Performance and Value-for-Money Auditing Course: Enhancing Efficiency, Accountability and Transparency

Introduction

Performance and Value-for-Money (VFM) auditing has become one of the most critical components of modern public financial management and corporate governance. This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, frameworks, and tools to assess whether resources are being used effectively, efficiently, and economically. It emphasizes not only compliance but also performance outcomes that deliver real value for stakeholders. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and good governance, the course provides practical pathways to strengthening trust in institutions.

Participants will gain insights into the methodologies and international standards governing performance and VFM audits, including frameworks from INTOSAI and leading oversight bodies. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and applied exercises, learners will understand how to conduct audits that go beyond financial statements to assess service delivery and impact. The course bridges theory and practice to make auditing a transformative tool for both public and private organizations.

A unique aspect of this program is its integration of emerging issues such as sustainability reporting, digital transformation in auditing, and the role of technology in performance measurement. By combining traditional audit techniques with modern analytical approaches, the training ensures learners can meet evolving expectations in governance and accountability. This future-focused perspective makes the course highly relevant in today’s fast-changing environment.

The course also emphasizes the importance of reporting findings in ways that influence policy and management decision-making. Auditors will learn how to make practical recommendations that can lead to efficiency gains, cost savings, and improved organizational performance. Participants will be empowered to add real value to their organizations by positioning themselves as trusted advisors and change agents.

Ultimately, this course is about developing auditing professionals who can go beyond detecting weaknesses to driving measurable improvements. It is designed to build capacity, enhance confidence, and foster leadership in performance auditing. By the end of the training, learners will not only understand how to conduct effective audits but also how to translate findings into actions that strengthen accountability and transparency.

Who Should Attend

• Internal and external auditors seeking to expand into performance and VFM auditing
• Public sector officers in audit institutions, ministries, and regulatory bodies
• Finance and compliance professionals in corporations and NGOs
• Governance and oversight specialists seeking to strengthen accountability practices
• Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practitioners aiming to align audits with impact measurement
• Risk management officers and consultants
• Policy advisors and development partners working on transparency initiatives
• Managers seeking to improve resource allocation and organizational performance
• Professionals pursuing careers in auditing, governance, or financial management
• Anyone interested in linking auditing to accountability and sustainable growth

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

This course aims to equip participants with the ability to conduct performance and value-for-money audits effectively.

• Understand the principles and frameworks of performance and value-for-money auditing.
• Apply international audit standards (e.g., INTOSAI) to real-world contexts.
• Assess efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in resource utilization.
• Integrate governance and sustainability issues into performance audits.
• Identify risks, weaknesses, and performance gaps using data-driven methods.
• Develop and present evidence-based audit findings and recommendations.
• Strengthen organizational accountability through impactful audit practices.
• Enhance decision-making by aligning audits with strategic goals.
• Build professional capacity for innovation in auditing practices.
• Foster transparency and trust through effective audit communication.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Performance and VFM Auditing

• Understanding performance auditing principles and frameworks
• Linking accountability, governance, and value-for-money
• The role of INTOSAI and global auditing standards
• Emerging expectations in performance auditing

Module 2: Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness Framework

• Defining the 3Es in auditing
• Tools for measuring performance against objectives
• Linking resource allocation to outcomes
• Case studies in VFM success and failure

Module 3: Planning and Designing Performance Audits

• Identifying audit objectives and scope
• Risk-based approaches to audit planning
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement in audits
• Developing audit criteria and indicators

Module 4: Conducting Fieldwork and Data Collection

• Evidence-gathering techniques for performance audits
• Using surveys, interviews, and focus groups
• Integrating big data and analytics in audits
• Ensuring audit quality and reliability

Module 5: Analyzing Audit Findings

• Assessing efficiency and effectiveness outcomes
• Root cause analysis in performance audits
• Comparing benchmarks and best practices
• Linking findings to organizational strategy

Module 6: Reporting and Communication in Auditing

• Writing clear and actionable audit reports
• Structuring recommendations for impact
• Communicating findings to management and stakeholders
• Enhancing audit credibility through transparency

Module 7: Auditing in the Public Sector

• Challenges in auditing public programs and services
• Linking audits to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
• Oversight of government spending and resource use

Module 8: Integrating Technology and Innovation

• Digital tools in performance auditing
• Data analytics for efficiency assessments
• Cybersecurity and IT-related performance risks
• Auditing in a digital and AI-driven environment

Module 9: Emerging Trends and Global Practices

• Linking performance auditing with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting
• Auditing in fragile and complex environments
• International case studies of successful performance audits
• Future challenges in accountability and transparency

Module 10: Practical Application and Case Studies

• Designing a performance audit plan
• Group exercises on analyzing audit data
• Real-life case studies from public and private sectors
• Action planning for applying VFM audits in practice

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.