What is the difference between audit support and outsourced internal audit?

Audit support and outsourced internal audit serve distinct but complementary roles in your organization's assurance framework. Audit support, a key service from Harbor View Consulting, focuses on preparing for and managing external audits - helping Baltimore businesses organize documentation, remediate findings, and interface with external auditors. This reactive approach addresses immediate compliance needs and annual audit requirements. Conversely, outsourced internal audit provides ongoing, proactive risk assessment and control testing throughout the year, functioning as your independent assurance function. Internal audit examines operational efficiency, risk management effectiveness, and compliance with policies beyond financial reporting. While audit support ensures successful external audit outcomes, internal audit continuously improves processes and controls. Many Maryland organizations benefit from both services: internal audit identifying issues early, and audit support ensuring smooth external audit execution.