DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AUDIT SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Oct 10, 2025 - The Director of Internal Audit has experience conducting and managing audits, with a background that includes Big 4 public accounting and certifications such as CPA, CIA, or similar. This role requires deep knowledge of IIA standards, GAAP, and COSO, along with strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage complex audits and collaborate across the organization. The director is also a flexible, self-motivated professional who can handle multiple priorities, work independently or in a team, and confidently engage with management while delivering audits on time.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Director of Internal Audit Resume
  • Financial Reporting
  • Risk Assessment
  • Internal Controls
  • Compliance Auditing
  • Data Analysis
  • Forensic Accounting
  • IT Audit
  • Regulatory Knowledge
  • Budgeting
  • SAP/ERP Systems
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Strategic Planning
  • Negotiation Skills

Summary of Director of Internal Audit Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Accounting with 7 years of Experience

  • Ability to work with ambiguity and respond to a rapidly changing, highly innovative environment.
  • Demonstrated risk assessment and management skills.
  • Excellent presentation skills, must be skilled and comfortable with presentations to executive management. 
  • Professional savvy and ability to interact with executive-level management personnel.
  • Proactively seeks knowledge, new tasks, and responsibilities. 
  • Highly self-motivated and able to work independently.
  • Experience managing staff (role has one direct report).
  • Ability to work with a variety of personalities and working styles.
  • Knowledgeable in ERP systems, such as Oracle or SAP, and related automated internal controls or general computing controls.
  • Knowledgeable on the International Professional Practices Framework as established by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Ability to organize projects and work responsibilities, prioritize, and meet deadlines

2. BS in Finance with 10 years of Experience

  • Experience should include 10 plus years of relevant audit experience, conducting and managing audits.
  • Deep knowledge and expertise conforming to IIA standards, GAAP, and COSO, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work both in a team setting and independently.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work on multiple, diverse, financial and operational audits/projects.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ability to be challenged and challenge management in an appropriate manner.
  • Self-starter to be self-sufficient in the overall project and role success.
  • Drive to see tasks through to completion and by established deadlines.
  • Experience managing a team of global resources, preferably within Internal Audit.
  • Experience interacting with business leadership and collaborating with business partners at a similarly-sized, global organization.
  • Experience managing complex projects and programs and applying effective project management concepts.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S., GAAP, GAAS and PCAOB standards.

3. BS in Business Administration with 8 years of Experience

  • Professional certification, such as ACA, CIA, CISA, CFE, ACCA, or other acceptable certification.
  • Advanced knowledge of GAAP, COSO, IIA and other professional standards.
  • Proven experience with building, leading, and overseeing an effective internal audit team.
  • A combination of experience with a large public or private corporation and an international public accounting firm.
  • Meaningful relevant experience in a business environment characterized by growth, enhancement of business processes and systems complexity.
  • Strong executive presence and effective communication and relationship-building skills.
  • A strong understanding of internal audit methodologies and techniques, including data analytics.
  • Extensive experience with risk-based internal auditing and annual planning.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, along with the ability to synthesize and communicate business issues and solutions.
  • A proven track record of meeting deadlines and making decisions under tight timelines.
  • Knowledge of spreadsheets, accounting, Microsoft applications and internal audit management software applications.
  • International accounting experience.
  • Proven experience working within a fast-paced, complex business environment.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to deliver strategic messages to senior leadership-level positions.
  • Ability to establish a high degree of accountability across the organization through both performance measurement and clear communications.
  • High level of integrity and discretion with confidential matters.

4. BA in Economics with 9 years of Experience

  • Detailed knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements for publicly traded companies in the United States.
  • Strong understanding of international accounting standards. 
  • Certified Internal Auditor and/or Certified Public Accountant
  • Strong understanding of advanced accounting and financial processing tools, such as ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
  • Experience interacting with the audit committee of a public company.
  • Ability to travel periodically to Portugal and other global locations.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Able to give clear and consistent recommendations and/or instructions to team members.
  • Excellent teamwork, communication, and documentation skills.
  • Exceptional writing proficiency and oral presentation skills.
  • Excellent listening, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

5. BS in Information Systems with 8 Years of Experience

  • Knowledge of theories, principles, and systems design related to organizational governance, risk management, and internal controls.
  • Knowledge of internal and/or government auditing standards, including principles, procedures, and techniques for conducting information system audits, internal control assessments, operational and compliance audits, and internal investigations.
  • Knowledge of organizational and managerial practices, principles and theories.
  • Knowledge and understanding of data analytics and continuous auditing techniques.
  • Ability to manage confidential matters.
  • Ability to compile, monitor, and examine a variety of large, complex data sets and exercise judgment in evaluating and interpreting results.
  • Ability to recognize complex and unique risks, weaknesses, or inefficiencies and develop management recommendations to achieve resolution.
  • Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective strategic relationships with senior management, other agencies, committees, legislators, external state and federal auditors, and the public, adapting communication style to target audiences.
  • Ability to develop and deliver oral and written presentations aimed at reaching a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to manage human resources responsibilities such as coaching, training, counseling, evaluating performance, and taking appropriate corrective and disciplinary action as warranted.
  • Experience in mortgage servicing, title services, financial services, or similar.
  • Strong knowledge of mortgage compliance and regulations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle complex, multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

6. BA in Risk Management with 7 years of Experience

  • Solid internal controls experience (business process and IT).
  • Considerable knowledge of the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Code of Ethics developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Demonstrated track record of success in delivering projects/audits.
  • Proven experience in navigating complex organizations with creative problem-solving.
  • Experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX.
  • Experience with SaaS solutions.
  • Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong analytical, written/verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
  • Preferred experience in branch auditing, including but not limited to cash audits and branch operations.
  • Ability to adapt to change quickly and multitask.
  • Preferred professional certificate in either Certified Public Accounting (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditing (CIA).
  • Prior experience in supervising, training, and managing a team.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple and changing priorities.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact in a positive and professional manner at all times with all levels of both internal and external audiences.
  • Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
  • Ability to motivate others and serve as a role model for organizational and departmental initiatives, procedures, and values.

7. BS in Forensic Accounting with 9 years of Experience

  • Internal Audit Project Execution skills, such as Risk assessment, testing, sampling, review, root cause identification, audit reporting, and consulting skills.
  • Internal Audit Operations Execution skills, such as Outstanding project, time, and resource management skills.
  • Ability to understand and analyze complex business processes, internal control theory, COSO 2013, governance, and expert knowledge in the finance and operational audit pillar.
  • Ability to apply oversight and judgment across a broad range of finance, operations, compliance, and cross-functional areas, constructively managing difficult conversations.
  • Excellent presentation skills, influence and manage expectations of stakeholders, coaching and developing team members, relationship building, and business partnering skills.
  • Understanding of internal audit principles, practices and techniques, the concepts of risk, risk management, internal control and compliance, and the ability to effectively and consistently apply such understanding to assignments.
  • Ability to effectively oversee and direct the structuring, planning, scheduling and execution of all phases of internal audits, special projects and other audit work, in a manner consistent with recognized professional standards and with applicable Mizuho/IAD/IADA policies and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively direct, guide and supervise all subordinate staff in the execution of the Group’s work, evaluate performance, and manage ongoing professional development.
  • Capacity for effective oral and written communications, with respect to the preparation of required reports and oral communications with the audit department and auditee management, audit staff subordinates, external auditors, supervisory authorities, external contractors, and others. 
  • Ability to effectively initiate, plan, organize and hold meetings and discussions in the conduct of the Group’s or IADA’s business, and to act as a surrogate for the General Manager or Deputy General Manager of IADA.
  • Capacity for effective project and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize, design and direct multiple tasks/projects, both audits and administrative, to anticipate and meet required deadlines.
  • Ability to effectively support the General Manager and Deputy General Manager with respect to the administrative management of IADA, including annual, periodic, ongoing, or other administrative management activities.

8. BA in Management Information Systems with 10 years of Experience

  • Experience, including international leadership and experience commensurate with a multinational corporation.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability to manage conflict, facilitate consensus-building, negotiate a solution, and influence management to embrace change, while maintaining independence and objectivity.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical and planning skills.
  • Experience with and understanding of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, related key controls, testing and deficiency remediation. 
  • Experience driving continuous improvement in the SOX program.
  • Understanding of IT general controls, security and application controls and impact and cost-benefit in business processes, control automation and compliance.
  • Ability to leverage data analytics to provide data-driven insight within the audit function.
  • Ability to influence and drive positive change, often through multiple stakeholders.
  • A solid understanding of risks and controls and governance frameworks.
  • Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate the impact of the current state and the value of proposed solutions.
  • Ability to provide structure in ambiguous situations.
  • Experience with SAP or a comparable Enterprise Reporting Resource planning system.
  • Exposure to root cause analysis frameworks and agile auditing techniques.

9. BS in Accounting with 6 years of Experience

  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Must have experience in the area of internal audit or regulatory compliance in a casino, sports betting, or iGaming company.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft applications (Excel, Access, Word).
  • Must have a Certified Public Accountant.
  • Must be able to respond to common inquiries from internal stakeholders or regulatory agencies.
  • Must have the ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, and clients.
  • Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures, and regulations.
  • Must have the ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
  • Must be highly skilled in communicating via written and verbal formats.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are needed to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.

10. BS in Data Analytics with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience relevant to audit experience, conducting and managing audits.
  • Must have Big 4 experience.
  • Deep knowledge and expertise conforming to IIA standards, GAAP, and COSO, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work both in a team setting and independently.
  • Able to be flexible and adaptable to work on multiple, diverse, financial and operational audits/projects.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ability to be challenged and challenge management in an appropriate manner.
  • Self-starter to be self-sufficient in the overall project and role success.
  • Able to drive to see tasks through to completion and by established deadlines.
  • Must have certifications CPA, CIA, or similar certification.

11. BA in Risk Management with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience audit audit-related functions.
  • Knowledge of  Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Great Plains, or other tier I and II ERP software, and MS Office.
  • Demonstrated upward progression in that role and will have been a direct people manager.
  • Strong technical competencies in accounting and financial auditing, business transaction flow analysis and flowcharting techniques.
  • Strong work ethic, leadership.
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Superior project management, excellent analytical skills.
  • Must be able to deal with difficult issues requiring substantial thinking and deliberation.
  • Demonstrated ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects with varying degrees of difficulty and changing priorities for action.

12. BS in Finance with 5 years of Experience

  • Ability to work alone and to document work in progress.
  • Ability to interview personnel and obtain facts that will be used to compare with other supporting evidence and documentation obtained.
  • Skill and knowledge of financial accounting, internal controls, and forensic accounting/auditing.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to work with confidential materials and maintain confidentiality of the assignment.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
  • Knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley, COSO Integrated Control Framework, PCAOB Auditing Standards, and IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
  • Experience with a Big 4 or regional public accounting firm.

13. BS in Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Must have relevant certification (CPA, CIA, CISA, or similar).
  • Must have an audit, wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing background.
  • Experience in the auditing or accounting-related field.
  • Experience in a managerial role supervising staff.
  • Able to familiarize with SAP.
  • Analytical/critical thinking skills.
  • Understanding of controls, audit procedures, and complex processes.
  • Able to manage, coach and develop staff, on-site and off-site.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality.

14. BS in Computer Science with 8 years of Experience

  • Knowledge expert in operations, process, financial, and compliance risks.
  • Experience in working in the technology industry and/or auditing complex data pipelines and advanced computer systems.
  • Able to pay close attention to detail and can drive projects to completion in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Inventive, resourceful and have remarkable analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Must have internal audit experience.
  • Must have national public accounting experience.
  • Strong communicator, exhibits a leadership presence, and has proven business partnering experience.
  • Big 4 background or equivalent industry experience in the internal audit function.
  • Must have audit-relevant certification (CPA, CIA, CISA, or CFE).
  • Strong understanding of US GAAP, Internal Audit Standards, including auditing processes and methodologies.
  • Experience in an auditing capacity (external or internal).
  • Experience in designing, monitoring, or evaluating internal controls and SOX compliance programs for a pre-IPO or newly public company.
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