HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: May 8, 2025 - The Head of Internal Audit brings expertise in COSO, SOX, and industry-specific controls, including experience with technology and insurance sectors. This role requires proficiency in auditing standards, agile methods, and data tools like Power BI and Tableau. The head demands strong communication and leadership to manage audits in complex, multinational settings.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Head of Internal Audit Resume
  • Audit Planning
  • Risk Assessment
  • Control Evaluation
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Report Writing
  • Data Analysis
  • Policy Implementation
  • Risk Identification
  • SOX Oversight
  • Financial Analysis
  • Team Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Issue Resolution
  • Communication Skills
  • Executive Reporting
  • Stakeholder Alignment
  • Governance Promotion
  • Business Partnership
  • Corrective Planning
  • External Coordination

Summary of Head of Internal Audit Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Economics with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in Internal Audit roles in large and/or fast-growing companies
  • Significant demonstrable experience establishing Internal Audit functions to audit SOX 404 and internal controls over financial reporting
  • Direct experience working in a fast-growing publicly traded technology company with quarterly reporting requirements
  • Familiar with advanced Finance tools and systems
  • Strong interpersonal skills, in particular influencing skills and negotiating abilities, to drive disparate opinions toward consensus
  • Highly developed people management skills with demonstrated ability to recruit, retain and develop high-performing teams
  • Experience preparing and presenting audit reports to diverse audiences
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to effectively communicate complex concepts in a simple manner
  • Expert-level GSuite skills, particularly Google Sheets, Google Docs and Google Slides
  • Must have a CPA (or international equivalent) and/or a professional-level internal audit qualification
  • Worked with external advisors to develop and implement SOX 404 controls and procedures in a newly public company, including experience with relevant project management software
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment that is constantly changing
  • Familiarity with software and hardware business processes and SaaS-like business models since

2. BA in Compliance Management with 9 years of Experience

  • Working experience in internal audit or a risk management function in the payments industry or related financial services field
  • Comprehensive understanding of financial services risk management frameworks, money licensing requirements 
  • Experience working in high-paced and agile environments, particularly at fintechs or start-up environments
  • Strong risk-minded individual with extensive experience
  • Good working knowledge in European Banking Regulations, AML, consumer protection regulations, cybersecurity, payments processing operations across the entire life cycle (set-up/onboarding, collections, settlement, refunds, etc.) and regulatory reporting requirements
  • Experience in multiple regulatory jurisdictions
  • Exceptional executive presence, influencing skills and the ability to discuss complex issues across all levels of the organization
  • Strong supervisory and time management skills, including experience in managing a staff of diverse professionals
  • CAMS, CIA, CPA, CISA or other relevant professional certification
  • Working experience in internal audit/advisory departments in a Big Four, in an IA boutique or consulting firm with a focus on Pharma or the healthcare sector
  • Working experience in an internal audit department of an international company in the Pharma, medical devices, or Biotech sector
  • Excellent knowledge of SAP FI and CO modules, ACL, TeamMate, Alteryx, or other audit tools
  • Profound business acumen and knowledge of process management and/or business process optimization
  • Team player with excellent communication and project management skills, ability to collaborate effectively across a matrix
  • Fluent in Mandarin and English

3. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Previous internal or external audit experience
  • Experience in operating internal audit functions with a hybrid internal/external co-sourced resource model
  • Management and leadership experience with a proven leadership track record, including people development and project management
  • Strong knowledge of BSA/AML best practices
  • Positive, team-focused approach and proven leadership
  • Experience with financial and IT risk assessments, internal control analyses, audit procedures, and Sarbanes-Oxley
  • Strong business acumen and technical accounting skills
  • Ability to analyze and interpret team research and analytics
  • Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Advanced ability to evaluate the materiality of issues and see the big picture
  • Ability to utilize critical thinking by applying process analysis, business intelligence, and problem-solving techniques

4. BA in Internal Auditing with 8 years of Experience

  • Internal audit experience and/or professional services assurance experience, and a strong knowledge of internal control principles (e.g., COSO)
  • Significant experience working with internal control frameworks, i.e., SOX, especially from technology companies
  • Experience with agile development methodologies and data analytical tools like ACL, MS Power BI and Tableau 
  • Experience working with multinational organizations
  • P&C Insurance background/knowledge and Lloyd’s syndicate experience 
  • Knowledge of financial and operational risks and controls
  • Strong understanding of internal auditing standards and techniques
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills, handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to develop and maintain peer relationships, and possess strong interpersonal skills
  • Must have professional qualification (MBA, ACA/ACCA, CIA or equivalent)
  • Ability to work remotely for a small and very busy internal audit team
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills combined with business acumen, pragmatism and a good sense of diplomacy
Relevant Information
Director of Internal Audit Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements