What is the difference between Internal Control and Internal Audit?
Internal Control is a wide activity that encompasses formulating policies and procedures and day-to-day follow-up. It can be performed by anybody regardless of training or title. Independency is not a requirement, as one may perform self-control. Internal Audit focuses on evaluating a certain behavior against a set criteria and reporting thereof. Independency is a must. That is why internal auditors should not usually be involved in setting policies and procedures as these would, eventually, be audited by them. That being said, it is important to note that “the primary responsibility of Internal Control is that of Management”. Internal Audit may contribute, assist, evaluate, and participate in setting up internal controls.
