What is the best way to communicate the results of financial audits and reviews for programs?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare and deliver your communication, you need to understand who your audience is, what their expectations and concerns are, and how they prefer to receive the information. For example, your senior management may want a high-level summary of the key findings and recommendations, while your program staff may need more details and guidance on how to implement the changes. Your external funders or regulators may have specific reporting requirements and deadlines that you need to comply with. You also need to consider the level of familiarity and interest that your audience has with your program and its financial aspects, and tailor your communication accordingly.

3 Use clear and simple language

One of the most important aspects of communicating the results of financial audits and reviews is to use clear and simple language that avoids jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. You should also use consistent and accurate terminology throughout your communication, and define any terms that may be unfamiliar or ambiguous to your audience. You should also avoid using vague or ambiguous expressions, such as "generally", "mostly", or "somewhat", and instead use precise and quantifiable words, such as "80%", "10 out of 12", or "significantly". You should also avoid using negative or accusatory language, such as "failure", "error", or "violation", and instead use neutral or positive language, such as "opportunity", "improvement", or "compliance".

4 Highlight the key messages

When you communicate the results of financial audits and reviews, you should focus on the key messages that you want your audience to remember and act upon. You should also prioritize and organize your information in a logical and coherent way that helps your audience follow your argument and understand your recommendations. You can use techniques such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, charts, graphs, or icons to emphasize the main points and make your communication more visually appealing and easy to scan. You should also use transitions, summaries, and conclusions to link your ideas and reinforce your messages.

6 Invite feedback and dialogue

Finally, you should communicate the results of financial audits and reviews in a way that invites feedback and dialogue from your audience, and encourages them to participate in the implementation and monitoring of the recommendations. You should acknowledge the contributions and achievements of your program team and partners, and express your appreciation and recognition for their work. You should also solicit their opinions, suggestions, and concerns, and address them respectfully and constructively. You should also provide opportunities for follow-up and clarification, and establish channels and mechanisms for ongoing communication and collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?