Why Courage Matters More Than Training
Professional skepticism is often treated as a skill that can be taught through training, checklists, and techniques. But most auditors already know how to ask questions and identify red flags. The real challenge isn’t recognizing risk—it’s acting on it.
In many organizations, subtle cultural and career pressures discourage auditors from pushing further, escalating concerns, or challenging assumptions. When skepticism is quietly penalized and smooth audits are rewarded, risk gets softened, reframed, or missed altogether.
This session challenges the traditional view of professional skepticism and reframes it as a function of both judgment and courage. Participants will examine the real-world pressures that shape auditor behavior and learn how to apply skepticism more effectively—without damaging credibility, relationships, or standards.
As part of the Verracy 2026 Free Webinar Series, this session builds on the “Be Bold” mindset, pushing auditors beyond observation and into action.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
- Recognize why professional skepticism breaks down in practice despite adequate training
- Distinguish between identifying risk (judgment) and acting on risk (courage) in audit engagements
- Identify cultural and organizational pressures that inhibit skeptical behavior
- Apply practical techniques to act on identified risks without undermining credibility or relationships
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CPE: 1.0 | Field: Auditing | Delivery: Group Internet Based
Level: Beginner | Prerequisites: None | Who Should Attend: Internal auditors, audit leaders, and risk professionals who want to strengthen professional skepticism and act on risk despite organizational and cultural pressures.
Verracy is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org.
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 505 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 380, Austin, Texas 78752 www.tsbpa.state.tx.us
Cancellation Policy: This is a free webinar. You may cancel at any time.
To contact Verracy: training@verracy.com