Who is responsible for preparing the audit announcement memo?

The audit manager is responsible for preparing the audit announcement memo as part of the audit planning and communication process. This responsibility is central to ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed about the upcoming audit, its scope, objectives, and timelines. The audit manager plays a crucial role in coordinating the audit team's efforts, aligning them with the organization's broader goals, and ensuring effective communication among all parties involved.

By preparing the memo, the audit manager sets the stage for the audit, providing clarity and context to both the audit team and the auditees. This practice helps in managing expectations and promoting transparency within the organization. Additionally, the audit manager is typically the one who has a comprehensive understanding of the audit process, the specific areas to be reviewed, and the critical stakeholders impacted by the audit, which further qualifies them for this task.

In contrast, other roles, such as the audit supervisor, compliance officer, or internal control auditor, may have responsibilities related to specific aspects of the audit process but do not typically handle the preparation of the announcement memo. Their focus is usually on oversight, compliance measures, or specific examinations of internal controls, rather than coordinating the overall audit communication strategy.