Introduction

The Audit Committee Program is an intensive, advanced-level course designed to strengthen the skills and confidence of current and aspiring audit committee members. In today’s business environment, audit committees face growing responsibilities in ensuring transparent financial reporting, effective risk management, robust internal controls, and compliance with regulations.

This program blends theory, regulation, and practical boardroom simulations, enabling participants to apply leading practices and strengthen their oversight effectiveness.

Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role, mandate, and legal responsibilities of the audit committee.

• Oversee financial reporting, audit quality, and internal controls with confidence.

• Evaluate risk management, compliance frameworks, and fraud prevention.

• Strengthen ESG, cyber risk, and sustainability reporting oversight.

• Lead effective audit committee meetings, improve dynamics, and provide constructive challenge.

• Apply best practices through case studies and a capstone audit committee simulation.

Who Should Attend

• Current and aspiring audit committee members.

• Board directors with responsibility for governance and oversight.

• Senior executives preparing to serve on an audit committee.

• Internal and external auditors seeking deeper board-level perspective.

• Regulators, compliance officers, and risk management professionals.

Delivery Methodology

• Expert-led discussions with global governance practitioners.

• Case studies from multinational organizations.

• Workshops & role plays to strengthen decision-making.

• Audit pack analysis labs for hands-on practice.

• Capstone audit committee simulation to test real-world application.

5-Day Course Structure with Morning & Afternoon Sessions

Day 1 – Foundations of Audit Committees

Morning Session

• Purpose, mandate, and charter of the audit committee.

• Legal, fiduciary, and regulatory responsibilities.

Afternoon Session

• Audit committee composition, independence, and skills.

• Case study: governance and audit committee failures.

Day 2 – Financial Reporting & Oversight

Morning Session

• Oversight of financial reporting and disclosures.

• Understanding IFRS/GAAP implications at board level.

Afternoon Session

• External auditor appointment, independence, and performance evaluation.

• Workshop: reviewing an audit report and management letter.

Day 3 – Internal Control & Risk Management

Morning Session

• Internal audit function: role, reporting lines, and value.

• Oversight of internal controls and fraud risk management.

Afternoon Session

• Enterprise risk management (ERM) and audit committee responsibilities.

• Case study: lessons from corporate risk failures.

Day 4 – Compliance, Ethics, and Emerging Risks

Morning Session

• Regulatory compliance frameworks and legal obligations.

• Oversight of whistleblowing mechanisms and ethics reporting.

Afternoon Session

• Emerging risks: cybersecurity, data privacy, ESG, and sustainability reporting.

• Group exercise: audit committee response to a cyber breach.

Day 5 – Audit Committee Leadership & Simulation

Morning Session

• Effective audit committee meetings and reporting to the board.

• Chairmanship, communication, and director accountability.

Afternoon Session

• Capstone simulation: full audit committee meeting with audit pack review.

• Peer feedback, evaluation, and program conclusion.

• Certificate award ceremony.