Hugo, can you tell us about your background?
I hold a Magistère in International Relations from Paris 1 and a Master in Insurance Management from the Ecole Nationale d’Assurances (ENASS). After my studies, I worked for one year at Gras Savoye as an Account Manager, then another year at Intériale as a Project Officer.
In 2017, I joined Crédit Agricole Assurances in the Procedures, Quality and Operations department. I then spent three years within the Savings & Retirement Business Unit, specifically in the Client Assistance division. During this period, I held the positions of Application Support Project Manager and Business Analyst.
Subsequently, I joined the Insurance Audit Department (DAA) as an internal auditor, where I am currently continuing my career.

What does your job involve?
As an internal auditor, I am responsible for conducting monographic or thematic assignments. Monographic assignments involve auditing an entity or a Business Unit in its entirety, while thematic assignments focus on specific topics such as borrower insurance, unsettled contracts, or anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
The audit assignments carried out daily by the Insurance Audit Department are defined in the annual audit plan, which is presented and approved by the Board of Directors. This plan is established based on the risk mapping, interviews with management, and the company’s strategic and operational objectives.
In addition to audit assignments, the Audit Department also conducts follow-up missions on recommendations and cross-functional projects for the internal development of the audit function.

How does an assignment unfold?
An assignment takes place in three main stages:

1. Scoping: During this first stage, the team members undertake a comprehensive review of the subject matter, define the objectives, schedule, and scope to be audited, and build a work program to be implemented in the next stage.
2. Investigation: During this phase, the audit team undertakes thorough analyses within the established scope, conducting interviews with auditees and systematically reviewing all relevant documentation, including assessment grids and surveys. The objective at this stage is to develop a well-founded understanding of the current environment, identify potential risks, and formulate a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
3. Reporting: In this final phase, the conclusions are drafted in the audit report and discussed with auditees, focusing on findings and recommendations to address the identified risks.

Are there any specific aspects to your role?
As an auditor at Crédit Agricole Assurances, I spend part of my time travelling for on-site audits, both in France and internationally (Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Poland, etc.).
In addition, I supervise the Distributors project, which aims to support local audits of the regional Crédit Agricole banks in their insurance assignments.

What are the essential skills for auditing?
The skills required for the role of internal auditor include adaptability to a diverse range of assignments, curiosity to thoroughly examine the various facets of the audited entities, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team while demonstrating respect for organizational hierarchy. Strong written communication skills are also essential for articulating audit findings with clarity and precision Although specific technical expertise is not required for a generalist auditor, a sound operational understanding of insurance activities, familiarity with the tools used by PREDICA (the life insurance subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Assurances), and comprehensive knowledge of the organizational structure of Crédit Agricole Group are imperative.

What is the composition of your team?
I am part of a team of around thirty auditors (generalists, models, and IT), including six lead auditors. The department is overseen by three supervisors and an audit director.

What do you appreciate most about Crédit Agricole Assurances?
I particularly appreciate the positive working environment and the strong emphasis placed on the client service.
Additionally, I value the diversity of assignments, which span a wide range of business areas and geographic locations, both within France and internationally.
I would also mention the numerous opportunities for internal mobility and career development provided by Crédit Agricole Group, thanks to its size and leading position.