"As a Chief Audit Executive and a practitioner committed to continuous improvement, I was privileged to participate in and contribute to the recent CEF learning initiative focused on strengthening the skills of internal auditors through on-the-job training. I had the opportunity to deliver two presentations and engage actively throughout both the in-person and online components of the program.

What stood out immediately was the openness of the program’s structure. It encouraged creativity and allowed for a more engaging, hands-on approach to learning — something I always strive to bring to my work. The sessions in Ljubljana were particularly well-targeted, focusing on the practical realities we face as internal audit professionals. Among the many valuable presentations, two sessions especially resonated with me. Marija Zugic’s insights on cybersecurity and Andelina Brzovic’s practical approach to the Bow Tie Diagram both offered tools that are not only highly relevant but also directly applicable to the way we identify and manage risk in our day-to-day roles. These were more than just interesting discussions — they were learning moments that stuck.

One of the most impactful activities was the group facilitation exercise we conducted in person. Working in small teams to design and deliver a training session brought out the best in all of us. It was a space for creative thinking, effective communication, and mutual support — a great simulation of what collaborative audit practice should look like in real life.

The learning didn’t stop after Ljubljana. The webinar series that followed was an excellent bridge, helping us build on what we had started face-to-face. We worked in groups on three separate assignments, sharing ideas and feedback, refining our final presentations, and staying actively connected right up to the end. Every team member brought their energy and insight to the process, especially in the crucial week before our presentations.

It was incredibly enriching to work alongside peers from across the region — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, and beyond. Each person brought their own professional perspective and unique experiences, making our group discussions richer and our final outputs stronger. It was inspiring to see such a high level of dedication and contribution from everyone involved. Professionally, the program gave me access to a wide range of practical examples, tools, and templates, many of them aligned with the newly updated Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS). These are especially relevant for us right now in Armenia, as we’re in the early stages of integrating these standards into our national audit practice. Marija Zugic, for instance, shared a template for writing audit objectives — something I’d been specifically looking for. Since returning home, I’ve already begun drafting new working papers using what I learned.

The training also influenced my broader approach. It helped me develop a more structured and thoughtful method for internal training and future workshops. In fact, shortly after the event, our department underwent an external quality assessment. One of the areas where we received only partial compliance was in the structure and quality of our working papers. Thanks to the knowledge and materials from the CEF program, I was able to propose and apply improvements immediately. The assessors welcomed these changes and confirmed that they would help us meet the standard fully in the next review cycle. This gives me a clear roadmap and renewed confidence moving forward.

Beyond my own department, I’ve already begun integrating insights from this training into my teaching at various training centers in Armenia. It’s important to me to share this knowledge with other internal auditors and public finance professionals. I believe that by helping others understand and apply the new GIAS framework, we are collectively elevating the standards of internal audit practice in our country.

On a personal level, this learning journey has helped me grow — both technically and professionally. I feel more confident navigating the new GIAS framework and better prepared to lead and support others in our audit community. The experience also sparked fresh ideas and renewed motivation to raise the quality of our work.

At the organizational level, the learning activities and tools shared by the CEF are already helping to align our internal audit function more closely with international standards. This contributes directly to our broader goals in public financial management reform.

I’m grateful to have been part of one of the best learning teams I’ve ever experienced."