Background of the Study
Internal audit practices are essential for ensuring transparency, risk management, and regulatory compliance in business banking. Heritage Bank in Kano has developed a comprehensive internal audit framework that systematically reviews financial operations, identifies control weaknesses, and recommends corrective actions. The internal audit function serves as a critical mechanism for safeguarding assets, preventing fraud, and enhancing overall operational efficiency (Ijeoma, 2023). With increasing complexity in financial transactions and heightened regulatory scrutiny, the role of internal audits has become more significant. Heritage Bank leverages both manual reviews and automated audit tools to conduct thorough evaluations of business processes, ensuring that discrepancies are identified and addressed promptly (Adenuga, 2024). Despite these advancements, challenges remain in aligning audit practices with evolving business models and integrating new technologies into the audit process (Chukwu, 2025). This study examines the effectiveness of internal audit practices at Heritage Bank and identifies areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Heritage Bank faces challenges in fully optimizing its internal audit practices to support robust risk management and operational efficiency. Integration issues between automated audit tools and legacy systems often lead to incomplete or delayed reporting. Furthermore, inadequate training and resistance to change among audit staff can compromise the accuracy and timeliness of audits (Ijeoma, 2023). Regulatory changes also require continuous updates to audit methodologies, increasing the operational burden. These challenges undermine the effectiveness of the internal audit function, potentially exposing the bank to risks such as fraud and non-compliance (Adenuga, 2024). The study seeks to identify these critical issues and propose strategies for strengthening internal audit practices in business banking.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is confined to Heritage Bank’s business banking division in Kano, analyzing internal audit practices over recent years. Limitations include potential data access restrictions and the dynamic nature of regulatory requirements.
Definitions of Terms
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