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. By using this resource, organizations can expect smoother audits, better collaboration and meaningful cost savings.

Our Audit Planning Memo document features three comprehensive samples, each tailored to different audit scenarios and organizational needs. Sample 1 provides a foundational structure for audit planning, covering administrative setup, risk assessment and audit approach, ensuring efficient coordination and clarity from the outset. Sample 2 focuses on evaluating new and existing controls within a department, integrating recent organizational changes, risk factors and compliance considerations, while also detailing scope, objectives and specific areas of concern such as fraud prevention and operational efficiency. Sample 3 offers a practical template for internal audit engagements, outlining team roles, audit duration, objectives, scope, deliverables and a high-level work program, making it easy to adapt for audits of varying complexity and scale. Together, these samples equip you with versatile frameworks to address a wide range of audit planning needs.

Memo categories include:

• Administration and job setup
• Changes since prior-year audit
• Scope of work
• Expected deliverables