A lump of coal for Mr. Jacka

Internal Auditor, April, 2007 by Bruce B. Wilbat

I was shocked to see Mike Jacka's "Holiday Audit Carols" ("IA Humor," December 2006), which presented an extremely old-fashioned and stereotypical portrayal of how some auditors perceive their roles and how auditors are perceived by their clients.

I am not a silent, introverted, cold-hearted auditor by nature. In fact, when most people find out I'm an auditor, they act surprised, often saying: "You don't look or act like an auditor." But I do take my profession seriously. Jacka's lyrics thwart all the efforts most internal auditors have made throughout the years to convince our clients that we are partners in improving their operation, and that we are there to help.

Is this what Jacka really thinks about the profession? Where are the lyrics regarding the positive things internal auditors do for an organization? The phrases that are completely against what internal auditors continue to strive for include: people "crying" because auditors are coming to town, separating the crooks from the nice, accountants throwing the books away, and people "whining."

I've always said that one can think anything he or she wants, but sometimes it is better not to say anything. Yeah, I know, I'll say it for you: Bah Humbug! This article should have never been published.

BRUCE B. WILBAT

Senior Performance Auditor

County of San Diego

San Diego, Calif.

bruce.wilbat@sdcounty.ca.gov

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