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Audit & Assurance

Internal Audit Services in Dubai and Across the UAE

Review your internal controls, assess business risks and gain a clearer view of your operations. ARCA Auditors, now part of Horizon Biz Consultancy, provides outsourced and co-sourced internal audit support based on your business requirements.

What Is Internal Audit?

Internal audit is an independent and objective assessment of an organisation’s risk management, internal controls and governance processes.

It examines whether business activities follow established policies, procedures and applicable requirements. It also assesses whether existing controls work as intended.

Unlike an external audit, which primarily provides an opinion on financial statements, internal audit takes a broader view of how a business manages risks and operates its processes.

Why do businesses need internal audit?

As a business grows, its operations, responsibilities and exposure to risk change. Internal audit helps management assess whether existing processes and controls remain suitable.

Benefits of Internal Audit

A planned internal audit gives management a clearer view of business risks, control gaps and areas that need attention.

01

Stronger Internal Controls

Identify gaps in existing controls and areas where additional checks may be required.

02

Better Risk Management

Assess risks that may affect business activities and review how current controls address them.

03

Improved Business Processes

Identify delays, duplication, unnecessary steps and process-related issues.

04

Better Management Decisions

Use audit findings to support planning, oversight and business decisions.

05

Clearer Accountability

Review approval procedures, reporting lines and responsibilities across teams.

06

Follow-up on Corrective Actions

Track agreed recommendations and assess whether corrective actions are complete.

Outsourced and Co-Sourced Internal Audit

Choose the level of support that fits your organisation and its existing internal audit capabilities.

Outsourced Internal Audit

Suitable for businesses that do not have a dedicated internal audit department or prefer to engage an external team. ARCA Auditors conducts agreed audit assignments based on your business risks, scope and reporting requirements.

Co-Sourced Internal Audit

Suitable for organisations with an existing internal audit team that need additional expertise or resources. We work alongside your team on selected assignments, specialist reviews and risk assessments.

Our Internal Audit Services

Our audit scope can cover financial, operational, compliance and control-related areas, based on your requirements.

1

Risk Assessment and Management

Identify and assess risks that may affect business operations, financial position and compliance. Review existing risk management practices and controls.

2

Internal Control Review and Testing

Review approval procedures, segregation of duties, financial reporting controls, payment processes, inventory controls, reconciliations and access controls. Test selected controls and recommend corrective actions.

3

Compliance Review and Testing

Review business procedures against applicable laws, regulations, contractual requirements and internal policies. Identify gaps and recommend actions.

4

Financial and Operational Audits

Review revenue, expenses, accounts payable and receivable, cash, procurement, inventory, payroll and operational workflows.

5

Fraud Risk Assessment and Investigation Support

Review processes that may expose a business to fraud, misuse of funds or unauthorised transactions. Examine red flags and relevant controls.

6

IT and Technology Control Reviews

Assess selected technology controls, including user access, data protection, backups, system changes and IT policies.

7

Business Process Reviews

Review sales, procurement, inventory, finance, HR and other processes to identify duplication, delays, risks and control weaknesses.

8

Corporate Governance Reviews

Review management responsibilities, reporting structures, delegation, internal policies, risk oversight and accountability procedures.

9

Quality Reviews of Internal Audit Functions

Review selected aspects of audit planning, documentation, testing, reporting and follow-up within an existing internal audit function.

10

Audit Reports and Recommendations

Prepare reports outlining audit scope, findings, risk implications and recommended actions. Follow-up support can be included in the agreed scope.

Internal Audit for Different Business Requirements

01

Non-Regulated Companies

Internal audit support for mainland and free zone companies, SMEs, family-owned businesses, trading and manufacturing companies, and service providers.

02

International Companies and UAE Branches

Reviews of local financial and operational processes, group policies, reporting procedures and local control practices.

03

DIFC Internal Audit Support

Support based on the entity’s activities and applicable DIFC requirements. Scope may cover internal controls, risk management, governance, compliance monitoring and audit reporting.

04

Regulated and Specialised Businesses

Assessment of internal audit requirements linked to relevant authorities, which may include VARA, CBUAE and other regulators, subject to ARCA’s scope and authorisations.

05

Retail and Sales Audit

Reviews of daily sales reconciliation, POS transactions, cash and card payments, discounts, returns, inventory and store-level controls.

06

Growing Businesses

Audit assignments tailored to changing business activities, additional locations, new departments and evolving risk profiles.

Our Internal Audit Methodology

We follow a structured, risk-based process. The steps are adapted to the size, nature and requirements of each business.

01

Understand Your Business

Review your activities, business processes, reporting structure and key operational areas.

02

Assess Risks and Plan

Identify key risks and define the audit scope, objectives and plan.

03

Review Processes

Examine policies, procedures, records and supporting documents. Conduct process walkthroughs.

04

Test Internal Controls

Use walkthroughs, sample testing and document reviews to assess selected controls.

05

Evaluate Findings

Document weaknesses, assess their implications and discuss observations with management.

06

Report Recommendations

Prepare a report outlining findings, risks and recommended corrective actions.

07

Follow Up

Where included in scope, review the status of management action plans.

Internal Audit Support Based on Your Business Needs

We work with management teams to review business risks, assess controls and report findings in a clear and practical way.

Risk-Based Approach

Focus audit work on areas that carry greater risk for your business.

Outsourced and Co-Sourced Support

Engage an external team for a full assignment or additional support for your existing team.

Financial and Operational Coverage

Review financial controls, business processes, compliance procedures and governance practices.

Practical Recommendations

Receive clear findings and recommendations that management can assess and act upon.

Business-Specific Scope

Plan audit work around your activities, operating structure and risk profile.

Management-Focused Reporting

Understand audit observations, associated risks and recommended actions.

What Information Do We Need?

To understand your requirements and prepare an audit scope, we may request the following information:

Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Audit

Internal audit is an independent assessment of a company’s risk management, internal controls and governance processes. It helps management identify weaknesses, assess compliance and review whether business processes work as intended.

An internal auditor reviews business processes, examines internal controls, assesses risks, tests selected transactions and evaluates compliance with applicable requirements. The auditor documents findings and provides recommendations to management.

External audit primarily examines financial statements and provides an independent audit opinion. Internal audit takes a broader view of business operations, risk management, internal controls and governance.

ARCA Auditors provides outsourced and co-sourced internal audit services covering risk assessment, internal control reviews, compliance testing, financial and operational audits, IT control reviews, business process reviews, corporate governance and management reporting.

Requirements depend on the company’s legal structure, regulatory status, licensing authority and applicable rules. Certain regulated entities may have specific internal audit or assurance requirements. Other businesses may engage internal auditors as part of their governance and risk management practices.

Outsourced internal audit involves engaging an external team to conduct the internal audit function or agreed assignments. Co-sourced internal audit involves working with an external team alongside an existing in-house team.

The frequency depends on the company’s size, activities, risk profile and applicable requirements. Some businesses follow an annual audit plan, while others may need more frequent reviews of specific high-risk areas.

Internal audit can assess fraud risks and review controls designed to prevent or detect irregularities. It may identify unusual transactions or control weaknesses that require further investigation. It does not guarantee detection of every instance of fraud.

ARCA Auditors can provide internal audit support to businesses operating in DIFC based on their requirements and agreed scope. Applicable obligations and the nature of the engagement are assessed before the assignment.

Yes. Internal audit can identify unnecessary steps, duplication, control gaps and weaknesses in business procedures. Recommendations can help management review processes and improve oversight.

A risk-based internal audit focuses on areas that present greater risks to the organisation. Audit activities are prioritised based on the potential impact and likelihood of identified risks.

Initial requirements generally include company details, organisation structure, financial information, policies, procedures, previous audit reports and relevant compliance records. Exact requirements depend on the agreed scope.

The duration depends on the size of the organisation, number of processes being reviewed, availability of documents and scope of testing. An estimated timeline can be provided after understanding your requirements.

The cost depends on the scope of work, size of the business, number of locations, complexity of operations and frequency of audits. Contact ARCA Auditors to discuss your requirements and request a proposal.

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