Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Auditing SaaS and Shared Service Providers

Many critical processes now run on cloud software or in shared service centres outside the organisation’s direct control. This course covers auditing outsourced and SaaS arrangements: contracts and SLAs, assurance reports such as SOC reports, complementary user controls, data protection, performance monitoring and exit planning.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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.

Outsourcing a process does not outsource the risk. You will learn to obtain assurance over services run by others.

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.

SOC report review exercises, contract analysis, case studies and audit programme design.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Identify risks in SaaS and shared services
Review contracts, SLAs and audit rights
Interpret SOC and similar assurance reports
Test complementary user entity controls
Assess data protection and access
Review performance monitoring and exit plans

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

IT and internal auditors
Vendor and outsourcing managers
Risk managers
Compliance professionals
Finance controllers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Outsourcing risk assessment
Contract review
Assurance report interpretation
Control testing
Exit planning

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Outsourced Services

09:00–10:08SaaS and shared services
10:08–11:00Risks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Risks (continued)
11:45–12:53Responsibility
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Contracts and SLAs

09:00–10:08Key clauses
10:08–11:00Audit rights
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Audit rights (continued)
11:45–12:53Service levels
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Assurance Reports

09:00–10:08SOC reports
10:08–11:00Exceptions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Exceptions (continued)
11:45–12:53Bridging letters
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4User Controls

09:00–10:08Complementary controls
10:08–11:00Access and data
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Access and data (continued)
11:45–12:53Testing
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Monitoring and Exit

09:00–10:08Performance monitoring
10:08–11:00Exit planning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Exit planning (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting
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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