AI tools are spreading fast across businesses. Many audit teams already use ChatGPT or Co-pilot for report writing. But there’s a growing gap between informal AI use and the professional, structured approach that audit work demands.
Good news: In February 2026, IIA Norway and Sweden launch a solution – a three-day online masterclass that shows how AI can improve every part of your audit work.
The Hidden Risk of Learning AI «As You Go»
«We’re seeing something strange happening,» says James Paterson, former Chief Audit Executive and course co-creator. «Auditors who carefully plan every audit are using AI with limited training. They’re trying their best, but these powerful tools could either transform their work – or damage their credibility.»
The facts are clear:
- Over 70% of audit teams already use AI tools
- Less than 15% have proper training or guidelines
- The result? Inconsistent quality and missed opportunities
What have you got to lose by sending your team members on this course? The real question is: what might you lose if you don’t?
Why This Training Is Different
Stephen Foster, another former CAE who now trains audit teams in AI, saw the need for something better. «People would learn one AI technique but couldn’t connect it to their whole audit process. That’s why James and I created this complete programme. This isn’t just another generic AI course. We teach AI tools within real audit situations – showing you how to balance speed with quality.”
«AI isn’t just about working faster,» Paterson explains. «In audit, we need the RIGHT information for our conclusions. AI helps us work faster AND better – but only if we use it correctly.»
What You’ll Learn
- Day 1: Start with the basics – using AI to define audit scope and focus on what really matters.
- Day 2: Build your skills – create work programmes and testing that meet professional standards.
- Day 3: Plan for success – develop your AI strategy and learn how to manage change in your team.
Foster explains: «AI can create reports in minutes. But if they don’t address real risks or meet standards, what’s the point? We teach you to stay professional while using these powerful tools.»
Meeting Compliance Requirements
One key focus: keeping your AI use compliant with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).
«Imagine explaining to an external reviewer that your conclusions came from AI that nobody understood,» warns Paterson. «Without proper documentation and validation, you might save time now but face problems later.»
The course teaches you to:
- Document your AI use properly
- Validate AI outputs
- Maintain clear audit trails
- Build custom AI tools that follow standards
- Stay ready for quality assessments
Don’t wait for problems to appear. Get your team trained now and avoid compliance issues later.
Learning from Early Success Stories
Foster has run AI workshops all year and shares what works: «People arrive thinking AI is intuitive and straightforward. They leave understanding it needs discipline and skill. This mindset shift is crucial for success. Many AI projects fail because teams rush in without proper understanding. That’s why we teach gradual, controlled adoption – not overnight transformation or haphazard adoption.”
The Cost of Waiting
We’re at a critical moment. Audit teams are developing AI practices right now. Some are good, some aren’t.
«If we wait another year, we’ll have to fix bad habits instead of building good ones from the start,»
James Paterson & Stephan Foster
Consider this:
- Boards are already asking CAEs about AI strategy
- Other departments are moving ahead with AI
- If Internal Audit falls behind, you lose credibility
- How can you audit AI if you don’t understand it?
Take Action Now
The masterclass gives you more than just skills – you’ll leave with a clear plan for your team.
What’s included:
- Three full days of practical training
- Real audit scenarios and examples
- Implementation guidance for your organisation
- Change management strategies
- Tools you can use immediately
Special option: The course is also available as in-house training for your whole team. Contact us for details.
Why Risk Falling Behind?
Ask yourself:
- Can your team afford to learn AI through trial and error?
- What happens when the board asks about your AI capabilities?
- How will you audit AI risks if your team doesn’t understand AI?
- Will your best people stay if other teams offer better AI training?
The smart move is clear: Invest in proper AI training now and stay ahead of the AI wave.
Register Today
Don’t let your audit function fall behind. Give your team the AI skills they need to stay relevant, effective, and respected.
What have you got to lose? Three days of training time. What have you got to gain? A transformed, future-ready audit function.
The February 2026 masterclass is your opportunity. Spaces are limited, and forward-thinking CAEs are already signing up their teams.
Take action and sign up at www.iia.no: TRANSFORMING AUDIT DELIVERY WITH AI – IIA
«The only thing worse than training your team and having them leave is NOT training them and having them stay.» This has never been truer than with AI in Internal Audit.
