Trying to identify risks which have an impact on a company's business is one of the biggest challenges auditors face. Important information about risks lies with individuals within the organization. This information is difficult to unearth without proper support from the top management. It would be a losing battle for the internal audit department, if they are unable to get the information they want for auditing. The chief audit executive is the right person t initiate the process of getting sponsorship from the senior management. Here are some tips on how to get sponsorship for the internal audit department:

1. Get Talking - CAEs need to educate the senior management of the risks that surround their business. Fraud is probably the biggest risk that faces enterprises today. Senior management can also be informed using a newsletter or a group mailer.

2. Involve the Independent Auditor - It is important to involve the
independent auditor in getting sponsorship. CAEs should know what the
expectations of the external audit are and communicate them to the senior
management.

3. Trainings - This is sometimes very helpful. Training sessions to educate the senior management can be useful to get the top level executives know of how risks can be better handled through senior managment support.

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