The Audit Podcast

Hosted by Trent Russell

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363

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Oct 2026

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About the show

On the show you can expect to hear from everyone: from the intern, to the IT audit director, CAE and audit committee members because all of their opinions are important. We'll talk about integrating tech into audit, how to get quick wins, the latest SOX guidance and whatever other topics the guests want to talk about and whatever you want to hear about. Be sure to subscribe to the show in whatever you're listening to it on now and we'll talk to you soon.

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60 recent

October 27, 202628 min

Ep 300: AI Agents, Audit Testing, and the Future of Internal Audit w/ Alexey Zanin

AI is changing how internal audit teams approach testing, risk, and assurance. But how can auditors move beyond experimentation and start putting AI to work? In this episode of The Audit Podcast, Trent Russell talks with Alexey Zanin, CEO and co-founder of Bīt AI and former compliance product lead at Meta. They discuss what led him to build Bīt AI, the questions audit teams are asking about AI, and his book, The Internal Auditor's Guide to AI for Success . The conversation explores AI's non-deterministic nature, the importance of human review, and how audit leaders can prepare their teams for the changes ahead. Alexey also shares a vision for the future of internal audit, where automation reduces manual testing and gives auditors more capacity to focus on exceptions, risk, and higher-value work. In this episode: How AI is changing internal audit testing Why smaller audit teams may be better positioned to innovate What auditors need to understand about AI models and agents Why human oversight and audit trails matter How to prepare your audit function for the next five years What AI can make possible when teams have the right people and processes Alexey's book is available for free through Bīt AI. Learn more: Bīt AI: https://usebead.ai/ Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

October 20, 202612 min

Ep 299: The Human Edge in AI w/ Richard Chambers (Optro)

In Episode 299, Trent Russell sits down with Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor for Risk and Audit at Optro, Chairman of the UNICEF Audit Advisory Committee, and award-winning author, to discuss the third edition of his book, Trusted Advisors: The Human Edge in the World of AI . They explore how internal audit teams can adapt to a world of constant disruption, why continuous risk assessment matters, and how AI can help auditors work more effectively without replacing the human judgment, curiosity, and skepticism the profession depends on. Richard also shares how he uses generative AI in his own work, why internal audit leaders need a strategy for adopting AI, and what the profession must do to remain relevant as technology changes the way audits are performed. Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

October 6, 202624 min

Ep 298: Internal Audit, Relationships, AI, and the Future of Higher Ed w/ Justin Noble (ACUA Conference)

What does internal audit look like when an organization is under constant pressure? In this live episode of The Audit Podcast, Trent Russell sits down with Justin Noble, CEO at Virginia Tech, during the ACUA conference for the podcast's first live interview in front of an audience. Justin shares how his team is using AI and analytics to rethink internal control work, including building dashboards and finding new ways to use decades of audit reports. He also talks about why internal auditors need to build strong relationships without compromising independence, and what his audit committee means when it asks, "Are you going to help us or are you going to grade homework?" The conversation also covers the new topical requirements, peer reviews, talent management, athletics in higher education, and how internal audit can stay useful when organizations are facing difficult and rapidly changing circumstances. Plus, Justin shares what he would do with an unlimited audit budget: invest heavily in great managers and seniors, then give them the tools they need to do their best work. Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

September 30, 202639 min

Ep 297: Benford's Law w/ Daniel McCarville

Benford's Law is often one of the first analytics techniques internal auditors learn, but there is much more to it than simply looking for fraud. In this republished episode, Trent Russell talks with Daniel McCarville, a researcher focused on Benford's Law, about where the law came from, how it works, and how it can be used to identify unusual data, data-quality issues, control avoidance, and potential anomalies. Daniel also walks through applications involving earthquakes, law enforcement data, standardized test scores, suspicious financial transactions, and Power BI. They discuss why Benford's Law should not automatically be treated as a fraud detector, how breaking large datasets into smaller groups can make analysis more useful, and why auditors still need to apply their own judgment after analytics identify something unusual. The episode also looks at how Benford's Law is being used outside of internal audit and how newer approaches are expanding what auditors can do with the technique. Daniel will also be presenting on Benford's Law, AI, and Power BI at the Audit Analytics & AI Conference on October 21–22. Modern Benford's LawState of the Art Techniques for Audit and Compliance Professionals Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

September 25, 202619 min

Ep 296: Why Every Auditor Needs to Learn How AI Agents Work w/ Richard Penfil (AssureSwarm)

AI is changing the way internal audit teams work, but understanding how to use AI agents effectively requires more than simply adopting new tools. In this episode of The Audit Podcast, Trent Russell sits down with Rich Penfil, former data science manager of I Audit Ops at PayPal and founder of Assure Swarm, to discuss how AI agents are reshaping internal audit. Rich explains how he uses AI in his personal life, why auditors should focus on reimagining their methodologies and workflows, and the importance of balancing automation with human oversight. They also discuss agent permissions, the risks of the "Lethal Trifecta," upskilling, and why separating your knowledge base from your AI engine can help future-proof your approach. Timecodes: 02:50 AI in personal life 05:11 AI and the future of internal audit 06:20 Proactive AI workflows 07:35 Build versus buy 09:29 Human oversight 12:33 Upskilling auditors 13:36 AI agent security 15:43 Knowledge base versus engine 16:57 Audit Innovation Challenge 18:11 Final Thoughts The conversation also explores how auditors can move beyond AI pilots and begin building practical, governed workflows that create lasting value. Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

September 15, 202645 min

Ep 295: How to Engage Stakeholders w/ Scott Madenburg (ARC∙Hybrid)

In this repeat episode of The Audit Podcast, Trent Russell revisits his conversation with Scott Madden, former Chief Audit Executive and former Senior Product Marketing Manager and Market Advisor at AuditBoard, and now founder and president of Arc Hybrid. Scott and Trent discuss the human side of internal audit, including building relationships with stakeholders, creating rapport, hiring for character, navigating cost cutting and turnover, and building an internal audit function from the ground up. They also explore how teams can think differently about technology, risk, and the skills needed to build stronger audit functions. Scott will also be speaking at the Audit Analytics and AI Conference on October 21st and 22nd. His sessions will cover the dual AI engine audit lifecycle model, platform agnostic zero code methods for running a hybrid audit process, and how to evaluate when to build custom AI solutions versus relying on existing software architecture. The conference is virtual and available on demand. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction + Audit Analytics and AI Conference 02:38 AI and the Human Element 09:08 Building Relationships and Stakeholder Engagement 17:52 Hiring, Character and Team Building 25:44 Cost Cutting, Turnover and Organizational Risk 32:33 Building an Internal Audit Function 40:41 Scott's Career, Arc Hybrid and Lessons Learned 44:45 Final Thoughts Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

September 8, 202637 min

Ep 294: How Auditors Can Take Back Control of Their Time w/ Bill Engelhaupt (Auditology)

This week on The Audit Podcast, Bill Engelhaupt, author of The Productive Auditor and founder and principal of Auditology LLC , joins the show to discuss how internal audit professionals can take back control of their time, reduce distractions, and build more productive audit teams. Bill explains why productivity isn't simply about getting more things done. It's about protecting your attention for the work that matters most . He shares how interruptions, fragmented work, and constant notifications can turn a task that should take 20 or 30 minutes into an hour, and why creating dedicated blocks of uninterrupted time can make such a difference. Bill also breaks down his approach to the "Power Hour," a protected block of time where teams agree to eliminate interruptions and focus entirely on getting important work done. He explains how audit leaders can establish this as a team norm and why it can be just as valuable for managers and leaders who need uninterrupted time to review and complete work. The conversation then shifts to prioritization and productivity for audit leaders . Bill explains why teams can fall into the trap of cherry-picking easier tasks while more important work gets pushed aside. He shares how sprints, daily huddles, and clear team priorities can help auditors stay focused on the work that matters most. Bill also discusses psychological safety and its role in high-performing audit teams . He explains why auditors and clients need to feel comfortable speaking up about problems and concerns, and how leaders can create an environment where people feel safe sharing uncomfortable information. He also introduces the idea of a pre-mortem as a way to identify potential problems before an audit begins. The conversation also covers building trust with audit clients , including why auditors should focus on asking questions that encourage real information rather than simply confirming what they already expect to hear. Bill explains why asking "why?" can sometimes put people on the defensive and offers a better approach for getting people to open up. Finally, Bill shares practical strategies for managing distractions , from turning off Slack and Teams notifications to putting your phone away and preparing your workspace before starting a focused work block. He also discusses the growing challenge of AI as both a productivity tool and a potential distraction. 03:36 Why Interruptions Are Killing Productivity 05:01 How to Protect Your Attention 06:06 The Power of 90-Minute Work Blocks 08:55 How Fatigue Impacts Audit Judgment 11:29 Why Slack and Teams Make Work Take Longer 12:32 Why Humans Are Wired for Distraction 13:27 When AI Becomes a Productivity Distraction 15:13 What Audit Leaders Should Protect Their Time For 16:54 How to Prioritize the Work That Matters 19:20 The Role of Psychological Safety in Audit Teams 23:05 Using a Pre-Mortem to Identify Problems Early 24:13 How to Build Psychological Safety With Audit Clients 25:44 Asking Better Questions During an Audit 26:33 Why You Should Stop Asking "Why?" 27:53 The One Thing Audit Leaders Can Do Tomorrow 29:27 Practical Ways to Protect Your Focus 32:06 Breaking the Habit of Checking Your Phone 34:12 How Productivity Can Give You Your Life Back Be sure to connect with Bill Engelhaupt on LinkedIn and check out The Productive Auditor and his other resources for practical advice on productivity and internal audit. Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

September 2, 202630 min

Ep 293: The Future of Internal Audit: AI, Trust, and Human Judgment w/ Rania Bijlani

This week on The Audit Podcast, Rania Bijlani, Founder & CEO of RB Advisory & Consultancy , joins the show to discuss how internal audit leaders can prepare for the future of the profession, embrace AI without losing human judgment, and build stronger partnerships across the organization. Rania explains why auditors need to move beyond simply using AI tools and start thinking about how they can audit AI, govern its use, and become part of the strategic conversation around AI . She breaks down the three biggest risks she sees for auditors: failing to learn AI, using it only superficially, and becoming overly reliant on it. She also explains why discernment and judgment will become even more important as AI takes on more of the work. Rania also shares her approach to helping internal audit teams become AI-ready, emphasizing that training alone isn't enough. Teams need a strategy, an actionable plan, and implementation support to turn what they learn into meaningful change. The conversation then shifts to one of Rania's biggest areas of expertise: building trust, influence, and real partnerships within the organization . She breaks down the foundation of trust, why credibility and shared purpose matter, and how auditors can move beyond policing the business to becoming true partners. Finally, Rania shares the biggest lesson she's learned from hosting her own podcast, Impact Legacy with Rania : across industries and leadership roles, it is the human skills — authenticity, self-belief, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building — that truly make leaders stand out. Check out Rania's podcast - Impact Legacy with Rania 04:35 Will Auditors Survive AI? 07:02 The Three Biggest AI Risks for Auditors 08:00 Why Auditors Need Discernment, Not Just Judgment 09:24 Why Human Connection Still Matters 14:20 How Internal Audit Leaders Can Prepare for the Future 16:34 Why AI Training Alone Isn't Enough 18:04 How to Build Real Partnerships Within the Organization 19:38 The Foundation of Trust 21:16 Why Relationships Are Built Over Time 22:38 How Trust Builds Influence and Impact 24:12 Lessons From Hosting Impact Legacy 25:03 What Business Leaders Really Care About 26:06 Why Human Skills Make Leaders Stand Out 27:28 Rania's Advice for the Future of Internal Audit Be sure to connect with Rania Bijlani on LinkedIn and check out RB Advisory & Consultancy for more resources on internal audit, risk, governance, leadership, and AI readiness. Be sure to connect with Trent Russell on LinkedIn and check out Green Skies Analytics for more resources on audit analytics and AI. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and check out the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by Green Skies Analytics, the services firm that helps internal audit teams make analytics actually work. Whether your audit team needs help with an analytics or AI strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit analytics, visit Green Skies Analytics to learn more and schedule a call.

August 26, 202620 min

IA on AI - Ai4 Conference Takeaways

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August 19, 20266 min

IA on AI - Share with your CISO

Links: Visa Releases Its AI-Powered Cyber Defense System to Open Source Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-audit-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauditpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theauditpodcast?lang=en Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel .