Dealing with Uncertainty in Internal Audit with Leandro Pontes

Hello, I'm Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor, Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, and welcome to another episode of Agents of Change. Today, I am joined by Leandro Pontes, a multi-certified seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in internal audit. He currently leads the global internal audit function at Tide, a UK-based fintech company. Welcome to the show, Leandro. In this episode, we delve into the evolving role of internal auditors as catalysts for organizational transformation. Leandro shares his insights on how internal audit can add value beyond traditional roles, especially in a volatile and dynamic world. We discuss the importance of being objective-centric and how internal audit can fit into the broader strategic goals of a company. We also explore how the internal audit function can navigate through the current era of 'perma-crisis,' characterized by continuous disruption since COVID-19. Leandro emphasizes the need for internal audit to be part of strategic conversations and to collaborate closely with the board and executive management. Another critical topic we cover is the challenge of recruiting and retaining talent in the internal audit profession. Leandro offers valuable strategies for hiring the right candidates and fostering a dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset within his team. Finally, we touch on the essential attributes needed to be an effective agent of change in internal audit, including strong business acumen, relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and innovation. Leandro provides his perspective on leveraging new technologies to solve problems and drive innovation within the organization. Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the future of internal audit and its pivotal role in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and achieve their objectives.