CORAA
Internal audit programme - Inventory audit programme

Inventory Internal Audit Programme programme.

An inventory internal audit programme tests SKU master data, goods receipt, quality control, issues, transfers, physical verification, ageing, NRV, costing, scrap, write-offs and warehouse-system access.

Download Excel/PDF workbookOpen detailed checklist
Why this cycle matters

Inventory controls affect working capital, margin, production continuity and financial reporting. The programme must connect physical custody with ERP movement and valuation evidence.

Unsupported receipts/issues/transfers
Negative or backdated stock
Physical count differences
Slow-moving or obsolete inventory
Incorrect costing/NRV
Warehouse access conflicts
Fieldwork programme

Audit procedures, evidence and sample basis procedures

SKU and location master

Objective: Inventory master data is approved and accurate.

Procedure steps
  • Review SKU/location creation and changes.
  • Check UOM, item category, standard cost and active/inactive status.
  • Test approval matrix for master changes.
Evidence

SKU master, location master, change log, approval workflow.

Sample basis

New/changed SKUs and high-value items.

Receipts, issues and transfers

Objective: Inventory movements reflect authorised physical movement.

Procedure steps
  • Trace GRNs to PO and delivery evidence.
  • Test issues/transfers to requisitions and approvals.
  • Review negative stock, backdated and manual adjustments.
Evidence

GRN, issue note, transfer note, inventory ledger, adjustment approval.

Sample basis

Movement sample plus all material manual adjustments.

Physical verification and ageing

Objective: Book stock is reconciled to physical stock and obsolete stock is identified.

Procedure steps
  • Review count plan, sheets and variance approvals.
  • Trace count differences to ERP adjustment.
  • Analyse ageing and no-movement items.
Evidence

Count sheets, variance report, approval, ageing, provision working.

Sample basis

High-value/high-risk locations and aged items.

Valuation, scrap and access

Objective: Inventory valuation and write-offs are reviewed.

Procedure steps
  • Review costing basis and NRV assessment.
  • Test scrap/write-off approvals and disposal evidence.
  • Review warehouse/ERP users and SoD conflicts.
Evidence

Costing report, NRV working, scrap register, write-off approval, access listing.

Sample basis

Material categories, scrap/write-offs and privileged users.

Data requests

  • SKU/location master and standard cost file
  • Inventory movement ledger with GRN/issues/transfers/adjustments
  • Physical count sheets and variance approvals
  • Ageing, NRV, scrap/write-off and warehouse access records

Analytics to run

  • Negative stock
  • Backdated adjustments
  • No-movement and aged items
  • High scrap by item/location
  • UOM or standard-cost changes

Red flags

  • Count variances repeatedly waived
  • Manual adjustments by stores users
  • Scrap sales without approval
  • High-value items without location/custodian
  • Slow-moving stock with no provision review
Execution workflow

Build a defensible file RCM to evidence.

Use this cycle programme after the SOW, data request list and RCM are aligned. The Excel workbook should carry sample rationale, extraction filters, preparer sign-off, reviewer sign-off and observation references.

Authority

Use current standards and entity facts sources

ICAI IASB lists the Compendium of Standards on Internal Audit as on February 2026 as applicable from 1 April 2026. Use this page as a practical workpaper starter, then verify the latest standard, law, regulation, ERP report and client fact pattern before concluding.

FAQ

Inventory audit programme questions answers

What should an inventory audit programme cover?

It should cover SKU master, receipts, issues, transfers, adjustments, physical counts, ageing, NRV, costing, scrap, write-offs and warehouse access.

Is this inventory programme a substitute for professional judgement?

No. It is a fieldwork starter. The internal auditor must tailor it to the approved scope, ERP, delegation matrix, locations, volumes, materiality, prior findings and current legal position.

Can I download a inventory audit programme in Excel?

Yes. Use the linked CORAA workbook for the cycle. It contains editable RCM, testing, evidence and monitoring sheets that can be used as a fieldwork base.

Build PBC listBuild RCMSee Internal Audit module