Effective Audit Committees Training Course

Effective Audit Committees Training

Strengthening Governance, Oversight and Decision-Making for Audit Committee Members

Claim 4 CPD Points

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Revised and Updated: 07 October 2026
Date Venue Duration
18 - 21 May 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 4 Days
03 - 06 August 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 4 Days
17 - 20 August 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 4 Days

Course Introduction

This four-day course is designed to enhance the effectiveness of audit committees by equipping members with essential skills and knowledge. Participants will gain a deep understanding of audit committee responsibilities, stakeholder relationships, and critical decision-making processes, specifically within highly regulated industries.

 

Audit committees play a crucial role in governance, fostering trust in corporate reporting. Members must therefore possess industry knowledge, expertise, and a clear understanding of the company and its context. This course covers the fundamental responsibilities of the audit committee and the qualities required, particularly for the Audit Committee Chair. It also explores relationships with key stakeholders and the essential information flows that support sound decision-making.

Course Objectives

By the end of this strategic training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee and its relationship with the Board and the Board Risk Committee
  • Identify prudent and effective controls for the Audit Committee meeting process
  • Develop critical relationships with stakeholders, including external and internal auditors, the finance team, and the company secretariat
  • Navigate relationships with regulators and comprehend the complexities of group structures and overseas jurisdictions
  • Recognise common challenges and take actionable steps to improve Audit Committee performance

Who should attend?

This Effective Audit Committees Training course is ideal for current and aspiring Audit Committee members, as well as those involved in supporting and preparing information for audit committees.

Audit, Risk and Governance courses

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Day 1 — The Role and Responsibilities of Audit Committee Members
Audit Committee Foundations
  • Understanding the Audit Committee's role, structure, membership, and agenda
  • The role of advisors and the Company Secretary
  • Information provision to the Audit Committee
  • Case Study: Developing and prioritising a typical Audit Committee terms of reference
Audit Committee Essentials
  • Oversight of financial reporting, audit quality, and risk management
  • Understanding company culture and industry dynamics
  • Building appropriate relationships with senior management, board members, and auditors
  • Staying informed on emerging issues such as cybersecurity and social media impacts
  • Case Study: Examining the essential qualities of an effective Audit Committee member

Day 2 — Key Stakeholder Relationships
The Finance Team
  • Oversight and challenge of the annual report and accounts
  • Meeting requirements for a 'fair, balanced, and understandable' annual report
  • The Committee's role in regulatory returns
  • Case Study: Analysing examples of good and poor annual reports
External Audit
  • Assessing auditor effectiveness and reviewing governance requirements
  • Retendering the external audit role
  • Case Study: Evaluating an external audit proposal
Internal Audit
  • Governance requirements and global guidelines for internal audit effectiveness
  • Understanding the internal audit universe and risk-based audit planning
  • Case Study: Reviewing an internal audit report for Audit Committee presentation

Day 3 — Audit Committee Activities
Membership and Attendance
  • Guidance on nomination, independence, and remuneration
  • The importance of meetings, minutes, actions, and follow-ups
  • Case Study: Assessing examples of effective Audit Committee minutes
Financial Reporting
  • The Committee's role in annual reporting, strategic reporting, and AGM involvement
Audit Committee Reporting
  • Elements to include in the committee report: member qualifications, significant issues, auditor assessments, and fee transparency
Complex Transactions
  • Expertise requirements for understanding complex financial transactions and instruments
Whistleblowing
  • The Committee's relationship with Compliance
  • Damage limitation strategies

Day 4 — Enhancing Audit Committee Effectiveness
The Role of the Audit Committee Chair
  • Balancing teamwork with challenge, setting agendas, and planning
  • Building effective relationships with executive management
  • Case Study: Real-life examples of challenging situations for audit committees
Annual Reviews of Audit Effectiveness
  • Self-assessment guidance and identifying common concerns
Audit Committee Effectiveness Reviews
  • Guidance on self-assessment versus independent review
  • Case Study: Findings from independent board and Audit Committee effectiveness reviews

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Success Stories

Discover how our courses enhance professionals’ effectiveness in their workplaces.

Central Bank of Lesotho

Fraud Risk Management

The Fraud Risk Management training was clear, practical, and very relevant to day-to-day work. Content was well structured and the real world case studies made concepts easy to apply. Presenter knowledge and engagement kept the session interactive. Overall a valuable program that strengthened my understanding of fraud detection, prevention, and regulatory requirements.

Central Bank of Lesotho

Fraud Risk Management

The facilitator was exceptionally good, approachable eloquent and was able to structure the course content to relate to our specific work designations, it was just perfect service delivery

Central Bank of Lesotho

Fraud Risk Management

Keep up the good work which I experienced during my training being training materials offered and great hospitality we received from all the staff members

Centenary Rural Development Group Ltd

Risk Management for Risk champions

Very informative course with good content and benchmarks of key players in South Africa. We are able to agree a plan on how to build an enterprise risk management framework for a developing group of companies. Several references to guide us and experienced Facilitators

GEMS

Auditing the ESG Process Masterclass

Very happy with the training. It was excellently delivered and comprehensively covered all critical aspects of ESG and effectively contextualised them within the environments of our respective organisations.

North West Gambling Board

Risk Management in the Public Sector

The course was eye opening and exceeded my expectations.

FAQs – Effective Audit Committees Training

Build effective Audit Committee skills covering governance, financial reporting, risk oversight, internal controls, audit responsibilities, compliance, and committee effectiveness.

What is covered in the Effective Audit Committees Training?
The course covers Audit Committee roles and responsibilities, governance, financial reporting, risk management, stakeholder relationships, internal and external audit, committee activities, complex transactions, whistleblowing, and effectiveness reviews.
Who should attend the Effective Audit Committees Training?
The training is designed for current and aspiring Audit Committee members, as well as professionals who support Audit Committees and prepare information for their meetings and decision-making processes.
Does the course cover Audit Committee roles and responsibilities?
Yes. Participants examine the Audit Committee's role, structure, membership, agenda, relationship with the Board and Board Risk Committee, oversight responsibilities, and the qualities required of effective committee members.
Does the training cover financial reporting and audit relationships?
Yes. The programme covers financial reporting, annual reports and accounts, external audit effectiveness, internal audit, risk-based audit planning, auditor proposals, regulatory returns, and relationships with finance teams and auditors.
Does the course address Audit Committee effectiveness reviews?
Yes. Participants learn about annual reviews of Audit Committee effectiveness, self-assessment, independent reviews, identifying areas of concern, and actions that can improve committee performance.
Does the Effective Audit Committees Training include practical activities?
Yes. The training includes case studies, group work, workshops, role-play, practical application, and scenarios covering terms of reference, annual reports, audit proposals, internal audit reports, committee minutes, and challenging situations.

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