Internal Audit
Independent, Risk-Based Audits for
Strategic Control and Compliance
Independent, Risk-Based Audits for Strategic Control and Compliance
An internal audit is a necessity that offers businesses a strategic advantage. Done right, it gives management and boards
clarity, confidence, and early warning against financial, operational, and reputational risks.
At AKW Consultants, we deliver end-to-end internal audit services in Dubai and across the UAE that help you:
- Strengthen controls and governance
- Stay compliant with UAE laws and international standards
- Detect risks before they escalate
- Drive efficiency and sustainable growth
Whether you’re a family business, listed company, or regulated financial institution, our audits are tailored to your industry,
size, and risk profile. We align with IIA Global Standards and the COSO Internal Control Framework, while addressing
UAE-specific requirements including VAT, Corporate Tax, AML/CFT, and Data Protection.
Five Common Internal Audit Challenges We Solve
01
Unstructured Risk Prioritisation
No clear audit plan tied to business and compliance risks.
02
Lack of Independence
Audit teams reporting into management, reducing objectivity.
03
Control Weaknesses
Missing segregation of duties, incomplete checks, manual loopholes.
04
Regulatory Blind Spots
Gaps in AML, tax, ESG, and data protection oversight.
05
Complex Risk Areas
Cybersecurity, fraud, and governance risks needing specialist skills.
Types of Internal Audits We Conduct
| Audit Type | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Compliance Audits | UAE VAT, AML/CFT, Corporate Tax, ESG, Data Protection |
| Operational Audits | Procurement, payroll, inventory, supply chain |
| IT & Cybersecurity Audits | Smart contracts, access control, data security, backup & disaster recovery |
| Internal Financial Audits | Documentation, reconciliations, treasury & cash controls |
| Environmental & ESG Audits | ESG disclosures, green claims, sustainability reporting |
| Fraud Risk Audits | Transaction anomalies, whistleblower reports, collusion risks |
| Governance Audits | Board oversight, ethics frameworks, delegation of authority |
| Vendor & Third-Party Audits | Contract risks, supplier compliance, SLA performance |
HOW WE HELP
Our Internal Audit Solutions
Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
- Review risk registers, prior audits, and exposure maps
- Benchmark governance maturity vs peers and regulators
Audit Planning
- Build a risk-weighted annual plan
- Adapt to evolving regulatory updates and industry changes
Execution & Testing
- Walkthroughs, control testing, and process validations
- Identify root causes and control weaknesses
Reporting & Remediation
- Clear reports for management and boards
- Action plans with ownership, timelines, and dashboards
Flexible Delivery Models
- Outsourced Internal Audit: We act as your audit department
- Co-Sourced Model: We work alongside your team
- Special Reviews: One-off audits for fraud, IT breaches, or M&A
Why Businesses TRUST AKW
Multidisciplinary Experts
Qualified Accountants, CIAs, CFEs,
and subject experts
Global Standards & UAE Expertise
IIA, COSO, ISO + VAT, AML,
ESG, Data Protection
Sector Depth
Gold, fintech, real estate, family groups, healthcare, regulated firms & others
Governance-First Approach
Audits designed to improve
control and culture
End-to-End Support
From annual planning
to remediation tracking
Strengthen Your Controls. Gain Board Confidence. Stay Compliant.
Looking to build an audit program that does more than tick boxes?
At AKW Consultants, we help you identify risks early, strengthen governance, and build long-term resilience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the difference between internal audit and internal control?
- Internal controls are management’s systems to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Internal audits independently test those controls to ensure they actually work.
How often should we do internal audits?
We recommend an annual internal audit plan, with reviews quarterly or biannually depending on your sector
and risk exposure.
Do you cover regulatory audits like tax, AML, and ESG?
Yes. We conduct targeted compliance audits covering VAT, Corporate Tax, AML/CFT, ESG, and data privacy.
Can AKW act as our outsourced internal audit team?
Absolutely. We offer fully outsourced, co-sourced, and special review models.
Do you perform special investigations (fraud, cyber risk, due diligence)?
Yes. We specialise in procurement fraud reviews, IT/cyber audits, and M&A due diligence.
Is the process confidential?
Yes. All audits are governed by strict NDAs and evidence security protocols.