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tability.ioWhat are Audit OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Audit to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Audit OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Audit. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to enhance internal auditing effectiveness for technology in the organization
ObjectiveEnhance internal auditing effectiveness for technology in the organization
KRReduce technology-related non-compliance issues by 20%
Implement regular technology compliance training sessions- Upgrade security software to minimize breach risks
- Conduct frequent audits of technology use
- KRUpskill 75% of the audit team in advanced technology-focused auditing procedures
- Schedule and implement training sessions
- Develop or source relevant training programs
- Identify needed technology-focused auditing procedures
- KRImplement a new, comprehensive audit software across the department by quarter-end
- Identify key features needed in new audit software
- Train all department staff on new software
- Select and purchase suitable audit software
OKRs to minimize inaccuracies in financial statements
- ObjectiveMinimize inaccuracies in financial statements
- KRDecrease financial statement errors by 20%
- Regularly review and correct financial statements
- Implement rigorous bookkeeping training for accounting staff
- Incorporate robust financial auditing software
- KRTrain finance team on latest reporting guidelines within 1 month
- Plan training sessions to cover these updates
- Identify recent changes in financial reporting guidelines
- Execute planned training for finance team
- KRImplement new audit checklist for 100% of statements
- Train auditors to properly utilize the new checklist
- Implement checklist across all statement reviews
- Develop comprehensive audit checklist aligned with financial statement requirements
OKRs to facilitate ISO 27001 certification readiness for tech team
- ObjectiveFacilitate ISO 27001 certification readiness for tech team
- KRAchieve 100% completion of necessary documentation for ISO 27001 certification application
- Identify and gather all required documentation for ISO 27001 certification
- Analyze and complete any missing or incomplete documentation
- Review and finalize every document for application submission
- KREnsure 100% of tech team undergo mandatory ISO 27001 familiarization training
- Identify mandatory ISO 27001 training providers
- Schedule training for all tech team members
- Monitor and record attendance at training
- KRConduct bi-weekly audits to ensure at least 90% compliance to ISO 27001 standards
- Review compliance results for improvement areas
- Schedule recurring bi-weekly ISO 27001 audit sessions
- Implement necessary changes to ensure 90% compliance
OKRs to improve effectiveness and quality of assurance audits
- ObjectiveImprove effectiveness and quality of assurance audits
- KRReduce audit errors by 10% through augmented review processes
- Train reviewers on common audit errors
- Regularly update and refine review guidelines
- Implement stringent quality checks in the review process
- KRIncrease audit accuracy by 15% by implementing a new quality control system
- Train all team members on new system
- Install and configure the new system
- Research and select an effective quality control system
- KRConduct comprehensive assurance training for audit staff to bolster their audit skills
- Coordinate and conduct the training sessions
- Design an extensive assurance training program
- Identify specific skills gaps within the current audit staff
OKRs to streamline time clock auditing for accurate chargebacks
- ObjectiveStreamline time clock auditing for accurate chargebacks
- KRReduce the chargeback discrepancies by 20% through improved auditing
- Implement comprehensive auditing measures for all transactions
- Regularly train staff on accurate transaction processing
- Enhance tracking systems for all sales transactions
- KRImplement a weekly automated check system for all time clocks by end of Q1
- Implement and test the automated system
- Identify all existing time clocks requiring weekly checks
- Develop an automated check system for them
- KRTrain all relevant personnel on the updated timekeeping auditing process within 2 months
- Identify all personnel needing timekeeping audit training
- Develop a comprehensive training schedule
- Conduct the updated audit process training
OKRs to improve procurement documentation through thorough auditing
- ObjectiveImprove procurement documentation through thorough auditing
- KRPropose and implement 3 efficiency-enhancing modifications to the document auditing system
- Implement the proposed system modifications
- Develop efficiency-enhancing modifications for the system
- Identify inefficiencies in the current document auditing system
- KRConduct audits on 100% of free procurement documents weekly
- Schedule weekly audits for these documents
- Identify all free procurement documents for the week
- Review and report on audit findings
- KRDetect and report at least 90% of inaccuracies or discrepancies in audited documents
- Report detected inaccuracies promptly
- Establish a detection method for document inaccuracies
- Analyze 100% of audited documents systematically
OKRs to ensure precision in financial statement generation
- ObjectiveEnsure precision in financial statement generation
- KRExtend internal audit process to cover all financial transactions by 15%
- Implement extra training for thorough audits
- Add 15% more transactions to audit checklist
- Increase audit team size for additional oversight
- KRTrain accounting team on latest financial standards to enhance compliance by 20%
- Identify key updates in recent financial standards
- Conduct interactive training sessions for accounting team
- Prepare comprehensive training materials
- KRImplement innovative accounting software to reduce errors by 30%
- Research and identify innovative accounting software options
- Purchase and install chosen accounting software
- Train staff in using the new software
OKRs to enhance partnership with business for valuable audit plan fruition
- ObjectiveEnhance partnership with business for valuable audit plan fruition
- KRInitiate 3 strategic discussions with business stakeholders to identify potential audit areas
- Prep for discussions by assessing potential audit zones
- Identify key business stakeholders for strategic discussions
- Schedule meetings with stakeholders to discuss audit areas
- KRGenerate 5+ tangible value creation strategies born from audit insights
- Brainstorm and develop potential value creation strategies
- Evaluate and finalize top five strategies for implementation
- Identify key insights from previous audit reports
- KRAchieve 100% progression on the determined annual audit plan
- Determine key priorities, resources and timeframe for the annual audit
- Regularly review the audit's progress and address any issues promptly
- Ensure thorough communication with relevant personnel throughout the audit process
OKRs to streamline efficiency and accuracy in the account department
- ObjectiveStreamline efficiency and accuracy in the account department
- KRIncrease auditing process efficiency by 20%
- Develop cohesive team training to improve audit review speed
- Implement automated auditing software to streamline workflow
- Redefine audit protocols to eliminate redundant steps
- KRReduce month-end closing cycle time by 30%
- Improve internal communication regarding deadlines
- Streamline financial report preparation process
- Automate data collection and entry procedures
- KRAchieve 99% accuracy in financial reports
- Train staff on precise data input and interpretation techniques
- Utilize advanced financial reporting software for accuracy
- Implement meticulous cross-checking processes for all financial data
OKRs to enhance compliance and engagement through sales audit
- ObjectiveEnhance compliance and engagement through sales audit
- KRIdentify and rectify at least 75% of recorded non-compliance issues by week 12
- Devise an effective strategy to rectify issues
- Implement the strategy before week 12
- Review all recorded non-compliance issues
- KRConduct and complete 100% sales audit for all departments by week 8
- Evaluate, compile and submit audit findings by week 8
- Determine essential data points required for sales audit by week 2
- Implement a systematic sales audit process starting week 3
- KRIncrease staff engagement in compliance initiatives by 30% through training and communication
- Implement regular communication channels to discuss compliance matters
- Develop a comprehensive compliance training program for all staff members
- Utilize incentives to motivate staff participation in compliance initiatives
How to write your own Audit OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Audit OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Audit OKRs
Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Audit OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to significantly boost the volume of lead generation
- OKRs to develop the skills and knowledge of junior data scientists
- OKRs to enhance disaster resilience of councils through resource delivery
- OKRs to improve service recovery time in 2024
- OKRs to implement process for quicker ticket resolution in DACH region
- OKRs to establish a high-performing software development team