Faster audits, higher output, and a stronger foundation for proactivity

Manual audit work can slow down even the most capable teams. When processes rely on spreadsheets, paperwork, and too much admin, auditors spend more time documenting work than doing it.

That was the challenge facing one U.K. financial institution’s internal audit team. Led by former group chief internal auditor Steve Sanders, the team of about 120 auditors needed a better way to work — one that could improve efficiency, support growth, and create space for a more proactive approach to risk and control.

Here’s how Optro helped Sanders and his team streamline audits, increase output, and lay the groundwork for AI-powered GRC.

The challenge: Too much admin, not enough audit-ude

Before Optro, Sanders and his team were working through slow, manual processes that drained time and energy. Administrative work piled up. Writing and documentation took longer than they should have. And the overall experience was anything but smooth.

As Sanders explained, the feedback was consistent: it simply took too long for auditors to do their jobs.

The team was also using an existing audit platform, but it was hard to adapt and even harder to improve. Any change required a long process with the provider, which made the system feel rigid at a time when the organization needed flexibility.

In short, the team had three core issues:

• Too much manual effort
• A platform that was difficult to tailor
• Limited ability to scale efficiently

That combination made it harder for the audit function to keep pace with the needs of the business.

The solution: A platform that checked all the boxes

As Sanders and his team evaluated new options, Optro quickly stood out.

The platform addressed the immediate need for greater efficiency by reducing manual effort and supporting a more automated audit process. Just as important, it offered room to grow. Instead of solving only today’s problems, Optro gave the team a platform that could support future goals as well.

The relationship also mattered. For Sanders, this wasn’t just about buying software and moving on.

"It's not just a platform to document our audit testing,” Sanders said. “We have an ongoing relationship. We're continually exploring how we can expand the capabilities of the solution for the audit process."

That mix of practical functionality and long-term flexibility made the decision an easy one.

The results: More output, no extra seats

The biggest win was clear: Sanders and his team increased production without increasing team size or enterprise cost.

"We have a team of around 120 people. We were producing about 115 to 120 products every year. We're now producing 150 with the same amount of auditors,” Sanders said. “We have not increased the cost of the enterprise. We have not increased headcount, but we have increased efficiency and effectiveness."

Happy auditors, better outcomes

The gains weren’t only measurable in output. They were also felt by the people doing the work.

Sanders noted that the audit team became more satisfied with the technology they used every day. That matters. When auditors have tools that are easier to use and better suited to their work, they can focus more on analysis and less on administration.

And happier teams tend to be more effective teams. In this case, better technology helped improve both the work itself and the experience of doing it.

Beyond the audit: Proactive is the new practical

Efficiency was the starting point, not the finish line.

With a stronger audit foundation in place, Sanders and his team gained the flexibility to think beyond immediate process improvement. That opened the door to broader GRC capabilities and a more connected approach to risk and control. As he explained:

“An organization that has a singular architecture of risk and control going forward has got to be where we need to get to, and get to quite promptly with the challenges we're all facing in this world."

Switching to Optro makes (dollars and) cents

Optro helped Sanders and his team do more than speed up workflows. It helped them increase output, improve the day-to-day experience for auditors, and create a foundation for smarter, more proactive risk management.

The transformation was simple but powerful: a 25%+ lift in output. And audit team satisfaction? Beyond measure.

When audit teams spend less time fighting their tools, they can spend more time delivering value. That’s where real momentum starts.

If you want to streamline audits and build a more proactive framework, Optro can help. Learn more about automating your audits or get in touch with our team for a live demo today.