#United States #Cherry Hill Advisory #Collingswood #AUDIT Lab #Canisius University

Introduction

In a transformative step for the internal audit profession, Cherry Hill Advisory, a prominent global risk advisory firm, has joined forces with Canisius University and the Aletheia Research Institution to establish the AUDIT Lab. Announced on April 8, 2026, in Collingswood, New Jersey, this initiative aims to deliver data-driven research and pragmatic insight to Chief Audit Executives (CAEs), audit committees, and risk leaders facing the complexities of a rapidly evolving profession.

About AUDIT Lab

The AUDIT Lab represents a novel approach to the internal audit field, markedly deviating from traditional educational models or disconnected advisory efforts. Instead of merely producing academic content, the lab focuses on generating concise, practitioner-oriented research briefs designed to directly inform and enhance the decision-making processes of audit professionals. Positioned within Canisius University, the lab has a dedicated physical space that fosters collaboration between academia and the auditing industry.

The Leadership Team

Mike Levy, the CEO of Cherry Hill Advisory, has been appointed to the lab's Advisory Board and will act as the Principal Investigator for the lab's INTERNAL AUDIT Initiative. With his extensive background as the Past Chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors in North America and a former Global Board Member, Levy is well-equipped to guide this innovative project. He collaborates closely with Ian Redpath JD, LLM, the Chair of the Canisius Accounting Department, and Eric Redpath JD, PhD, the AUDIT Lab Director, to ensure the lab meets its ambitious objectives.

Key Research Areas

The AUDIT Lab focuses on several core research domains:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Internal Audit Technology: This area delves into the adoption of AI, governance controls, oversight frameworks, and the ethical implications of automation and large language models in auditing.

2. Internal Audit and Risk Technology Innovation: Evaluation of cutting-edge technologies that are redefining internal audit processes, including risk planning, execution, and reporting.

3. Internal Audit Process Advancement: Research into modernizing audit methodologies, enhancing risk assessments, and enabling workflows through continuous monitoring.

4. Talent Pipeline and Organizational Strategy: Strategies to align academic pursuits, research initiatives, and leadership development with the long-term sustainability of the internal audit workforce.

Expanding Collaborative Efforts

The AUDIT Lab's initiative aims to strengthen connections within the internal audit community. It is actively pursuing collaboration with the Internal Audit Foundation and seeks recognition from the Institute of Internal Auditors under the Internal Audit Academic Alliance program. This strategic alignment is designed to bolster the lab's commitment to elevating professional standards, research quality, and education within the internal audit field.

Conclusion

Mike Levy articulates the mission succinctly: "Our objective is to advance internal audit through credible research, technology insight, and practitioner execution." By merging scholarly rigor with practical industry knowledge, the AUDIT Lab is set to create an unprecedented resource that fills a notable gap in the landscape of internal audit education and practice.

About Cherry Hill Advisory

Cherry Hill Advisory is a leader in risk advisory services, focusing on enhancing audit quality and addressing emerging risks across all industries. Their expertise spans external quality assessments, internal audit co-sourcing, fraud risk consulting, and more, covering the latest strategic risks such as cybersecurity and AI-related challenges.

About Canisius University

The Wehle Business School at Canisius University emphasizes creating career-ready business leaders who are ethical in their decision-making. By partnering with local businesses, the school offers immersive, experience-based learning to prepare students for the interconnected realities of the global business landscape.

About Aletheia Research Institution

The Aletheia Research Institution focuses on unbiased social science research and providing reliable intelligence to inform public policy and business strategies. Collaborating with seasoned researchers, it evaluates public policy outcomes and market behaviors to support better decision-making processes.

This endeavor marks a significant advancement in the field of internal auditing, combining academic integrity with practical application to shape the future of the profession.