Internal Audit Follow-Up Email Sample: Effective Tips and Examples

Are you a fan of efficient communication? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with the perfect follow-up email after an internal audit? Look no further, as we have compiled some internal audit follow-up email samples for you to use and customize to fit your specific needs.

We understand that following up with colleagues after an internal audit can be a tricky affair. On one hand, you want to convey your gratitude for their time and effort, but on the other hand, you don’t want to come across as aggressive or dismissive. That’s why we have carefully selected some email templates that strike the perfect balance of professionalism and gratitude. Whether it’s a simple thank you note or a more detailed summary of the audit findings, we have got you covered.

These templates are not set in stone, so feel free to edit them as per your needs. Add a personal touch, change the language to suit your company’s culture, and tweak the tone to match your personality. At the end of the day, the goal is to convey your message clearly, and these templates will give you a head start.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into some internal audit follow-up email samples that will help you communicate effectively and efficiently.

The Best Structure for Internal Audit Follow-Up Email Sample

When it comes to following up on an internal audit, it’s important to have a clear structure to ensure that all necessary information is conveyed. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best structure for an internal audit follow-up email sample, taking inspiration from Tim Ferris’s writing style.

1. Start with a Clear Subject Line: The subject line of your email is the first thing the recipient will see, so it’s important to make it clear and concise. Try something along the lines of “Internal Audit Follow-Up” or “Follow-Up on Internal Audit Recommendations.”

2. Begin with a Salutation: In the opening of your email, it’s important to start with a friendly yet professional greeting. “Dear [Recipient’s Name]” is always a safe bet, followed by a brief introduction of who you are and your role within the company.

3. Recap the Internal Audit Findings: In the body of your email, it’s helpful to provide a brief overview of the key findings from the internal audit. This will set the tone for the rest of the email and ensure that everyone is on the same page before diving into the specifics of the follow-up.

4. Detail the Follow-Up Plan: This is where the real meat of the email comes in. Be sure to clearly outline what steps will be taken to address the audit findings, who is responsible for each action item, and when each task is due. If there were any disagreements or concerns raised during the audit, be sure to address them here as well.

5. Provide a Timeline: Giving a timeline for the follow-up process is important to keep everyone accountable and ensure that the necessary actions are completed in a timely manner. Be realistic about the timeline, and be sure to communicate any potential roadblocks or delays early on so that they can be addressed appropriately.

6. End with a Call to Action: In closing, it’s important to reiterate what needs to be done and who is responsible for each task. End with a clear call to action, encouraging everyone involved to stay focused and committed to following through on the recommendations of the internal audit.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a clear, concise, and effective internal audit follow-up email that will help your organization address any areas of concern and move forward in a positive direction.

Internal Audit Follow-up Emails

Follow-up on Control Weakness Recommendation for Accounts Payable Department

Dear [Recipient],

Following our internal audit of the Accounts Payable Department, we recommended that certain control weaknesses be addressed. It has come to our attention that these recommendations have yet to be implemented. We strongly advise the department to do so to ensure compliance with our accounting policies and to prevent any material misstatements in financial reporting.

Please let us know if there are any challenges that the department is facing in implementing these recommendations. We would be happy to provide any assistance that may be necessary.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Inventory Observation Recommendation for Manufacturing Plant

Dear [Recipient],

We would like to follow up on the recommendation made during our internal audit of the Manufacturing Plant regarding the observation of inventory counts. We have yet to receive confirmation that the plant management has scheduled and performed a physical inventory count including a complete reconciliation of the inventory records.

Please provide us with an update on the status of this recommendation and if there were any issues or delays that may have prevented its implementation. We remain committed to ensuring the accuracy of the financial reporting and safeguarding the company’s assets, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Thank you.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Employee Benefit Plans Compliance Recommendation

Dear [Recipient],

Our internal audit review for the Employee Benefit Plan has recommended certain compliance requirements that need to be addressed. It has come to our attention that the recommendations have not been implemented in a timely manner.

We would like to remind you of the importance of implementing these recommendations to avoid any legal or regulatory obligations. Please provide us with an update on the status of implementation, or if there are any challenges or delays in executing these recommendations.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Financial Statement Accuracy Recommendation

Dear [Recipient],

We would like to follow up on the recommendation made during our internal audit regarding the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements. We noted certain inaccuracies and discrepancies where additional supporting documentation was required and we recommend that corrective actions be taken.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance in addressing these issues. We appreciate your commitment to achieving the highest standard of financial reporting and integrity.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Vendor Master Data Recommendation

Dear [Recipient],

Following our internal audit of vendor master data, we recommended that certain improvements were required to ensure accuracy and completeness. We regret to learn that these recommendations have not been fully implemented.

We strongly urge you to take immediate corrective action in implementing these recommendations to avoid any potential risks such as inappropriate access or manipulation of vendor data. Please confirm the status of implementation and share any challenges faced by the team in doing so.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Internal Controls Recommendation for IT Department

Dear [Recipient],

We are following up on the recommendation made during our internal audit of the IT Department. We noted certain internal control weaknesses related to data access and managed services that must be addressed.

We must emphasize the importance of promptly addressing these weaknesses, as they could expose the company to material financial, operational, and compliance risks. If you need any guidance or assistance in this process, please let us know and we will be happy to help.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Expense Report Compliance Recommendation

Dear [Recipient],

We are following up on the recommendation made during our internal audit regarding the compliance of expense reports policies and procedures. Our observations have highlighted certain violations that must be addressed immediately.

Please ensure that all expenses reimbursements are in compliance with our established policy and procedures. If there are any questions or concerns regarding these policies or the reimbursement process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Internal Audit Follow-Up Email Sample

As an internal auditor, it’s essential to follow up with your clients after an audit to ensure that any issues or recommendations have been successfully addressed. Typically, this is done via email. Writing an effective follow-up email is crucial to ensure that your message is well understood and acted upon by your clients. Here are some tips for crafting an effective internal audit follow-up email sample:

1. Start with a clear subject line: The subject line should be clear and concise, indicating the purpose of the email. Using keywords such as “audit follow-up” or “recommendation implementation” will help the recipient to identify the email’s topic and importance.

2. State the objective of the email in the first paragraph: The first paragraph should indicate the purpose of the email, whether it’s to provide an audit report or follow up on recommendations. Moreover, the language should be straightforward and concise.

3. Provide relevant information: While writing an internal audit follow-up email sample, it’s advisable to include information such as timelines or deadlines. This information can help the client understand how quickly they need to act on the recommendations.

4. Be clear and concise: Internal audit follow-up emails should be straightforward and concise, explaining the recommendation or the audit’s findings. Using complex or technical language may confuse the recipient, leading to unnecessary delays in implementing your recommendations or addressing the findings.

5. Provide additional context: If necessary, provide additional information or context to highlight the impact of the recommendation or finding. It can also be helpful to highlight the potential risks associated with noncompliance or failing to act on recommendations.

6. Provide a clear call-to-action: The email should provide a clear call-to-action, indicating what the recipient needs to do. It’s advisable to use active language, such as “Please provide an action plan” or “Please confirm the implementation of recommendations.”

By following these tips, you can ensure that your internal audit follow-up email sample is effective and achieves the intended objective. Communicating clearly and concisely with your clients will help to build stronger relationships and improve audit outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Internal Audit Follow-Up Email Sample


What is the purpose of an internal audit follow-up email sample?

An internal audit follow-up email sample is used to communicate the status of the audit findings to management, provide recommendations for improvement, and ensure that corrective actions have been implemented.

When should an internal audit follow-up email be sent?

An internal audit follow-up email should be sent as soon as possible after the audit report has been issued to ensure that management is aware of the findings and can take appropriate action.

What should be included in an internal audit follow-up email?

An internal audit follow-up email should include a summary of the audit findings, the recommendations made by the auditors, the status of any corrective actions taken, and any additional information that management needs to know.

What is the best way to format an internal audit follow-up email?

The best way to format an internal audit follow-up email is to use a clear and concise structure, such as using bullet points or numbered lists to highlight key points and make it easy for management to read and understand.

How can I ensure that management takes corrective action in response to an internal audit finding?

You can ensure that management takes corrective action by setting clear deadlines for corrective actions, regularly following up with management to track progress, and reporting any lack of progress or non-compliance to senior management.

What should I do if management does not take corrective action in response to an internal audit finding?

If management does not take corrective action in response to an internal audit finding, you should escalate the issue to senior management or the audit committee, and consider reporting the issue to regulatory authorities if necessary.

How can I ensure that the internal audit follow-up process is effective?

You can ensure that the internal audit follow-up process is effective by setting clear objectives and timelines for the follow-up process, regularly assessing the effectiveness of the process, and making improvements as needed.

What is the role of the internal auditor in the follow-up process?

The internal auditor is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of the corrective actions taken in response to the audit findings, and reporting the results to senior management and the audit committee.

What are some best practices for conducting an effective internal audit follow-up?

Some best practices for conducting an effective internal audit follow-up include communicating clearly and effectively with management, ensuring that corrective actions are timely and adequate, and always maintaining a professional and objective approach to the process.

Thanks for Sticking Around!

That’s all we have for the internal audit follow-up email sample. We hope our template will make your task of following up on audits a lot easier. Always remember that following up is an essential part of your audit process, and it helps keep track of the progress made to address audit findings. Our team wishes you the best of luck to conduct successful audits! Be sure to check back in for more helpful content to come. Thanks again for reading!