Case Study: Large Food Manufacturing Company achieves strategic internal audit transformation and top EQA rating with Protiviti

How an Internal Audit Department became an Organizational Asset

Large Food Manufacturing Company engaged Protiviti to perform an external quality assessment (EQA) of its internal audit function. With a new chief audit executive in place and the audit team perceived more as a “watchdog” than a strategic partner, the company wanted an assessment that would not only measure conformance to The IIA standards but deliver clear, actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, effectiveness and reputation.

Protiviti’s EQA and recommendations led the client to implement auditor training on future‑auditor principles, stricter audit processes and documentation, root‑cause analysis, and clearer, executive‑focused reporting. Over five years the internal audit rating rose from “partially conforms” to “generally conforms” (the highest rating), the department shifted from policing to strategic adviser with faster implementation and greater executive buy‑in, and Protiviti provided a roadmap for continued improvement.