Representatives of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global have met with Management of the University to discuss the introduction of the Internal Auditing professional programme in the University. This forms part of the IIA’s three-year strategic focus to develop the Internal Auditing profession in Africa. The team also discussed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University to carry out the training of internal auditors in Ghana.
The group lead by Ms. Mireille Harnois, an internal Auditor and member of the Institute Relations Committee of IIA Global indicated that findings conducted by the World Bank for IIA Global confirm that the internal audit profession in countries like the United States of America and Europe is far advanced as compared with countries in Africa, thus the need to improve the profession through Advocacy and Education. “There are over two thousand members of IIA across the world and Africa represents only seven percent of members in the profession. This is the more reason Africa needs to invest in the profession in order to keep up with the rest of the countries.” Ms. Hanois noted.
She further said since UPSA is noted for its unique blend of professionalism and scholarly work, it behooves on the University to encourage students to take up the Certified/Chartered Internal Auditors (CIA) programme to enable them demonstrate the core internal audit skills and knowledge.
Management of the University, however mentioned that the University offers MBAs in both Auditing and Internal Auditing and therefore asked the IIA regulatory board to grant exemptions on some of the subjects, as a motivation for students to pursue the programme.
