As another year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the standout tools and publications that have made an impact over the past 12 months. From innovative solutions that boost productivity to insightful reads that spark inspiration, these top 25 picks represent the best of the best. Dive in to discover the resources that empowered professionals like you the most in 2025!

1. Internal Audit Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s internal audit function and to assist its progress from the initial/ad-hoc stage toward the optimized state. The capability maturity model describes a maturity curve on these capability levels: initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimized. In this sample, an optimized organization’s new hires are easily integrated.

2. Process Documentation Narrative and Flow Chart Guide

Documenting the understanding of a process, related controls, and key roles and responsibilities can be achieved through process narratives and flow charts. Both of these documentation techniques assist internal audit teams and those responsible for the processes with establishing a common understanding of a process. Once these documents are confirmed as accurate, they provide a baseline for performing risk analysis, testing internal controls and implementing process improvements as necessary. Discover the essential elements of process documentation narratives and flow charts with our comprehensive guide, including a process flow example.

3. Audit Project Checklist

This tool contains several checklists that can be used to assess the extent to which project management standards are being upheld. Sample steps include announcing the audit, scheduling a scope meeting, performing initial research, reviewing prior audits, identifying regulations/laws, identifying contracts/vendors, identifying best practices, calling report/other financial trends, documenting processes/controls (narrative/flow chart), coordinating with the monitoring and testing department, conducting an audit brainstorming session, updating the draft scope meeting agenda, drafting and sending the scope and request list, obtaining populations and select samples, conducting an internal expectations meeting, and performing testing.

4. Media Spend Review Audit Report

This audit report template can be used by auditors conducting a review of an organization’s media spend. Testing involved activities such as providing stakeholders with an independent assessment of the internal controls within the media spend process, evaluating the design of key controls within media spend processes to identify and remediate gaps, identifying process improvement opportunities for increased efficiency and effectiveness, and verifying the adequacy of services received in line with contracted terms and conditions.

5. IT Internal Audit Report

This sample audit report discusses steps auditors can use when conducting an information technology (IT) audit. Testing involved identifying and evaluating the key general computer controls in place to support the company’s processing in the areas of information security, computer operations, software change management and systems support; identifying and evaluating the key controls around system security (both user administration and functional security rights); providing implementation team support by acting as a controls expert in the subject matter during the design of CPOE; and attending key committee and team meetings as necessary in addition to serving in a project risk/controls advisory role.

6. Management Response to Internal Audit Reports Memo

Use the important points included in this memo to draft management responses to audit observations. It focuses on the key considerations of a well-written management response, explains the S.M.A.R.T. procedure, answers frequently asked questions and provides additional resources. At the end of each audit, upon issuance of the draft report, management of the audited unit is responsible for developing and implementing an action plan that will remediate any risks associated with the observations noted during the audit.

7. Internal Audit Feedback Questionnaire

This tool includes 10 sample questionnaires that can be used by internal audit functions to gather client feedback and measure client satisfaction. Sample questions include: What is your overall evaluation of internal audit’s performance for this project? How much value do you believe the audit provided to your group/department? How likely are you to use internal audit for future projects? How much would you be willing to recommend internal audit to other members of management?

8. Internal Audit Manager Job Description

This job description serves as a detailed outline for organizations to define the roles and expectations associated with the internal audit manager position. It includes two samples that detail the scope of work, which encompasses managing audit assignments and ensuring they deliver value-added insights to the organization. An internal audit manager is responsible for significant interaction with senior management, and may also coordinate with third-party consulting staff to execute audits.

9. Audit Planning Memo

A well-designed audit planning memo is the foundation for a successful and efficient audit, providing a clear roadmap that guides teams from initial risk assessment through to final reporting. This tool streamlines the entire planning process by helping organizations identify key audit projects, prioritize resources and address potential issues before they arise. With its practical templates and structured approach, the audit planning memo enhances communication, improves audit quality, and supports effective supervision and review.

10. Internal Audit Engagement Memo

This internal audit engagement memo informs an auditee of an upcoming audit and includes the objectives of the audit, proposed timetable and audit team members. In this sample, internal audit solicits a meeting with the department head to discuss audit objectives and seek input. The team will audit results and potential recommendations of the audited area with management before scheduling an exit conference with the department head. The department head will receive a draft audit report prior to the exit conference and a final audit report after the exit conference.

11. Developing Budgets Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool provides strategies on enhancing the budget development process with key performance indicators (KPIs). It emphasizes the importance of integrating strategy with budgeting, suggesting that clear strategic goals should be set before initiating the budgeting process. It also highlights effective communication across all levels of management for better information flow.

12. Budgeting Process Audit Work Program

The budgeting process is a systematic management tool to express future operational plans for the allocation of resources toward achieving strategic goals. Practically speaking, the budget is a vehicle for communicating plans throughout the organization in an orderly manner. The purpose of this sample work program is to evaluate the overall process for planning and completing budgeting, to determine the effectiveness of compliance with corporate policies and procedures, and to ensure that the budget process is operating as planned.

13. Internal Audit Department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This benchmarking tool provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the performance of an internal audit department using different metrics and indicators. Key concepts discussed include developing effective communication strategies to drive management and employees to action. Metrics include monitoring the percentage of implemented recommendations within agreed-upon timelines, the frequency of surprises at exit meetings, report cycle times, and more. The concept of positioning internal audit as a change agent is also introduced with metrics like issues identified using facilitated sessions compared to traditional audit approaches.

14. Entity-Level Control Environment Questionnaire

The control environment provides an atmosphere in which people conduct their activities and carry out their control responsibilities. It is the foundation for all other components of internal control, providing discipline and structure. This questionnaire template provides a number of COSO elements and the related control objectives for entity-level controls. Within the questionnaire, you can document whether the control exists, whether it was designed properly, related test procedures, and management's action plan for deficiencies.

15. Sarbanes-Oxley Roles and Responsibilities Guide

Understand the roles and responsibilities of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) team members with our comprehensive guide. Team members include the process/control owner, risk control specialist (RCS), project management office (PMO) and internal controls steering committee (ICSC). Process/Control owners have the primary responsibility of updating control descriptions for those controls in which they have been identified as the control owner. The RCS has a primary responsibility of assisting the PMO and process and control owners with all requirements for SOX. The PMO has the primary responsibility of managing the company’s SOX compliance program.

16. Physical Inventory Count Memo

Organizations can use the physical inventory instructions in this sample memo to compare counted quantities to on-hand quantities in order to identify discrepancies. Sample steps covered in this memo include leading the count team in the physical counts for each designated area; assigning sheets to count team members; collecting all completed count sheets and deliver to area coordinator; ensuring that all counters are properly maintaining count sheets, legibly recording counts on sheets and initialing the count; ensuring that all items are physically marked with colored labels after counting; and communicating directly with the war room on issues regarding inventory counts for each designated area.

17. Procurement Internal Controls Audit Work Program

This sample audit work program reviews the internal controls in an organization’s procurement process. Sample questions to consider include: Are purchase orders based on authorized requisitions? Are purchase orders properly coded to identify the cost objective (direct, indirect or inventory)? Are purchase orders serially controlled and accounted for? Is the use of standardized purchase orders required? Are effective numerical document controls or status reports maintained to record the receipt of purchase requisitions?

18. Audit Planning and Scoping Checklist

This audit planning checklist helps plan the nature, timing and extent of work on an individual audit assignment where the design effectiveness and/or operational effectiveness of any business process are to be examined. It can be used in connection with the planning and scoping memorandum template to prepare detailed instructions for the work. The project manager can leverage this checklist to assign responsibility for certain steps to the person who will be in charge of the field work. It also calls for an attestation by a director that he or she has been involved in planning to the extent needed and has approved the resulting planning and scoping memorandum.

19. Construction Contracts Audit Work Program

Unlock the secrets to mastering construction project oversight with our Construction Contracts Audit Work Program. This tool is designed to help organizations safeguard their investments by ensuring vendor compliance, verifying cost accuracy and identifying potential risks before they escalate. Its structured approach empowers organizations to evaluate internal controls, manage contract complexities, and optimize project outcomes, all while fostering transparency and accountability between stakeholders. With this audit framework, you can take control of your construction projects and ensure they are completed on time, within budget and to the highest standards.

20. Strategic and Operational Process Review Report

This audit report summarizes a strategic and operational review of a company’s business environment and production processes. It is particularly valuable for management as it identifies critical issues within production planning and defect density processes following the site's acquisition. This report outlines specific strategic and operational challenges, such as the absence of formal business plans and inadequate performance measurement systems, which hinder effective decision-making and risk management. The report not only highlights existing weaknesses but also proposes actionable recommendations and best practices to address these gaps.

21. Accounts Receivable Policy

Our Accounts Receivable Policy is designed to strengthen financial operations by providing clear, actionable guidelines for managing receivables. Its purpose is to ensure that organizations maintain accurate records, enforce proper internal controls and follow industry best practices for billing, collections and risk management. By implementing the principles and procedures outlined in this tool, companies can improve cash flow, minimize bad debt exposure and achieve greater consistency and transparency in their accounting processes, all while staying compliant with relevant regulations. This resource is crafted to spark interest and deliver real value, making it essential for any business seeking to optimize its revenue cycle.

22. Chief Audit Executive Job Description

The chief audit executive is responsible for oversight of all internal audit functions and is charged with assuring that an effective internal audit function is in place systemwide. Sample responsibilities include evaluating the reliability and integrity of information and the means used to identify, measure, classify and report such information; and monitoring and evaluating governance processes. Organizations can use this sample job description as a starting point to fully define the responsibilities and qualifications for a chief audit executive role.

23. IT Governance Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s IT governance and to assist its progress from the initial/ad-hoc state toward the optimized state. The capability maturity model describes a maturity curve on these capability levels: initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimized. In this sample, organization’s IT proactively presents solutions to the business.

24. Fixed Assets Audit Work Program

This Fixed Assets Audit Work Program outlines the process of auditing fixed assets  to ensure accurate capitalization, depreciation and accounting. The primary goal of this audit program is to maintain the integrity of financial statements. The document includes six samples, each with specific procedures and steps.

25. Operational Risk Questionnaire

In a world where the unexpected can turn business operations upside down, how prepared is your organization to face the challenge? This Operational Risk Questionnaire is the key to uncovering hidden vulnerabilities and fortifying value chain against disruptions that could jeopardize business models. This tool is designed to provoke critical thinking among boards and management, helping them explore scenarios such as losing a strategic supplier, facing infrastructure breakdowns or managing sudden shifts in customer demands. By addressing these risks head-on, organizations can transform uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring resilience and continuity even in the most turbulent times.