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Internal Auditing: Is It For You?

For These Eight Types of People, We Think So!

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the term internal auditor?

As part of Vision 2035, we had the opportunity to ask internal auditors and stakeholders from around the world how they personally view the profession, and the results are fascinating. In addition to “compliance-focused,” some of the most popular descriptors include:

  • Independent
  • Objective
  • Trusted advisors
  • Internal consultants
  • Respected
  • Problem solvers

Internal auditors are special, and we’re not just saying that because that’s what we do. The role we play in identifying and providing assurance against organizational risk gives us a unique set of skills — superpowers, really — that no other department can claim.

Does that sound like something you could get used to? We hope so! “But wait,” you might say, “my interests/expertise/degree isn’t in accounting, so I don’t think internal auditing is exactly what I’m looking for.”

Well, who do you think internal auditing is actually for? Now that is a question worth exploring. The short answer is there are few professions out there more diverse and welcoming than internal auditing, and no matter how you think, what you’re passionate about, or where your skills lie, there’s a place for you in our world.

Still unsure? Well, here are just a few examples of the people who can find a happy, fulfilling, and lucrative career in the internal audit profession.

1. “I’m tech-savvy! I’m really looking for something in the IT field.”

The work environment has never been more complex. To provide assurance that the organization is prepared to navigate and overcome the many risks they face, internal auditors need to be on the cutting edge. Not only do they have to understand how technology works, but they also have to learn to use it themselves to analyze the vast amounts of data at their fingertips to make sure appropriate controls are in place. If you want technology to be a part of your job, you’re in the right place!

2. “I’m looking for something that allows me to hit the ground running with a high entry-level salary and high growth potential.”

Good news! Our profession is more valued than ever, and organizations are recognizing that with higher entry-level pay and fantastic long-term potential. In the U.S. alone according to Robert Half, the salary for an internal auditor with 1-3 years of experience is $80,000! Beyond that, internal auditors are defined by their intimate understanding of nearly every facet of the organization. IT, legal, compliance, risk management, human resources, sales and marketing, customer relations, PR, health and safety, sustainability initiatives — if it’s part of the organization, you’re going to have to know about it and work with the stakeholders who take ownership of it. That makes internal auditors very attractive candidates for promotion into leadership positions compared to peers who might only know one aspect of the business.

3. “I want to travel.”

We live in a global world, and so do the organizations we work for. To provide quality assurance, you most likely are going to be on the move! As an internal auditor, you can pretty much write your own ticket when it comes to business travel. It’s not uncommon for internal auditors in major organizations to visit five, six, or even 10 countries in a year, conducting audits in various locations and interacting with different people and cultures all the while. You’ll be busy, but if you like to travel, there are few jobs more rewarding. And, if you want to consider going somewhere exotic more permanently, remember that our Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) certification is globally recognized. No matter where in the world you settle down, you’ll immediately be qualified.

4. “I don’t want to be a pencil pusher. I like working with people.”

Key to any internal auditor’s job is human interaction. Daily, you will be conducting interviews, coordinating with management and first-line employees, and reporting findings to the audit committee and board. You’re going to be looked at by everyone, at all levels, in every department as a key confidant and ally, and that means your door is rarely going to be closed. If you’re the networking type, you’ll be right at home.

5. “Actually, now that I think about it, I might be best in a job keeping to myself.”

That’s not to say there isn’t room on the internal audit team for the introvert, as well! While interviews are a key part of the job, so is data analysis and report writing. Internal audit works as a team, and we all have a vital role in providing value to our organization. We are masters at maximizing the skills and resources we bring to the table, so no matter how you are willing to contribute — whether it’s working with numbers or leading interviews — we’ll have a place for you!

6. “I want to have a job where I’m not doing the same work day in and day out.”

IT audits. Health and safety audits. Compliance audits. Environmental audits. Audits of workplace culture. Fraud investigations. Internal control reviews. Financial audits. Operational audits. Every day is a new challenge, and with every new challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow in a different field. You’re going to know a lot about a lot, so trust us, especially if you love to learn, you’ll never be bored.

7. “Job stability is really important to me. I don’t want ever be in a position where I can’t find work.”

According to our 2024 North American Pulse of Internal Audit survey, internal audit leaders and CAEs report they are more than twice as likely to have increased staff (26%) than decreased staff in the past year (just 9%). This tells us the internal audit profession is growing — and growing by a lot! Additionally, significantly more internal audit functions are now increasing their budgets (36%) than are decreasing them (13%), which shows that organizational leaders are recognizing the value internal audit brings to the table and want to increase their resources — not to mention their ability to hire skilled talent at a higher pay rate.

8. “I want to make a difference.”

Along with independence and objectivity, you’re probably going to hear another term a lot in the internal audit world. That word is integrity. As internal auditors, we are driven by more than just profit — we are driven by a need to do what is right. This means telling the truth — and telling it to the people who most need to hear it to inspire change. And we don’t just mean change in the organization; we mean change in our communities and even — as in the case of environmental audits — the world. If we weren’t making a difference, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs!

Is internal audit for you? Well, we can say this: No matter who you are, where you come from, what you’re good at, or what you’re looking for, internal audit is for anyone!

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