Audit Episodes

Episode 144: Dive into the fascinating world of financial detective work as we explore the specialized field of forensic accounting. Ever wondered who tracks down financial criminals or how complex fraud schemes are uncovered? This episode pulls back the curtain on a career path that combines investigative prowess with accounting expertise. We examine how forensic accountants serve as financial sleuths, tracing illicit transactions and identifying misappropriated assets for government agencies,...

Episode 143: Financial integrity isn't optional—it's essential. That's why developing a structured, effective audit plan stands as one of the most critical responsibilities for finance leaders today. This episode unveils a nine-step framework for creating audit plans that deliver genuine value. From understanding your business environment and conducting thorough risk assessments to defining clear audit scopes and establishing communication protocols, each element works together to crea...

Find the downloadable skills guides here: Finance Leader Academy Episode 142: Financial risk assessment stands as the cornerstone of effective auditing—the crucial process that separates calculated risk-taking from reckless decision-making. This deep dive into organizational risk management provides finance leaders with a strategic framework for protecting company assets and ensuring financial integrity. At its core, proper risk assessment requires a cross-functional approach. By bringing ...

Episode 141: Curious about what makes audit teams tick? Dive into the crucial yet often misunderstood world of audit team management where leadership goes far beyond checking boxes and finding faults. Audit managers stand as guardians of financial integrity, straddling the strategic vision needed to align with business objectives while directing teams to investigate transactions that might reveal weaknesses in controls. These professionals aren't just looking to catch mistakes; they're building...

Episode 140: Financial integrity isn't just about compliance—it's the cornerstone of organizational trust and success. In this thought-provoking exploration of the audit function, we dive deep into how forward-thinking CFOs are transforming what's often viewed as a necessary evil into a strategic advantage. The most effective finance leaders understand that auditing isn't about hunting for mistakes or satisfying regulators; it's about building a foundation of accuracy that enables better dec...

Bonus episode #93: Leadership isn't about mastering spreadsheets—it's about transforming information into strategic action. In this preview of Season 20 of the Finance Leader Podcast, Stephen McLain unveils an exciting five-episode journey exploring audit, risk, and independence through the lens of leadership development. Drawing from his compelling experiences as an internal review officer in Iraq, McLain shares how he helped military commanders stretch their budgets through enhanced accoun...