For auditors, especially those in governmental audits, interviewing staff and managers is a crucial part of the audit process, yet it's often a skill that's underestimated and underdeveloped. The 'Advanced Interviewing Techniques for Auditors' self-study CPE course addresses this critical gap. The challenge lies in conducting effective interviews that provide valuable insights and corroborate data, which can be daunting due to varying interviewee dynamics and the complexity of information required. This CPE course agitates the issue by highlighting the pitfalls of poor interviewing techniques, such as inadequate information gathering, inefficient use of time, and challenges in dealing with difficult interviewees. The solution is offered through a systematic approach to enhance interviewing skills. Participants will learn to identify the objectives of an interview, determine whom to interview, and recognize different types of interviews. The course guides on preparing an agenda, selecting the right location, and scheduling time effectively. It also delves into the nuances of distinguishing between interviews and interrogations and provides strategies for handling challenging interview situations. By the end of this self-study CPE course, auditors will be equipped with advanced interviewing techniques, ensuring more productive and informative interviews, and ultimately contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of their audits.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify the course objectives to improve interviews
Determine why we interview and who to interview
Identify the Types of Interviews
Where to conduct the interviews
Gathering sufficient background material on the interviewees
Preparing an agenda for each interview
Considering the opening discussion
Scheduling the time
Identify the differences between interviews and interrogations
Describe how to deal with difficult interviewees
Major Topics
Interviewing on Government Audits
Why We Interview and Who to Interview
Types of Interviews
Open-Ended Questions
Close-Ended Questions
Preparing for and Conducting Interviews
Differences Between Interviews and Interrogations
Identifying and Working with Difficult Interviewees