The ROI of Internal Audit: Beyond Compliance to Value Creation
From Accounting Matters by Embark
May 7, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 88
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolution of internal audit functions and their potential for value creation beyond compliance.
Most internal audit functions are still operating like it's 2010. In the first episode of Embark's new GRC series, Adam Olsen is joined by Allison Bradshaw, Principal and head of Embark's GRC and Internal Audit Services practice, to make the case for a fundamentally different model. The conversation covers what modern IA looks like, how to build the right delivery structure, and how CFOs can measure real return on investment. In this episode: Why compliance-checkbox IA is leaving significant value on the table, and what a risk-based, consultative function looks like instead Co-sourcing vs. outsourcing: a practical framework for deciding which model fits your organization's size, complexity, and risk profile How data analytics and AI are shifting IA from sampling transactions to testing entire populations in near-real time The emerging demand for IT audit, cybersecurity, and AI governance capabilities, and why most teams can't hire for all of it A framework for measuring IA ROI: prevented costs, recovered value, process improvements, and stakeholder confidence A real-world co-sourced engagement example where a single year yielded over $1.6M in identified losses and fraud
People in this episode
Host: Adam Olsen
Guest: Allison Bradshaw
Topics covered
- internal audit
- value creation
- risk management
- data analytics
- cybersecurity
- AI governance
Keywords
- internal audit
- ROI
- compliance
- data analytics
- AI
- cybersecurity
- risk-based audit
- co-sourcing
- outsourcing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Embark
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