Most people imagine internal auditors as the “police” within organisations. But for Kenneth—Head of Duke-NUS Internal Audit (IA) department which resides in the Dean’s Office—the reality is very different.
“Our work is about identifying issues early and developing solutions to mitigate risks, with the main objective of safeguarding Duke-NUS interests” says Kenneth, who joined Duke-NUS in 2020.
Despite seeing the growth and development of the IA department in the last few years, the role of auditing remains often misunderstood. Many fear that internal auditors have the power to lay off employees and that it is best not to cross paths at all. The work is discreet, even invisible to most.
DukeNUSe speaks with him to learn more about IA’s work.
Can you take us through a typical workday for you?
Every workday is different, which includes interviews and discussions with stakeholders, reviewing audit documentation, drafting audit findings, recommendations and reports. In addition, IA also have to manage and address ad-hoc advisory requests across Duke-NUS. The IA team is small; hence we have to think creatively and continually brainstorm new ideas to improve efficiency and effectiveness without compromising audit quality.
What are the biggest assumptions or misunderstandings that people have about your work?
I’ve heard many things over the years, like how IA is likened to the police or spies, tasked with finding fault with people. Another common belief is that IA wields the authority to fire employees. These are not true.
IA is about detecting risks early to avoid it snowballing into something worse. We evaluate policies and processes to mitigate financial, operational and reputational risks.
With artificial intelligence (AI) fast evolving, why do organisations still need auditors?
I view AI as a tool which can complement IA’s work—for example, AI can enhance the detection of broad-based risk areas. However, AI cannot replace intuition, creativity and empathy, or navigate interpersonal dynamics with stakeholders.
IA provides a balanced view on processes that are done well, and processes which requires further improvements. In a way, internal audits are like annual health screenings, where a doctor checks and communicates an opinion on your health and general well-being.
What do you most look forward to in your daily work?
Interacting and learning new perspectives from different stakeholders. There’s always something to learn. It is also satisfying to know that IA’s work is successful in yielding quantifiable benefits, such as revenue recovery and cost savings among other things for the School.
Another area of interest is data analytics, which IA analyses large volumes of transactional data from different systems to efficiently identify potential audit issues. Lastly, knowing that IA can be a platform to facilitate, foster and enhance inter-departmental collaboration.
Are there opportunities for further career exposure and professional development at Duke-NUS?
At Duke-NUS, we do not operate in silos. Collaboration is key. A career in IA offers the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with different stakeholders across all levels, which will provide a unique overview of the School’s operations.
IA also supports continuous learning through training courses by accredited institutions and internal courses offered by the School in relevant areas like data analytics. The training courses enrolled must have real world applications in IA’s daily work.
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
I watch dramas, movies and documentaries on Netflix. My favourites include the K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, the American film The Big Short based on the 2010 book of the same title by Michael Lewis and the original Netflix series Dirty Money, which revolves around corporate corruption.
Do you have any advice for readers who may be keen to explore auditing as part of their career trajectory with Duke-NUS?
An inquisitive mind, a willingness to listen and collaborate with people, a solution-driven mindset and proactiveness to provide a value-adding service within the School are important traits. Do reach out to me if you have any questions. Happy to have a chat over coffee 😊.
All photos in this story are copyrighted by Kenneth Tang.
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