The Soft Hand That Everyone Fears

This book addresses a series of concise messages to anyone interested in one of the most important professions today: internal auditing. It’s aimed at aspiring internal auditors, entry-level practitioners, experienced professionals, senior and executive management, department heads involved in internal audit activities, and board members. The book seeks to clarify a range of questions, reflections, and ideas, and perhaps it’s no exaggeration to mention the myths surrounding the profession, the role of internal auditing, and its practitioners.

This book will provide a clear and straightforward answer to a number of questions that have long been circulating within organizations, among employees at all levels who are not auditors, and among skeptics with varying intentions: “What is the actual role of auditing? What do they do? What do they write? What services do they provide? Is there added value in their reports? Are they adequately qualified? Are there standards governing their work? Are they like police officers?”

But the bigger question is, “They audit us and evaluate our activities, but who audits them and evaluates their activities?”

Through this book, I wanted to present the auditing profession from a different perspective, as a strategic partner within the organization, and to definitively dispel any ambiguity or confusion surrounding the auditing profession for all stakeholders. After finishing the book, I believe the reader might even suggest changing the title to “The Soft Hand Everyone Loves” instead of “The Hand Everyone Fears.” Let’s see!

Majdi Darwish has over 25 years of experience in internal and external auditing, having worked with global auditing firms such as Ernst & Young and various banks in the Gulf region.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Yarmouk University in Jordan, in addition to a range of international professional qualifications and certifications in auditing, risk management, control, and fraud detection, issued by leading institutions in the United States. These include, but are not limited to: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Risk Assessor (CRP).

Mr. Darwish currently serves as Head of Internal Audit at an Islamic bank operating in the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to his expertise in internal auditing, Mr. Magdi Darwish has served as a certified lecturer with Morgan, preparing participants for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. He has also participated as a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences on best professional practices in internal auditing, governance, risk management, and fraud detection.

Furthermore, he has lectured at several training centers on leadership and motivation, human development, self-improvement, communication skills, and overcoming public speaking anxiety.

Throughout his career, Mr. Darwish has contributed to the banks he has worked for receiving international internal audit awards in 2015, 2016, and 2020. He has also contributed to and overseen the achievement of quality assurance certifications issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for the internal audit departments he has worked with, ensuring their adherence to all international internal audit standards.