Sam and Abdullah examine why the field work phase causes so many audit delays, even when planning looks solid. From missing documentation and vague responsibilities to last-minute client scrambles, Sam explains how weak leadership and poor communication turn a one-week engagement into a multi-month ordeal, and walks through the daily tracking systems and checkpoint meetings that prevent it.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Audit Smarter
• (01:16) - Importance of Structure and Leadership
• (03:16) - Planning for the Unexpected
• (06:48) - Effective Field Work Strategies
• (09:27) - The Role of Clear Communication
• (12:31) - Using Audit Trackers
• (17:45) - Maintaining Accountability
• (20:38) - The Importance of Efficiency in Field Work
• (21:27) - Client Communication Strategies
• (24:38) - Organizing the Audit Process
• (28:08) - Daily Updates and Open Communication
• (32:32) - Role of Managers in Field Work
• (36:27) - Avoiding Scope Drift
• (38:12) - Concluding Thoughts on Field Work

Connect with Sam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-mansour-cpa-2a755b271

Connect with Abdullah
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-mansour-454959108

Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Budget overruns plague audit engagements, often stemming from poor planning, unclear scope definition, and inadequate client management. Sam breaks down the financial and reputational damage of underbidding jobs and explains how firms can protect their margins through strategic scoping, proactive client communication, and realistic time allocation. The discussion covers everything from setting appropriate hourly rates to managing client expectations and avoiding the quality compromises that come with unrealistic budgets.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Audit Smarter
• (00:15) - Understanding Budget Blowouts
• (01:27) - Impact of Poor Planning
• (05:12) - Client Preparedness and Its Effects
• (07:40) - Financial and Reputational Costs
• (19:31) - Effective Team Management
• (24:35) - Handling Client Expectations & Effective Communication Strategies
• (30:33) - Organizing Client Documentation
• (36:50) - Role of Auditors in Budget Management
• (38:41) - Tips for New Auditors
• (42:08) - Final Thoughts on Budgeting

Connect with Sam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-mansour-cpa-2a755b271

Connect with Abdullah
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-mansour-454959108

Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Most auditors know they need to ask questions, but few understand how to ask the right questions effectively. On this episode Sam breaks down why yes-or-no questions are dangerous, how to create an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing critical information, and the specific techniques that can turn a surface-level conversation into a revealing audit insight. From body language to the strategic use of silence, this episode covers the often-overlooked skill that can make or break an audit engagement.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Audit Inquiries
• (01:19) - Importance of Asking the Right Questions
• (04:43) - Common Mistakes in Audit Inquiries
• (06:48) - Characteristics of Good Audit Questions
• (14:51) - Improving Inquiry Skills Through Practice
• (21:24) - The Power of Silence in Client Interactions
• (21:58) - Three Key Tips to Improve Inquiry Skills
• (22:45) - The Importance of Body Language and Tone
• (24:51) - Avoiding an Accusatory Tone
• (27:56) - The Role of Curiosity in Effective Auditing
• (32:13) - Handling Different Client Personalities
• (34:48) - The Impact of Strategic Questions
• (35:35) - The Role of Partners and Managers in Inquiry Techniques
• (40:09) - Final Tips for Effective Inquiries

Connect with Sam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-mansour-cpa-2a755b271

Connect with Abdullah
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-mansour-454959108

Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media