage our deep industry knowledge. We will provide you with a consistent, responsive and cost effective option for your internal audit and risk management needs.
We can provide you with a gap analysis to understand the current state of the existing framework and determine your requirements on a no obligation basis. Our gap analysis will help you assess the maturity of your current model and understand the level of reliance that could be placed on the existing framework to provide assurance to the Board.
By partnering with us and understanding your ASX compliance obligations, you will receive valuable insights that will benefit your business growth. As your trusted advisors, we will look for ways to improve your operations and to identify and implement quality improvements in the internal control and risk management framework.
Please contact us on 1300 791 794 to understand your current position and discuss how we may assist you.