ERFA & Groups

The Data Analytics and Data Science dialogue group is aimed at data analytics managers and data science managers who work in internal auditing at blue-chip companies based or headquartered in Switzerland in sectors such as finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and industry.

The aim of the group is to share knowledge in the field of data analytics and data science for internal auditors (best practice, presentation of findings, skills and talent management, modern tools and approaches, use cases).

The language of communication is English and we welcome colleagues from French-speaking Switzerland, Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland.

Discussions on current internal IT auditing topics

Participation is by invitation only. Interested parties who are responsible for an internal IT audit should contact Tobias Ryser

Internal audit teams in the industry field are currently facing and resiliently adapting to an increasingly complex economic environment, evolving regulations, un-precented markets disruptions, including resource shortages and new technologies.
The Industry, Commerce, Transport and Media Group promotes collaboration, networking and exchange on key industry-specific topics and emerging issues of interest to internal auditors working in Switzerland.

The Insurance dialogue group is made up of specialists and managers in internal auditing within the Swiss insurance industry. In particular, the dialogue group promotes the exchange of experiences, the formation of opinions on current issues of relevance to audit, and the transfer of industry-specific auditing knowledge among its members. In addition, the dialogue group supports the Institute of Internal Auditing Switzerland (IIAS) with contributions on current auditing topics. Discussions take place on a personal level among its members, as well as at two annual specialist conferences and a conference for heads of audit.

The objectives of the dialogue group are sharing knowledge and further education. We meet annually for a conference on a current topic. The dialogue group is professionally supported and advised by a sounding board whose members are established technical experts in auditing. As a dialogue group, we can also position ourselves on current topics.
The dialogue group facilitates practical exchange between internal auditors and publicly-contracted auditors. This includes auditors from the federal administration, the cantons, cities and from publicly-contracted companies such as higher education institutions, hospitals and foundations.
The head of the dialogue group exchanges information and coordinates with the working group Professional Association of Financial Controls of German-speaking Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Auditors from publicly-contracted institutions can participate in seminars held by the professional association. The announcement of and registration for these seminars is done via the professional association.

Like many other areas, the world of auditing is changing. Technological innovations are changing the way we work in addition to the requirements for internal auditing, not just in terms of assistive technology, but also with regard to work processes, auditing procedures and employees’s skills.

The Transformation and Digitalisation dialogue group seeks to promote the broad, cross-sectoral exchange of experiences on these topics. Its target group is managers in the audit field and, where available, those responsible for transformation and digitalisation in internal auditing. It does not just focus on purely technical aspects: it also encourages holistic discussions that look at the effect of this transformation on people, technology and processes in its entirety.

Switzerland is home to many international companies with local, regional and global internal audit teams. It is therefore an ideal location for a Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Club, which in turn is a valuable addition to the existing ERFA groups. 

With this in mind, and following the example of other countries such as Belgium, the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Club "The CAE Club" has been established within the local IIA, benefiting both the CAE and the IIA.
In contrast to the ERFA groups, which are open to all auditors and tend to be industry-specific and rather open, "The CAE Club" will be cross-industry and focus on current issues and challenges facing CAEs. Personal involvement and confidentiality are two cornerstones of the Club.

"The CAE Club" provides an exclusive platform for the regular exchange of views between Chief Audit Executives of IIA Switzerland member companies and meets four times a year. The number of meetings is intended to promote regular and intensive exchange between CAEs in a familiar environment. No substitution is possible. In addition, participation in at least two meetings per year is mandatory in order to remain in "The CAE Club". 

If you are interested in joining "The CAE Club", please contact the club leadership.

Club leadership: 

Gabriela Federer Wenger, Mitreva AG, Zürich, gabriela.federer@bluewin.ch  
Holger Kremmling, Clariant International AG, Muttenz, holger.kremmling@clariant.com