Authors: Ioannis Filos, Ioannis Selimis

Title: The consulting role of internal audit. Empirical investigation in Greek public administration

Abstract

Abstract

Organizations’ governance is achieved effectively with the adoption and implementation of internal audit. Recently in Greece, the key legislative interventions (mainly the law 4795/2021 and the law 4622/2019) contribute to the consolidation of the value that internal audit adds to public administration bodies. A value that is equivalent to strengthening accountability, integrity, transparency, building citizens' trust and strengthening the degree of credibility of the country to stakeholders at the international level. Both the assurance and consulting nature of internal audit play a significant role in this direction. According to the Stewardship theory, the objective of the article is the empirical investigation of the consulting role of internal audit. Methodologically, a primary survey will be conducted using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire and in-depth interviews with experienced Heads of Internal Audit Units. The research will enrich the bibliography regarding the special characteristics of internal auditor as a consultant, the type of consulting projects, the communicative approach of audit results and the follow-up of audit recommendations.

Keywords: Internal Audit, Consulting Role, Public Administration, Greece.

JEL Classification: M42, M48.