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Writer's pictureAgnes Sopel

Navigating the Tightrope: Challenges Faced by Lead Auditors and How to Overcome Them

Updated: Sep 7, 2023


Introduction


Being a lead auditor is a challenging and rewarding profession. It involves assessing the compliance of an organisation with the relevant standards and ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively. However, auditors often face various challenges during audits, from disagreements with the client to unexpected incidents. This blog post will explore some common challenges faced by lead auditors and provide practical advice on how to deal with them.


Disagreement with the Client


Disagreements with the client over non-conformances can be particularly challenging. It is crucial to approach these situations with a collaborative and constructive attitude. Ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the criteria, present the supporting evidence, listen to the client’s perspective, review the evidence, seek a second opinion if necessary, and document the disagreement.


It's important for auditors to maintain a professional and objective stance during the audit process. If a client does not agree with a non-conformance finding, the auditor can take the following steps:


  1. Clarify the Criteria: Ensure that the client understands the criteria against which they are being audited. It is essential that both parties have a clear and shared understanding of the standards or requirements in question.

  2. Provide Evidence: Clearly present the evidence that supports the non-conformance finding. This could include documentation, records, or observations made during the audit.

  3. Listen to the Client: It's important to listen to the client's perspective and understand their point of view. They may have additional information or context that the auditor was not aware of.

  4. Review the Evidence: Reevaluate the evidence in light of any additional information provided by the client. It's possible that there may be a valid reason for the non-conformance, or that the client's explanation provides a satisfactory resolution to the issue.

  5. Seek a Second Opinion: If there is still a disagreement, it may be helpful to involve a third party, such as a senior auditor or a representative from the certification body, to review the findings and provide an independent opinion.

  6. Document the Disagreement: If the disagreement cannot be resolved, it is important to document both the auditor's findings and the client's position, along with any supporting evidence.

Remember, the goal of an audit is not to find faults, but to ensure that an organization is operating in compliance with the established standards and to help them identify areas for improvement. It is important to approach any disagreements with a collaborative and constructive attitude.


What to say:


When a customer has a different interpretation of a standard or requirement:

  • "I understand your perspective, and it's valid. However, the standard specifically states [quote the relevant section of the standard]. Could you please help me understand your interpretation?"

When a customer does not agree with a non-conformance finding:

  • "I appreciate your feedback, and I understand that this finding may be unexpected. Let me explain the evidence and the criteria that led to this conclusion. Could we review it together to ensure we haven't missed anything?"

When a customer insists on an approach that is not best practice or against regulations:

  • "I see where you're coming from, and it's essential to consider different approaches. However, the current regulations and best practices recommend [describe the recommended approach]. Could you share your thoughts on why you believe a different approach would be better?"

When a customer does not see the value in a recommended action:

  • "I understand that implementing this action may seem burdensome. However, it is recommended because [explain the rationale and potential benefits]. Could we discuss the potential pros and cons and see if it would be worth implementing?"

When a customer is unhappy with the service or product provided:

  • "I'm sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with [the service/product]. We value your feedback and would like to understand the specific issues you encountered so that we can address them and improve."

When a customer is resistant to change:

  • "Change can indeed be challenging, and it's important to weigh the costs and benefits. In this case, the change is recommended because [explain the rationale and potential benefits]. Could we discuss any concerns you have and see if there is a way to address them?"


Intentional Delay by the Client


Sometimes, clients may intentionally delay the audit by not providing the necessary documentation or by being unavailable for interviews. In such cases, it is essential to communicate the importance of the audit and the potential consequences of not completing it on time. If the client continues to delay, document the delays and their impact on the audit and consider involving a higher authority, such as the certification body or the client's senior management.


Intentional delay by the client is a situation where the client deliberately postpones or hinders the audit process. This can take many forms, such as not providing the necessary documentation, being unavailable for interviews, or not providing access to relevant areas or personnel. Such delays can have a significant impact on the audit, potentially leading to incomplete findings, additional costs, or even the inability to complete the audit.


How to Address the Situation:

  1. Communicate the Importance of the Audit: Make sure the client understands the importance of the audit and the potential consequences of not completing it on time. This could include non-compliance with legal or contractual requirements, loss of certification, or damage to the organisation's reputation.

  2. Set Clear Expectations: At the start of the audit, clearly communicate the schedule and what is expected from the client. Make sure they understand their responsibilities and the potential impact of any delays.

  3. Be Flexible: Where possible, be flexible with the schedule and try to accommodate the client’s needs. However, make sure that any changes do not compromise the quality or integrity of the audit.

  4. Document the Delays: Keep a record of any delays and their impact on the audit. This documentation may be necessary if the audit cannot be completed on time or if there are additional costs incurred.

  5. Involve Senior Management: If the client continues to delay the audit, it may be necessary to involve their senior management. They may be able to exert more influence over the situation and may not be aware of the delays occurring at a lower level.

  6. Consider the Legal and Contractual Implications: Be aware of any legal or contractual implications of the delay. There may be penalties for not completing the audit on time or other consequences that the client needs to be aware of.

  7. Remain Professional: It is important to remain professional and respectful at all times. Express your concerns clearly and assertively, but avoid becoming confrontational.

What to Say:


When addressing intentional delays by the client, it is important to communicate clearly and respectfully. Here are some suggestions on what to say:

  • I understand that there may be challenges in providing the necessary documentation, but it is important for us to stick to the agreed-upon schedule to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the audit.”

  • I noticed that we have not received the requested documents. Is there a reason for the delay, and when can we expect to receive them?”

  • We are here to work together to ensure that your organisation meets the required standards. Delays in the audit process can have significant consequences, including non-compliance with legal or contractual requirements.”

  • I understand that there may be valid reasons for the delay, but it is important for us to understand them so that we can make any necessary adjustments to the audit plan.”

By understanding the reasons for the delay, communicating clearly and respectfully, and being proactive in addressing the situation, auditors can navigate the challenges posed by intentional delays by the client.





Unexpected Incidents During the Audit


Unexpected incidents, such as accidents or emergencies, can occur during an audit. In such cases, the safety of all involved is the top priority. Follow the organisation’s emergency procedures and assist as necessary. Once the situation is under control, assess the impact on the audit and determine whether it can continue or needs to be rescheduled.


Unexpected incidents during an audit can range from minor disruptions, like a power outage, to major emergencies, like a fire or medical emergency. These incidents can impact the audit schedule, the availability of key personnel, or even the safety of the audit team and the auditee's staff.


For example, consider a situation where there is a sudden fire alarm during the audit:

  1. Immediate Response: The first priority is always safety. Follow the organisation's emergency procedures and assist as necessary. Make sure everyone is accounted for and safe.

  2. Assess the Situation: Once everyone is safe, assess the situation. How long will it take for the situation to be resolved? Can the audit continue, or does it need to be rescheduled? Are there any parts of the audit that can still be completed, such as reviewing documents or interviewing personnel who are not affected by the incident?

  3. Communicate with the Client: Keep the client informed about the situation and its impact on the audit. Discuss any necessary changes to the audit schedule or scope.

  4. Document the Incident: Make a record of the incident, its impact on the audit, and any actions taken. This documentation may be necessary for the audit report or for any follow-up actions.

  5. Reschedule if Necessary: If the audit cannot be completed as planned, work with the client to reschedule it as soon as possible. Make sure to consider any legal or contractual deadlines that may be impacted by the delay.

What to Say:

  • During the Incident:

    • "Please follow the emergency procedures and evacuate the building immediately."

    • "Is everyone accounted for and safe?"


  • After the Incident:

    • "I'm glad everyone is safe. Let's assess the situation and determine how we can proceed with the audit."

    • "Unfortunately, due to the incident, we were unable to complete the planned audit activities. Let's discuss how we can reschedule the remaining tasks."

    • "I will document the incident and its impact on the audit. This documentation will be included in the audit report and may be necessary for any follow-up actions."


Remember, safety is always the top priority. It is important to remain calm, follow the organisation's emergency procedures, and communicate clearly and effectively with the client and the audit team.


Lack of Cooperation from Auditees



Sometimes auditees may be uncooperative or even hostile during the audit. It is essential to remain professional and respectful at all times. Try to understand the reasons for their behaviour and address any concerns they may have. If the lack of cooperation continues, document the incidents and consider involving the client’s senior management.


Lack of cooperation from auditees can manifest in various ways, including reluctance to provide necessary information or documents, being evasive or non-responsive to questions, or even displaying hostility or defensiveness during the audit.


Reasons for Lack of Cooperation:

  1. Lack of Understanding: The auditee may not fully understand the purpose of the audit, the auditor's role, or the potential benefits of the audit process.

  2. Fear or Anxiety: The auditee may be anxious about the potential outcomes of the audit, such as non-conformances, penalties, or negative impacts on their job.

  3. Resistance to Change: The auditee may be resistant to change and may view the audit as a threat to their established way of doing things.

  4. Lack of Buy-In: The auditee may not see the value in the audit process and may not be invested in its success.

  5. Busy Schedule: The auditee may have a busy schedule and may view the audit as an unwelcome distraction.

How to Address the Situation:

  1. Build Rapport: Establish a positive and professional relationship with the auditee. Make an effort to understand their perspective and acknowledge their concerns.

  2. Clarify the Purpose: Clearly explain the purpose of the audit, the auditor's role, and the potential benefits of the audit process.

  3. Address Concerns: Ask the auditee about any concerns they may have and address them openly and honestly.

  4. Set Expectations: Clearly communicate what is expected from the auditee during the audit and explain the potential consequences of non-cooperation.

  5. Remain Professional: Regardless of the auditee's behaviour, it is important to remain professional and respectful at all times.

  6. Document the Lack of Cooperation: If the lack of cooperation continues, document the incidents and their impact on the audit. This documentation may be necessary for the audit report or for any follow-up actions.

  7. Involve Senior Management: If necessary, involve the client’s senior management to address the lack of cooperation.

What to Say:

  • "I understand that you may have concerns about the audit process. Could you share any specific concerns you have, so we can address them together?"

  • "The purpose of this audit is to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and to identify opportunities for improvement. It is not meant to be punitive or to assign blame."

  • "I understand that you have a busy schedule, and I appreciate your cooperation during this process. Your input is valuable and will help us to complete the audit efficiently and effectively."

  • "I have noticed that we are having difficulty obtaining the necessary information for the audit. Is there a specific reason for this, and is there anything I can do to help?"

  • "It is important for us to have your cooperation during the audit. Without it, we may not be able to complete the audit accurately, which could have potential consequences for the organisation."

By building rapport, clarifying the purpose of the audit, addressing concerns, setting expectations, and remaining professional, auditors can navigate the challenges posed by a lack of cooperation from auditees.



Language or Cultural Barriers


Language or cultural barriers can make it challenging to communicate effectively during the audit. It is helpful to be aware of any potential barriers in advance and to arrange for a translator if necessary. Being respectful of the client’s culture and customs can also help build rapport and facilitate a smoother audit process.


Language and cultural barriers can significantly impact the effectiveness of an audit. These barriers can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and difficulty in establishing rapport and trust between the auditor and the auditee.


1. Language Barriers: If the auditor and the auditee do not share a common language, it can be challenging to communicate effectively. Even if both parties speak the same language, there may still be differences in dialect, terminology, or technical language that can lead to misunderstandings.

2. Cultural Barriers: Cultural differences can impact many aspects of the audit process, including communication style, decision-making processes, attitudes towards authority and hierarchy, and expectations regarding time and punctuality.


How to Address the Situation:

  1. Use a Translator: If there is a significant language barrier, it may be necessary to use a translator. Make sure to choose a translator who is familiar with the technical language and terminology used in the audit.

  2. Be Aware of Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, can vary widely between cultures. Be aware of your own non-verbal communication and be mindful of how it may be interpreted by others.

  3. Research the Local Culture: Before the audit, take the time to research the local culture and customs. Understanding the cultural context can help you to communicate more effectively and to navigate potential cultural differences.

  4. Clarify and Confirm Understanding: Due to potential language and cultural barriers, it is important to regularly clarify and confirm understanding with the auditee. Ask open-ended questions and encourage the auditee to ask questions as well.

  5. Be Respectful: Show respect for the auditee's culture and customs. This can include using appropriate titles and forms of address, observing local customs and etiquette, and being mindful of cultural sensitivities.

What to Say:

  • "I want to make sure that we understand each other clearly. If at any point something is not clear, please let me know so we can clarify."

  • "I understand that there may be differences in how we communicate and make decisions. If at any point you feel that there is a misunderstanding, please let me know so we can address it."

  • "I appreciate your patience as we work through any language or cultural barriers. It is important for us to understand each other accurately to ensure the success of the audit."

By being aware of potential language and cultural barriers, taking proactive steps to address them, and communicating clearly and respectfully, auditors can navigate these challenges effectively and ensure the success of the audit.




Conflicting Information


Sometimes, auditors may receive conflicting information from different sources. In such cases, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible and to assess its reliability. If the conflicting information cannot be resolved, document the discrepancies and their potential impact on the audit findings.


Conflicting information during an audit can be a significant challenge. It can arise in various forms, such as discrepancies between documents and verbal explanations, inconsistencies in data, or conflicting statements from different personnel.


Reasons for Conflicting Information:

  1. Miscommunication: Information may have been misunderstood or incorrectly communicated between different parties.

  2. Human Error: Mistakes in data entry, documentation, or recollection can lead to discrepancies.

  3. Lack of Standardisation: Different departments or personnel may use different methods or criteria for recording or reporting information.

  4. Intentional Misrepresentation: In some cases, there may be an intentional effort to misrepresent information, either to conceal non-conformances or to present the organisation in a more favorable light.

How to Address the Situation:

  1. Verify the Information: Cross-verify the conflicting information with other sources, such as documents, records, or other personnel. This can help to determine which information is accurate.

  2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage a more detailed response and to uncover the underlying reasons for the conflicting information.

  3. Clarify Expectations: Clearly communicate the importance of accurate and consistent information for the audit process.

  4. Document the Discrepancies: Make a detailed record of the conflicting information, the steps taken to verify the information, and any conclusions reached.

  5. Address the Underlying Issues: If the conflicting information is due to systemic issues, such as lack of standardisation or poor communication, these issues will need to be addressed as part of the audit findings.

What to Say:

  • "We have come across some conflicting information regarding [specific issue]. Could you please help us understand the reasons for this discrepancy?"

  • "It is important for the audit process that we have accurate and consistent information. Can we review the documentation and records related to this issue to clarify the discrepancy?"

  • "I have noticed that there are different methods used for recording [specific information] in different departments. Could you please explain the rationale for this, and how it is aligned with the organisation's policies and procedures?"

  • "We have received conflicting information from different personnel. Could we have a joint discussion with all parties involved to clarify the situation?"

By addressing conflicting information directly, verifying the information with other sources, and addressing any underlying systemic issues, auditors can navigate this challenge effectively and ensure the accuracy and consistency of the audit findings.


Complex or Technical Issues


Audits may involve complex or technical issues that are outside the auditor’s area of expertise. In such cases, it is important to seek assistance from a subject matter expert or a more experienced auditor. Be proactive in identifying any potential knowledge gaps and in seeking the necessary support.


Auditing often involves dealing with complex and technical issues that require specialized knowledge and expertise. These issues can be challenging to navigate and may impact the auditor's ability to assess compliance and identify non-conformances.


Challenges related to Complex and Technical Issues:

  1. Lack of Expertise: The auditor may not have the specialised knowledge or expertise required to fully understand and assess the technical aspects of the auditee's operations.

  2. Complex Processes: The auditee's operations may involve complex processes, advanced technology, or specialised equipment that are difficult to assess without a deep understanding of the subject matter.

  3. Technical Language: The documentation, records, and discussions related to the technical issues may involve specialised language, terminology, or concepts that are challenging to understand without a background in the field.

How to Address the Situation:

  1. Preparation: Before the audit, take the time to research and understand the technical aspects of the auditee's operations. This may involve reviewing technical documentation, consulting with subject matter experts, or receiving specialised training.

  2. Use of Technical Experts: If the auditor does not have the necessary expertise to assess the technical issues, it may be necessary to involve a technical expert in the audit process. This expert can assist in reviewing documentation, assessing processes, and identifying non-conformances.

  3. Clarify Understanding: During the audit, ask questions to clarify your understanding of the technical issues. This can help to ensure that you have an accurate and complete understanding of the subject matter.

  4. Document Findings: Make a detailed record of the technical issues assessed, the criteria used for the assessment, and any non-conformances identified.

What to Say:

  • "Could you please explain the [specific process/technology/equipment] in more detail? I want to ensure that I have a complete understanding of how it works."

  • "I have reviewed the documentation related to [specific technical issue], but I have some questions to clarify my understanding. Could we discuss them?"

  • "I understand that [specific technical issue] is a critical part of your operations. Could you please explain the controls and safeguards in place to ensure its proper functioning?"

  • "I have consulted with a technical expert to assist with the assessment of [specific technical issue]. Could we arrange a time for them to review the relevant documentation and processes?"

By adequately preparing for the audit, involving technical experts if necessary, clarifying your understanding during the audit, and documenting your findings thoroughly, auditors can navigate complex and technical issues effectively and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the audit findings.



Conclusion


Being a lead auditor involves navigating a myriad of challenges, from disagreements with the client to unexpected incidents. It is essential to approach these challenges with a proactive and collaborative attitude. By being prepared, remaining professional and respectful, and seeking assistance when necessary, lead auditors can successfully navigate these challenges and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the organisations they audit.

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