ABSTRACT
Consulting relates to advisory and client service activities that are agreed with the client and intended to add value, and improve an organization's governance, risk management, and control processes without the internal auditor assuming management responsibility. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines consulting as "providing professional or expert advice”. When conducting consulting or advisor services, internal auditors should make sure there is clarity regarding the role the internal auditors and the clients will play. Consulting and assurance work are not mutually exclusive, but for internal auditors to do both without losing their independence and objectivity, they must set clear roles, work in a support capacity, not accept operational responsibilities, and leave the final decision-making on consulting matters to their clients. Consulting is the label for special projects, but also a mindset and a work style. Consultants thrive on inquisitiveness, problem-solving, and customer service. Internal auditors should consider embracing both definitions of the term.
