Is Internal Audit Too Focused on Compliance and Not Enough on Business Strategy
From Audit Bites by Robert Berry
January 13, 2026 · 59 min · Episode 72
About this episode
Rob Berry discusses the balance between compliance and business strategy in internal auditing.
Is your audit department too focused on compliance and missing out on business strategy? In Episode 72 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry examines why internal auditors often find themselves trapped in the world of checklists and regulatory paperwork—while overlooking opportunities to truly impact business growth. Drawing from three decades of experience, Rob Berry shares real-life stories and actionable strategies auditors can use to break free from the “compliance bubble.” Learn the crucial difference between being a compliance cop and a strategic advisor, why business acumen is key, and how your team can add tangible value to the organization. Key topics covered: Why compliance is comfortable but business strategy is riskier Moving from rule enforcer to valued business partner How asking “why” leads to better audit outcomes The importance of business acumen for auditors How reframing audit findings can foster real improvements You’ll also hear insights on balancing compliance with strategic input, involving internal audit in decision-making, and ways to measure audit success beyond just findings. Plus, Rob Berry introduces Audit Leverage, his new AI-powered tool for internal…
People in this episode
Host: Rob Berry
Topics covered
- internal audit
- compliance
- business strategy
- audit outcomes
- business acumen
- audit success
Keywords
- internal audit
- compliance
- business strategy
- audit outcomes
- business acumen
- audit success
- Audit Leverage
- strategic advisor
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: www.thatauditguy.com
Products: Audit Leverage
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