Supercharge your audit report
Should auditors be writing reams and reams of paragraphs, or should we be exploring other alternatives to the standard audit report?
2 min read
Your audit report is the culmination of weeks of hard work by you and your team. So it really needs to stand out and broadcast your message on your key findings. Internal Audit reports have historically been "snore-fests", with page after page of text. If senior leaders switch off in the first few paragraphs, then the impact of your work, and the longevity and importance of your Internal Audit function diminishes rapidly.
Many years ago, one audit function I worked at, aimed for a 1 page report to deliver the key messages. The principle was to focus the audit team on that elevator pitch moment to senior management, with the realisation most leaders are constantly on the move and reading emails off their phones / devices. The detail of issues could sit elsewhere for actioning at a later date, but the idea was to slam dunk that message about why the audit was important to them.
Technology and mobile devices have moved on significantly since then, which brings with it the expectation of quality and insightful reporting. Here we review 5 platforms which can offer something different to audit reports that read like "War and Peace":
Visme:
Pros:
User-Friendly: Visme offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create visually appealing reports.
Customisation: You can customise templates, colours, fonts, and graphics to match your brand.
Infographics and Charts: Visme excels in creating infographics, charts, and visual summaries.
Collaboration: It allows team collaboration and sharing of reports.
Cons:
Limited Text-Heavy Content: While great for visuals, Visme may not be ideal for lengthy text-based audit reports.
Pricing: Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.
Canva:
Pros:
Versatility: Canva offers a wide range of templates, including audit reports.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easy-to-use interface for adding text, images, and graphics.
Collaboration: Allows team collaboration and sharing.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Beginners might need time to explore all features.
Limited Data Visualisation: While good for design, it lacks advanced data visualisation tools.
Lucidpress:
Pros:
Professional Templates: Lucidpress provides well-designed templates for audit reports.
Data Integration: You can import data from spreadsheets and databases.
Team Collaboration: Supports real-time collaboration.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Like any design tool, it requires some learning.
Pricing: Some features are available only in paid plans.
Piktochart:
Pros:
Infographics: Piktochart specialises in creating infographics and visual content.
Ease of Use: Simple drag-and-drop interface.
Data Visualisation: Offers various chart types.
Cons:
Limited Text Formatting: Advanced text formatting options are limited.
Free Version Limitations: Some features are restricted in the free version.
Venngage:
Pros:
Diverse Templates: Venngage provides templates for various purposes, including audit reports.
Interactive Elements: You can add interactive elements like clickable links.
Data Widgets: Offers widgets for data visualisation.
Cons:
Learning Curve: May take time to explore all features.
Pricing: Some advanced features require a subscription.
Remember that the choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of expertise. Evaluate these providers based on your requirements and preferences.
If you’d like to explore more options, consider checking out the Internal Audit Report Template on Visme. It might provide additional insights for your visual audit reporting needs.
