Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Audit Interviewing Techniques

Interviews are one of the main sources of audit evidence and insight. This course develops audit interviewing skills: planning interviews, building rapport, questioning techniques, active listening, handling evasive or defensive interviewees, documenting interviews and conducting walkthroughs and closing meetings.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Good interviews reveal what documents do not. You will learn to gather reliable information while maintaining relationships.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Interview practice with role plays, observation and feedback, case scenarios and documentation exercises.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Plan interviews with clear objectives
Build rapport and trust
Use effective questioning techniques
Listen actively and probe responses
Handle difficult interview situations
Document interviews accurately

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal and external auditors
Compliance reviewers
Quality auditors
Investigators
Audit managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Interview planning
Questioning
Active listening
Handling resistance
Documentation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Interviews in Audit

09:00–10:08Purpose and types
10:08–11:00Evidence value
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Evidence value (continued)
11:45–12:53Ethics
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Planning

09:00–10:08Objectives
10:08–11:00Preparing questions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Preparing questions (continued)
11:45–12:53Logistics
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Questioning

09:00–10:08Open and probing questions
10:08–11:00Funnel technique
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Funnel technique (continued)
11:45–12:53Listening
12:53–14:00Practice

Day 4Difficult Situations

09:00–10:08Defensive interviewees
10:08–11:00Evasion
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Evasion (continued)
11:45–12:53Emotions
12:53–14:00Role plays

Day 5Documentation

09:00–10:08Interview notes
10:08–11:00Walkthroughs
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Walkthroughs (continued)
11:45–12:53Closing meetings
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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