Explore every episode of the podcast Audit Bites

Something interesting is happening inside organizations right now.

New tools, like AI, are being introduced.

New tool adoption is being encouraged.

And in some cases… it’s being measured.

That sounds normal.

But there’s a pattern here.

A familiar one.

The kind that starts with good intentions… and slowly shifts into something else.

You’ve probably seen it before. In different forms. In different environments. With different outcomes.

And if you work in internal audit… you’re usually one of the first to see where that shift actually leads.

In this episode, we explore what happens when measurement becomes more than observation… and starts shaping behavior. Not just at the organizational level… but inside the very systems auditors are expected to evaluate.

Because sometimes the risk isn’t the process itself. It’s what the process is quietly encouraging.

In Episode 78 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry dives deep into one of the most common sources of audit frustration: why internal audit strategic plans so often derail.

And what you can do to make yours work.

Drawing from real-life stories, behavioral psychology, and years of experience, Rob Berry breaks down the seven key reasons audit plans fall apart.

We'll talk about:

1. The dangers of self-centered strategic planning and how to align with organizational objectives
2. Why "trusted advisor" is more than a buzzword
3. How to combat the planning fallacy and keep your plan alive
4. The trap of overengineering your frameworks and keeping objectives simple and actionable
5. The importance of forward-looking audits over reactive, backward-focused ones
6. Critical communication techniques to inspire, engage, and involve your audit team and stakeholders
7. Ensuring your strategy is resourced for reality, not just wishful thinking

Whether you’re a Chief Audit Executive, audit manager, or aspiring professional, this episode is full of bite-sized insights you can immediately apply to your strategic planning process.

Ready to level up your internal audit function?

1. Listen now, share with your team, and use this episode as a discussion guide at your next planning meeting.
2. For more resources, more courses, or to connect with Rob for training and speaking, visit www.thatauditguy.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell your fellow auditors about the show.

In episode 77 of Audit Bites, Robert dives deep into a critical yet often neglected audit risk—organizational culture. This compelling episode, inspired by a real-life scandal at Citigroup and insights from author Pete Havel’s book The Arsonist in the Office, explores why auditors commonly ignore toxic culture, the devastating impact it has on productivity, reputation, and trust, and practical advice for making culture an auditable focus.

Key topics include:

1. Real-world stories of culture failures at major organizations like Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Enron.
2. Why audit teams often default to controls instead of tackling the “messy” aspects of culture.
3. The Harvard research showing bad apples outweigh rock stars—how toxicity magnifies risk.
4. Eight actionable culture components auditors should integrate into every audit, from goals and budget decisions to promotion patterns and whistleblower data.
5. How leadership consistency, exit interviews, and local subcultures shape the organization’s health.

Special mention: Pete Havel, whose book The Arsonist in the Office inspired this episode. Learn how one toxic individual can burn down an entire workplace and what auditors should do to stop it.

Want to level up your audit team? Visit thatauditguy.com for on-demand training, resources, and tools to help you audit culture before it wreaks havoc.

If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to leave us a five-star review and share with your network!

Mentions & Resources:

1. The Arsonist in the Office by Pete Havel
2. thatauditguy.com – Podcast resources, courses, training, and contact info
3. Harvard Business Study on workplace culture impacts

Tune in to uncover why addressing culture is essential for auditors and how it can make the difference between organizational success and failure.

Are you truly auditing what matters most, or are you chasing risks that won’t move the needle for your organization? In Episode 76 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry tackles the overlooked pitfalls of risk-based internal auditing and reveals why being “risk-based” isn’t enough if you’re not aligned with today’s organizational strategy.

This episode dives into:

1. The critical difference between operational risks and strategic relevance
2. Real-world stories of auditing the past while the future is on fire
3. Why risk registers often go rogue—and how to clean them up
4. How to ensure your audit plan aligns with current business goals
5. The importance of performance metrics alongside risk insights
6. Practical steps to move beyond audit methodology and focus on outcomes that matter to leadership

This episode is packed with actionable advice for auditors, CAEs, and anyone involved in risk management or internal audit.

Ready to make your audits more relevant and impactful? Listen, share with your team, and don’t forget to rate us five stars on your favorite platform.

Visit that audit guy for more resources, courses, blogs, and Audit Merch.

Are controls really the key to business impact, or are we missing the bigger picture? Robert explores why endless audit reports, SOX reviews, and management’s focus on “are the controls working?” may be holding us back from what truly matters.

Tune in as Robert encourages auditors and professionals to break free from checkbox auditing, rethink the purpose of their work, and discover what actually drives real organizational success. Perfect for auditors, compliance professionals, and anyone interested in maximizing business impact.

Subscribe to Audit Bites for more paradigm-shifting conversations, and visit the Audit Bites website for resources and show notes. Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation. Are you ready to question audit norms?

Why are auditors often the last to embrace innovation? In Episode 74 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry explores the psychological and organizational roadblocks that keep auditors stuck in old ways, from risk aversion and status quo bias, to fear of being wrong and a perfectionist culture.

Drawing on real-world experiences and research like prospect theory, status quo bias, and more, this episode uncovers both the challenges and actionable solutions for audit professionals.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek at Audit Leverage, the new AI platform built for auditors, and practical tips to move past these barriers, whether you’re a staff auditor, audit director, or CAE.

If you’re ready to help your audit team innovate, this is a must-listen.

Love Audit Bites? Share this episode with your network, subscribe on YouTube, and visit www.thatauditguy.com for more resources, training, and audit tools.

Want a demo of Audit Leverage or to book Rob Berry for training?

Connect via LinkedIn or www.thatauditguy.com and take your audit department to the next level.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your credibility with audit clients? In Episode 73 of the Audit Bites podcast, host Rob Berry dives into the four biggest ways auditors unintentionally damage trust with clients—and, more importantly, how to avoid these pitfalls.

Tune in for candid stories, real-world examples, and actionable advice on topics including:

1. The dangers of blindsiding clients in meetings
2. How to communicate without coming across as arrogant
3. Building better client relationships with emotional intelligence
4. Simple solutions to strengthen your credibility and impact

Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or new to the field, Rob Berry’s insights will help you deliver more value and forge stronger audit partnerships.

Mentioned Resources:

1. Audit Leverage AI platform – Tools to enhance your audits
2. Rob Berry’s bestselling book “Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, Perform Better Audits”
3. Rob's course catalog: thatauditguy.com

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, visit our YouTube channel, and connect with Rob Berry on LinkedIn for more practical tips and lively audit discussions. If you found value in this episode, please share it with your team and leave us a five-star review.

Is your audit department too focused on compliance and missing out on business strategy? In Episode 72 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry examines why internal auditors often find themselves trapped in the world of checklists and regulatory paperwork—while overlooking opportunities to truly impact business growth.

Drawing from three decades of experience, Rob Berry shares real-life stories and actionable strategies auditors can use to break free from the “compliance bubble.” Learn the crucial difference between being a compliance cop and a strategic advisor, why business acumen is key, and how your team can add tangible value to the organization.

Key topics covered:

1. Why compliance is comfortable but business strategy is riskier
2. Moving from rule enforcer to valued business partner
3. How asking “why” leads to better audit outcomes
4. The importance of business acumen for auditors
5. How reframing audit findings can foster real improvements

You’ll also hear insights on balancing compliance with strategic input, involving internal audit in decision-making, and ways to measure audit success beyond just findings. Plus, Rob Berry introduces Audit Leverage, his new AI-powered tool for internal auditors, and answers listener questions about audit reporting and stakeholder value.

Ready to evolve your audit role?

Listen now, subscribe, and visit Audit Leverage for next-level AI tools for auditors. For more resources, training, and merch, check out www.thatauditguy.com.

Are auditors truly good listeners, or do we just wait for our turn to talk? In Episode 70 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry dives into a tough reality facing the audit profession: many auditors aren’t as skilled at listening as they think.

Key topics include:

1. The difference between hearing and active listening in auditing
2. Six major reasons auditors fail at listening
3. Practical strategies to overcome these listening barriers
4. Engaging stories from Rob’s own audit career
5. Tips for asking better questions and building trust with clients

Don’t miss actionable advice to level up your audit skills and tune into what's really being said. Rob also introduces his AI platform, Audit Leverage, and his bestselling book “Ask, Get, Perform” for auditors seeking to enhance their performance.

If this episode hits home, share it with your audit team, subscribe on YouTube, and check out www.thatauditguy.com for courses and newsletter updates.

Interested in AI for auditing? Explore Audit Leverage at auditleverage.net.

How does empathy impact auditors—and what happens when caring too much crosses the line? In Audit Bites Episode 69, “When Empathy Tests Integrity in Auditing: The Fine Line Between Care and Compliance,” host Rob Berry delves into the surprising risks of empathy in the audit world. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, Rob Berry explores five ways empathy can derail the audit process—from emotional burnout and loss of objectivity to unhealthy helping, blurred boundaries, and empathy-induced bias.

Key topics discussed:

1. The hidden dangers of empathy for auditors.
2. Real-life stories on how empathy can cloud judgment and enable ethical lapses.
3. Research from experts like Jessica Dulce and Dr. Sean M. Byrne on compassion fatigue and boundary setting.
4. Practical tips: how to set emotional boundaries, maintain professionalism, and avoid empathy-driven bias.
5. Introducing Audit Leverage—a powerful AI platform for smarter, more productive audits.

Whether you’re an auditor or leader, find out how to harness empathy as a strength without sacrificing compliance or burning out. Tune in for actionable strategies and join the discussion!

Check out Audit Leverage at auditleverage.net and visit Rob Berry's website for training, courses, and more: thatauditguy.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with colleagues, leave a five-star review, and connect for auditor training opportunities.

Ever walked into a meeting and felt like the villain before you’ve even said a word?

That’s how many audit clients feel—and it’s time to change the narrative.

This week on Audit Bites, we’re exploring the power of empathy in auditing.

From understanding your client’s challenges to stepping into their shoes, we’ll discuss five practical ways to build trust, reduce resistance, and create more productive audits.

Tune in to learn how empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a superpower every auditor needs.

Are we setting the next generation of auditors up for success—or frustration?

This week, we confront the uncomfortable truth about how outdated practices, withheld information, and resistance to change are creating roadblocks for future auditors.

We’ll unpack the ways we’re failing to prepare auditors for the challenges ahead.

Tune in for personal stories, actionable insights, and a candid look at what needs to change to build a better future for the profession.

Auditing is all about facts and figures—right?

Not so fast.

This week on Audit Bites, we’re tackling an uncomfortable truth: why clients often view auditors as adversaries rather than allies.

From perceived arrogance to miscommunication, we’ll explore the subtle behaviors that create tension and, more importantly, how to rebuild trust.

What’s the secret to turning difficult conversations into collaborative breakthroughs?

Tune in to discover insights that might just change how you approach your next audit.

Ever wondered just how much power your audit recommendations hold? In this episode of Audit Bites, Rob Berry takes you on a deep dive into the immense responsibility that comes with being an auditor. With a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and a dash of humor, we explore the true impact of audit recommendations and the ripple effect they can have across an entire organization.

🔍 What We'll Discuss:

• The unseen weight behind every audit report and how it can shape the future of a company.
• Why it’s crucial to balance objectivity with empathy when making recommendations.
• The ethical dilemmas auditors face and how to navigate them while maintaining integrity.
• How to make sure your advice aligns with the best interests of your clients and stakeholders.

🔗 Relevant Links and Resources:

• Discover Rob’s Best-Selling Book: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, Perform Better Audits
• Learn More at That Audit Guy: ThatAuditGuy.com
• Check Out Our Audit Merchandise: Audit Hats, Shirts, and More

💬 Join the Conversation:

Have you ever felt the weight of your audit recommendations? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! 👇

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest insights into the world of auditing.

Does everybody lie?

Sometimes it's hard getting

the truth from some people.

Auditors often have an uphill battle

to obtain the truth clients.

But why?

Why do clients lie?

Tune in to the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

5 Reasons Audit Clients Lie.

Check us out live on

LinkedIn and YouTube

or your favorite podcasting platform.

Almost everyone expects auditors to find something. Afterall, we are called assurance providers. But is always finding something really reasonable? And is the job of auditor to finger point?

Join us on this episode of Audit Bites as we discuss Why Some Auditors Have Assurance All Wrong.

You know what they say

you do when you assume?

What if everyone reacted to the world

based on their assumptions?

That could possibly end badly.

But, on the other hand,

assumptions do have

their place in the world.

Like Goldilocks, they have to

be used just right.

Finding that balance can be difficult.

Let's talk about it on

the next episode of the

Audit Bites Podcast

with a live case study.

Auditors are awesome people.

Seriously, you can stop laughing now.

Join us on the next episode of the Audit Bites podcast as we discuss 7 Reasons Auditors Are Awesome People.

If honesty is the best policy,

why do we punish the

innocent and honest?

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss the

benefits and detriments

of honesty in the workplace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-eiMvgbT_M&t=9s

Planning is important.

No one can deny that.

All too often, auditors start

projects without a good plan.

A lot of junior auditors don't

know what's expected of them.

Projects have huge delays.

Join us on the next episode of

The Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

9 Problems with Modern

Internal Audit Planning

Everyone loves a good story.

Even auditors.

But have you thought about

the effect a good story has

on your audit clients?

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast titled

Beyond Numbers:

The Crucial Role of

Storytelling in Auditing

Are you having trouble

finding qualified staff?

I've talked to several

audit leaders who are

having a hard time

finding qualified people.

It's becoming a widespread problem.

Let's talk about it.

Watch on YouTube below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc33a_l_rQA&t=9s

Artificial intelligence is only as smart

as the humans who program and use it.

It is not perfect.

Therefore, auditors must review

the organization's artificial intelligence.

Join us on the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast

as we discuss

4 Reasons Auditors Must

Review Artificial Intelligence

Ever wondered why your

audit training feels like a sluggish

journey through quicksand?

Join us on this episode of the

Audit Bites podcast as we

uncover the 23 surprising culprits

that could be hindering your audit career.

Policies are important.

Until they aren't.

Auditors are always

talking about policies

and procedures.

And it bugs the mess

out of clients who view policies

as paper-pushing exercises.

Join us on the next episode of

Audit Bites as we discuss

Why Auditors Always Harp on Policies.

To trust or not to trust.

That is the question for auditors.

Join us on the next episode of

Audit Bites as we discuss

The Levels of Professional Skepticism for Auditors.

Auditors always talk about

getting a seat at the executive table.

And sure it’s important.

But the gold is in the cubicles,

not the corner offices.

Join us on next episode of

Audit Bites where we discuss

the sweet spot to understanding

organizational risks and controls.

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your audit career, like a hamster on an eternal wheel? I get it. You're sitting at your desk uninspired. It's like banging your head against a brick wall every.single.day. I've got news that will shock you... there's a way out! Join us for an unforgettable LIVE episode of Audit Bites Podcast where we will be discussing 5 Things to Catapult Your Audit Career 

Have you ever had to

deal with someone who

was stupidly stubborn?

I mean, we've all been there, right?

They are so married to

their opinions that they won't

even consider other perspectives.

Talk about frustrating.

But here's the thing.

In our line of work,

objectivity is key 🔑.

It's what sets us apart and

allows us to provide valuable

insights and recommendations.

So when auditors lack objectivity,

it feels like we're dealing with

someone who might just be

a bit like...well,

let's put it nicely,

a donkey 🐎

On this episode of Audit Bites,

we will discuss why objectivity

is absolutely necessary for

internal auditors.

Auditors are often placed on projects with mininal preparation.

You are given objectives to test and little else.

The entire time you're thinking to yourself..."A little historical context would have been helpful."

But here you are, in the middle of an audit frustrated and confused.

If you've every felt this before, join us on next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss the

benefits of truly understanding what you're auditing and 6 ways you can better understand audit areas.

No one cares about your technical auditing skills if you cannot communicate constructively with people.

Auditors often encounter difficulties when communicating with clients.

On this episode of Audit Bites, we will discuss one major reason why communication skills are

crucial for internal auditors.

Who's looking out

for your best interesting?

For businesses,

it's the board of directors. 

They are a group of people chosen

to look after a company and

make sure it is being run well.

But what happens when

a board goes beyond its authority?

Find out in the next episode of

the Audit Bites podcast.

Audit Bites is a podcast that provides

valuable insights for

internal audit professionals.

Mark your calendars and join us

live on LinkedIn or YouTube.

And hey, don't forget to subscribe

on your favorite podcasting platform.

Looking forward to having you on board

(pun intended) for the next episode!

#internalaudit #auditors #thatauditguy

Don't you wish you could find

and fix problems before they start?

We've all been there.

You know something is wrong.

There is a feeling in the pit of your stomach.

And you do nothing.

Some auditors have a

bad habit of doing this too.

Fortunately, you don't have to

be a psychic to fend off problems

at the first sign of irregularity.

Join us in the next

episode of Audit Bites

where we discuss why

Auditors must stop

auditing after the fact.

But being curious is one of the primary jobs of an internal auditor.

Join us on the next episode of Audit Bites where we talk about the power of curiosity and ask ask, Are you curious enough to make a difference.

Are auditors impostors? Join me on episode 44 of Audit Bites as we delve into the common feelings of insecurity and fraudulence experienced by auditors. Discover the reasons behind the imposter syndrome and how it affects the auditing profession. Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on being an auditor in today's dynamic business landscape.

Is your auditor instinct is strong that

you're constantly questioning things?

Do people complain that you are always auditing?

Well good.

Keep doing it.

And join us on the next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss why you should always be auditing.

How can you trust someone

you belive is out to get you?

Many auditors face this delimma

trying to gain the trust and

respect of audit clients.

Many clients believe

we are out to get them.

We are not.

But there are reasons

why they don't trust us.

Let's talk about it.

Join us on the

next episode of

Audit Bites.

Auditing is important.

Or is it?

If it's so important, why do we have to fight so hard to simply do the job?

And sometimes the fight is so subtle, we miss the warning signs of war.

Join me on this episode of Audit Bites as we discuss:

How to Stifle an Audit Department

May the 4th be with you.

Auditors must use the force.

Let's have fun.

Yes, auditors can have fun.

Let's talk about it.

5 ways auditors must use the force.

To be successful, celebrities like Taylor Swift must take risks.

But not every risk comes with a reward.

And by thinking like an auditor, she recently avoided a potentially costly partnership.

Join me on the next episode of Audit Bites where we discuss 5 reasons why Taylor Swift should have been an internal auditor.

Our profession pays well.

Yet there is a talent shortage.

Is it that people don't want to do what we do?

or

Is it that we make it difficult for people to succeed?

Let's talk about the qualities that make a successful auditor.

Join us for episode 38 of Audit Bites.

You see red flags every day.

Yet you say nothing.

WHY?

Your fear is costing your company.

Auditors should

raise red flags

when you see them.

Let's talk about it

in episode 37 of

Audit Bites

We all have that "know it all" friend.

Always telling you what you

should and should not do.

Often unsolicited.

It's aggravating.

Isn't it?

They don't know your struggle.

They don't know your story.

It feel the same way dealing with auditors.

Yet, there we are, telling clients

what they should and should not do.

But realistically, our recommendations don't matter.

Uh oh. I may have triggered a few people.

Join me on episode 36 of Audit Bites.

Audit departments are struggling.

Don't take my word for it, auditors have been saying this to me in private for the last several years.

- Pay is not the problem.

- Status is not the problem.

- Workload is not the problem.

Let's talk about the real problems on the next episode of Audit Bites.

Many career fields occasionally suffer shortages.

There are a variety of reasons why this might happen.

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁

The field may not be attractive due to various reasons, such as low pay, poor working conditions, lack of advancement opportunities, or negative public perception.

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝗽:

The field may require specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that are not easily obtainable through traditional education or training programs.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

Changes in demographics, such as an aging workforce, may create shortages in certain career fields.

There is a shortage of talented internal auditors.

Many recent surveys confirm this.

So it must be true 🤔

Let's talk about why can't find talented audit professionals in the next episode of a Audit Bites.

Life is all about change.

Some might say we either adapt or die.

Change is happening fast in the internal auditing profession.

The standards we abide by are being overhauled.

The proposed new global standards for internal auditors are out.

Let's talk about it.

Join us on this special episode of Audit Bites to discuss the newly proposed Global Internal Auditing Standards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SB1gXMiTq8&t=9s

Internal auditing is a complex field that requires a careful balance of intuition and analytics.

While it is important to trust the data, it is also important to trust your gut.

Bad auditors will bemoan this statement.

"What about objectivity and independence?" They'll ask.

"What about observing human behavior and what happens in the world beyond and/or in conjunction with the data?" is typically my response.

Join us on this episode of Audit Bites where we discuss some of the consequences of trusting your gut and the importance of trusting gut instincts.

Artificial Intelligence is changing many industries.

Writers are afraid.

Coders are excited.

and Auditors...

Well, what are we?

AI comes with risks, rewards, opportunities and threats.

This week on a special edition of Audit Bites,

we're going to talk to Danielle Supkis from Mindbridge

about AI and auditors.

Another audit engagement is behind schedule. 

It happens so often, it’s now the norm.

You have a few choices.

1-Tell your boss.

Or

2-Take some shortcuts in your audit work.

Neither of these is a good choice.

You want to fix the problem.

But you don’t know how.

In episode 30 of the Audit Bites podcast,

Let’s talk about why your people 

can’t perform effective audits.

https://youtu.be/2Fwct0BQg7g

Everyone in the room is staring at you.

They look angry and afraid.

It's the opening meeting and

they are looking to you

for comfort.

How do you put them at ease

so that you can get the audit done?

Join us on episode 29 of

Audit Bites

as we discuss

3 Audit Entrance Meeting Mistakes.

#internalaudit #thatauditguy #auditbites

https://youtu.be/9n_dhYXlnTI