Course Information

Successful grant audits don't happen by chance—they're built on a foundation of careful planning and effective execution. From Planning to Payoff: Preparing for Grant Auditing Success is a dynamic full-day course that guides auditors through every stage of the grant audit lifecycle, from rigorous pre-audit preparation through fieldwork execution and post-audit follow-up. Blending technical depth and hands-on practical examples, this session will demonstrate how disciplined planning translates directly into grant auditing success. Action without planning is the cause of all failure, but action with a well-crafted plan paves the way to impactful results.

Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Design a comprehensive grant audit plan that aligns with federal, state, and agency requirements by evaluating internal policies, procedures, and risk areas.

2. Apply practical tools and templates to streamline audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases for greater efficiency and consistency.

3. Leverage organizational knowledge and data analytics to identify high-risk areas and tailor audit methodologies accordingly.

4. Utilize automation and technology to enhance compliance monitoring and reduce manual effort during the audit lifecycle.

5. Develop impactful audit findings and reports that drive accountability, support corrective action, and improve grant program performance.

6. Engage in peer learning through case studies to apply lessons learned and best practices to real-world grant audit scenarios."

Outline

Part 1: Welcome & Session Overview

• Introductions and icebreaker

• Course objectives and expectations

• Overview of the grant audit lifecycle

Part 2: Foundations of Effective Grant Audit Planning

• Identifying audit objectives, scope, and criteria

• Risk assessment and data reliability

• Tools and templates for audit planning

• Group Activity: Drafting a preliminary audit plan

Part 3: Designing the Audit Methodology

• Selecting appropriate audit methods and sampling techniques

• Leveraging organizational knowledge and historical data

• Integrating compliance requirements (2 CFR Part 200, state-specific rules)

• Case Study: Planning a grant audit using a real-world scenario

• Hands-on Exercise: Building a methodology matrix

Part 4: Executing the Audit – Fieldwork & Evidence Gathering

• Conducting entrance conferences and setting expectations

• Gathering and analyzing audit evidence

• Using automation and data analytics to identify high-risk areas

• Interviewing techniques and documentation best practices

• Exercise: Reviewing sample documentation and identifying red flags

Part 5: Developing impactful audit findings and recommendations

• Writing clear, actionable audit reports

• Communicating findings to stakeholders

• Monitoring corrective actions and follow-up procedures

• Case Study: Transforming audit results into program improvements

Part 6: Pulling It All Together

• Recap of key takeaways from each phase

• Group Discussion: Lessons learned and common challenges

• Final Exercise: End-to-end audit planning simulation using provided templates

• Open Q&A

• Distribution of resources and templates

This session is designed for auditors and audit professionals working with or within federal or state agencies who are involved in the planning, execution, or oversight of grant audits. It is particularly relevant for those conducting performance audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), as well as individuals responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state grant requirements. Whether you're new to grant auditing or seeking to enhance your existing practices with practical tools, case studies, and strategic insights, this course offers valuable takeaways for auditors at all experience levels.