Course Information
Behavior & Communication Skills for Auditors
Parking for SAO, Professional Development courses is in Garage B (1511 San Jacinto Blvd.). The Garage signage may read 1511 San Jacinto or Garage B. The elevator in Garage B is not reliable. If you are unable to walk the stairs, please contact the professionaldevelopment@sao.texas.gov for alternate parking arrangements. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
A course coordinator will Email you a parking permit prior to the course start date. A permit must be displayed or you will be ticketed.
Course Description
Success in auditing and life depends upon our ability to deal effectively with others. Auditors are charged with selling new ideas, introducing change and resolving conflict. Social psychologists and neuroscientists continue to expand understanding of the mind. This one-day course is designed to help auditors better understand themselves and others. It is loaded with insights as well as specific tips, shortcuts and proven, learnable techniques. Examples and exercises are based upon actual internal audit situations.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the importance of behavior and communication skills to audit success.
Apply techniques for more effective listening.
Apply techniques to manage their minds.
Maintain emotional control in adversarial situations.
Motivate themselves and others.
Better understand why people do (and don’t do) what is desired.
Read and use non-verbal communication techniques.
Apply a method to sell ideas.
Topics covered include:
Communication - Verbal and Non-Verbal
Communication – Listening
Using Belief
The Power of Choice
Communication - The Impact of Speech
Motivation of Self and Others
Maintaining Emotional Control
Empathy and Understanding
Life Positions
Selling and Negotiation Skills for Auditors
Managing your Mind
Instructors
Courtenay Thompson is a recognized authority on training managers, auditors and investigators in fraud-related matters. He has designed and presented courses on fraud prevention, detection and investigation for business and government organizations worldwide. His courses are known for providing practical, proven approaches to real problems. These practical approaches have yielded dramatic results for class attendees.
In addition to fraud-related programs, Mr. Thompson provides training on audit interviewing, improving personal and professional effectiveness, behavior and communication skills, leadership and auditing contracts. For 13 years, Mr. Thompson was editor of "Fraud Findings" in The Internal Auditor magazine.
Prior to entering the consulting field, Mr. Thompson's experience in public accounting and internal auditing provided exposure to a number of types of impropriety including embezzlement, insurance fraud, loan fraud, stock fraud, kickbacks and bribery, misappropriation of funds and mail fraud. In additional to personally detecting and investigating suspected fraud cases, he established corporate policies for fraud and trained other auditors in fraud detection and investigation. Responsibilities included working with top management and reporting to the audit committee on the status of open cases. He has worked closely with legal counsel, law enforcement and prosecutors.
Additional Information
TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.
If you are making travel plans to come to Austin, we recommend making "refundable" air and hotel reservations or waiting until 14 days before the class to actually book your reservations. Courses are occasionally canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment. We determine whether a course has enough participants 16 days prior to the course date. If we cancel or reschedule, we will email the participant and his or her billing contact no later than 14 days before the original class date.
The course coordinator will contact you with parking information. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
Vending machines with Coca-Cola products and various snack items are available. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in our coffee bar area. Feel free to bring in your own drinks and food if you prefer.
You might want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as room temperatures vary.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.sao.texas.gov/training/faq.html.