4C1. Towards Synergies: Leveraging AI for Developing Joint Audit and Evaluation Practices
This interactive session will explore how organizations can strengthen accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making by finding synergies between internal audit and evaluation practices, supported by emerging AI-driven tools and methodologies. Traditionally conducted as separate exercises, internal audits and evaluations often duplicate data collection, overlook shared questions, and can lead to repetitive reporting. A joint approach—rooted in aligned criteria, indicators, and governance—can generate deeper insights, reduce organizational burden, and foster cross-functional collaboration.
Positioned within the Innovation theme, this session highlights how AI and digital tools can be leveraged to build integrated assessment frameworks that serve evaluators, internal auditors, policy makers, and program teams alike. Using live demonstrations, participants will see how AI can co-create joint audit-evaluation matrices, draft interview guides and survey tools, and even support real-time analysis using integrated lines of evidence. These demonstrations will be paired with small-group activities where participants test sample bots, interpret outputs, and reflect on efficiency opportunities within their own organizations.
A core component of the session will focus on ethical and responsible AI use, reinforcing the conference’s emphasis on fair, inclusive, and accountable practices. Facilitators will introduce practical approaches to privacy-preserving data workflows, model risk mitigation, and safeguards for handling sensitive organizational information.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand the value and mechanics of joint internal audit and evaluation projects.
- Explore practical AI tools that streamline planning, data collection, and analysis.
- Apply methods through hands-on exercises and live Q&A.
- Leave with templates, AI bots, and examples to pilot in their own settings.
This session embodies innovation through methodology and technology, offering participants an experiential path toward future-ready, integrated internal audit and evaluation practices.
Eugénie Mandon, Manager, Risk Advisory Services, BDO Canada LLP
Eugénie Mandon is a Manager in BDO Canada’s Risk Advisory Services practice, based in Ottawa. With nearly a decade of public sector experience, she brings a deep and nuanced understanding of public administration, program management, and performance improvement. Known for her methodological rigour, Eugénie specializes in program evaluation, leading a variety of assessments, from summative and formative to developmental evaluations, as well as cost-benefit analyses. At BDO, she guides clients through the entire evaluation process, from planning to reporting, delivering culturally sensitive, actionable insights that clients can trust and implement with confidence. Driven by a passion for strengthening social programs and promoting evidence-based decision-making, Eugénie is valued for her collaborative approach, sharp analytical skills, and professionalism. She is a Credentialed Evaluator and a Certified Management Consultant, and holds an MBA from Université Laval and an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development from the University of Ottawa.
Anna Vanderveen, Manager, Risk Advisory Services, BDO Canada LLP
Anna Vanderveen is a Manager on BDO’s Risk Advisory Services team in Ottawa with five years of experience in internal audit. Anna is a Certified Internal Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors. Anna has past experience as an Internal Auditor for the National Research Council Canada. Anna is currently serving on the Board of the Ottawa chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors. Through the conduct of internal audit assurance and advisory engagements, Anna has experience examining entity level, financial, and process controls. Anna’s contributions to engagements have included leading all phases of engagements, such as risk-based sampling using data analytics, developing findings and recommendations, writing audit reports, performing quality assurance of engagements, and following up on management action plans. Anna has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a Minor in Biology from the University of Ottawa, where she completed an Honour’s thesis and gained knowledge in quantitative analysis, reporting, critical thinking, and effective communication, among other relevant areas.