AQM – Audit Quality Management Specialist Certificate
Is your SAI passionate about audit quality?
The revised ISSAI 140 introduces a systemic, dynamic, scalable, and risk-based approach to managing audit quality.
It calls on SAIs to establish a system that drives continuous improvement through risk management, monitoring and remediation, and evaluation. This shift opens the door for SAIs to set up systems of audit quality management which are fit for purpose in their context and tailored to meet their unique quality objectives.
This certificate aims to build a global pool of IDI-certified audit quality management specialists that are competent and committed in facilitating set-up, implementation, and operation of Systems of Audit Quality Management in SAIs.
What does an AQM Specialist look like?
Their role is built around a T-shaped competency framework with foundational competencies that cut across all specialists, and two specialised competencies on quality risk management and monitoring and remediation. With a strong foundation in communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving, they bridge gaps, facilitate change, and inspire continuous improvement. Their ability to analyse complex audit quality challenges, think critically, and adapt to evolving standards makes them invaluable in shaping a robust quality management system aligned with the revised ISSAI 140. Beyond these foundational strengths, an AQM Specialist brings specialised expertise in two critical areas: quality risk management and monitoring & remediation.
Quality Risk Management
AQM Specialists guide and support the establishment of quality objectives, ensuring they align with the organisation’s mandate and strategic direction. They help shape objectives that are clear, relevant, and achievable, providing a strong foundation for managing quality risks. In helping SAIs manage risk, they facilitate processes for identifying potential risks, and ensure appropriate responses are in place. They help SAI leadership to foster a forward-thinking, risk-aware culture that strengthens audit quality at every stage.
Monitoring & Remediation
Even the best-designed systems need continuous refinement. AQM Specialists facilitate the set up to monitor audit quality measures, ensuring that insights are gathered to identify areas for improvement. They facilitate the monitoring, helping to translate lessons learned into meaningful enhancements. By supporting trend analysis, root cause assessments, and the development of corrective actions, they help foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
By combining these specialised competencies with a strong foundational skill set, an AQM Specialist embodies both strategic thinking and technical excellence, making them a key player in advancing audit quality management at every level.
Download a copy of the AQMS Competency Framework to learn more.
What makes the certificate unique is the experience and opportunities that it can bring through the shared services arrangements. Once certified, the AQM Specialist will become part of the global pool under the IDI’s Shared Services Arrangements. The IDI’s Shared Services Arrangement is designed as a collaborative global or regional mechanism to help SAIs set up and maintain their SoAQM in line with the revised ISSAI 140.
SAIs can tap into this resource for support in setting up their SoAQM or carrying out specific quality management processes. AQM Specialists play a facilitative role, guiding the process while empowering the SAI to build internal capacity and take full ownership of its system. By offering access to specialised expertise and global best practices in audit quality management, this arrangement helps SAIs overcome challenges related to limited human resources and competencies. The details of shared services arrangements will be worked out by IDI in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Contact Us
For questions, suggestions, or comments, please send your message to aqm@idi.no