INTERNAL CONTROLS AUDITOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 08, 2025 - The Internal Controls Auditor has experience in auditing and internal control processes, supported by professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or CMA. This role requires in-depth knowledge of COSO, SOX compliance, risk management, and financial regulations, as well as proficiency in tools like ACL, Excel, and Oracle to evaluate operational and financial systems. The Auditor also needs strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills to manage multiple projects, ensure compliance, and maintain high standards of accuracy and integrity.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Internal Controls Auditor Resume
  • Internal Controls
  • Risk Assessment
  • SOX Compliance
  • Control Testing
  • Audit Planning
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Process Improvement
  • Data Analysis
  • Financial Reporting
  • Compliance Management
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Professional Judgment
  • Customer Service
  • Relationship Management
  • Advisory Services
  • Change Management

Summary of Internal Controls Auditor Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Finance with 6 years of Experience

  • Hold one of the following certifications for Level II and Level III: CPA, CIA, CMA, or CFE.
  • Knowledge of GAAP and/or NAIC Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP).
  • Familiarity with the 2013 COSO Internal Control Framework.
  • Understanding of the IIA Standards and Code of Ethics.
  • Experience assessing internal controls over financial reporting, including SOX or NAIC Model Audit Rule compliance.
  • Skilled in data analysis and drawing logical conclusions from complex information.
  • Strong time management and ability to perform under pressure while meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to identify exposures, analyze transactions, detect risk changes, and develop effective recommendations.
  • Proven ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively across teams.
  • Quick learner, capable of working independently while maintaining confidentiality.

2. BS in Accounting with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience with SOX, financial audit, internal audit, or related internal controls.
  • Job-relevant certification (e.g., CPA, CIA).
  • Strong understanding of US GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley.
  • Prior experience with a cloud-based ERP (Workday) and an internal controls management software (Workiva).
  • Experience leading walkthroughs and control testing for complex business cycles such as revenue recognition, inventory management, and financial reporting.
  • Experience assisting management in designing remediation plans for control deficiencies and monitoring progress to closure.
  • Can support process automation and control optimization initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Experience conducting periodic reviews of entity-level controls to ensure alignment with evolving business objectives and compliance requirements.
  • Strategic problem-solving with the ability to balance compliance requirements and business objectives.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills to promote control awareness across departments.
  • Meticulous organizational skills to manage concurrent audits and reporting deadlines.

3. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Related audit work experience.
  • Experience participating in the development and rollout of internal control frameworks aligned with COSO or SOX principles.
  • Experience assisting in the preparation of audit reports and dashboards for senior management and audit committees.
  • Able to support external auditors during financial statement reviews by providing documentation and process explanations.
  • Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Ability to analyze processes and internal controls to improve control effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Ability to independently work on assigned projects, effectively time-manage completion dates.
  • Can make sound auditor discernment with a high standard of ethics under moderate to minimal levels of direct supervision.
  • Highly developed communication skills, time management, and issue resolution skills.
  • Able to present audit findings and recommendations in a manner that will be understood and accepted by all responsible parties.

4. BA in Economics with 7 years of Experience

  • Previous public accounting experience.
  • Experience with an ERP accounting system, preferably Oracle.
  • Manufacturing and medical device industry experience.
  • Knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
  • Expertise in designing, executing, and reviewing testing of internal controls, including financial reporting, IT, entity-level, and fraud controls.
  • Experience in planning, leading, executing, and reporting financial, operational, and systems audits across production, finance, accounting, and compliance functions.
  • Strong understanding of internal audit standards and practices.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Excellent negotiation, influence, and communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to multitask, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

5. BA in Public Administration with 4 years of Experience

  • Background in Finance, Law, Benefits, People & Communications, or Digital Transformation.
  • Experience in evaluating and improving internal control systems and compliance processes.
  • Ability to gain knowledge across multiple functional areas, including finance, legal, IT, and operations.
  • Strong skills in risk assessment, internal controls testing, and process documentation.
  • Proven experience leveraging auditing knowledge and expertise to expand skills within audit functions such as Internal Audit, Internal Claims Audit, and Internal Controls.
  • Ability to advance to leadership roles, including taking on responsibilities similar to a Senior Auditor.
  • Experience supporting innovative and transformational initiatives, including process improvement and change management.
  • Familiarity with data analytics and the ability to apply analytical insights to strengthen audit procedures.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills to work effectively across departments.
  • Ability to identify control gaps, propose improvements, and ensure alignment with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Resilience under tight timelines and shifting priorities while maintaining audit integrity.

6. BS in Statistics with 8 years of Experience

  • Be a qualified Accountant/Auditor ACCA, ACA, IIA/CIA with a background working in SOX.
  • Strong understanding of risk management and internal control frameworks.
  • Generally accepted accounting principles (including US GAAP) and auditing standards.
  • Experience in reviewing and evaluating control designs for new business initiatives, system implementations, or process changes.
  • Experience preparing detailed audit documentation and working papers that comply with professional and organizational standards.
  • Experience assisting in continuous monitoring efforts by integrating audit insights into enterprise risk dashboards.
  • Understanding of enterprise risk management (ERM) principles and how they integrate with audit processes.
  • Awareness of financial statement assertions and how controls mitigate related risks.
  • Have an insight into business continuity and operational resilience considerations in control environments.
  • Analytical curiosity and initiative to explore emerging risks or process inefficiencies beyond the standard audit scope.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise across different areas of the business and with both junior staff and senior leaders.
  • Excellent report writing skills with exceptional attention to documentation quality.
  • Strong presentation and facilitation abilities, and collaborative leadership.

7. BA in Risk Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Accounting/auditing qualification (CPA or CIA) and experience in a similar function/position.
  • Work experience in Finance (special focus on reporting, auditing, and /or controlling).
  • Experience performing control walkthroughs and test procedures to validate system-generated reports and data accuracy within ERP environments, such as SAP.
  • Experience assisting in the evaluation of control maturity levels and recommending progressive improvements.
  • Ability to support audit readiness activities for quarterly and annual external financial reviews.
  • Understanding of financial consolidation and reporting processes, including intercompany eliminations and reconciliations.
  • Knowledge of automation and digital audit tools, such as robotic process automation (RPA) in audit workflows.
  • Awareness of key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess control effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Familiarity with control testing documentation standards and evidence retention best practices.
  • Strong numerical and data interpretation skills for identifying inconsistencies and control anomalies.
  • Effective cross-functional communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • High adaptability when navigating multiple systems, audit tools, and process changes.

8. BA in International Business with 6 years of Experience

  • Internal controls and/or auditing experience with professional certification, i.e., CPA or CIA, CISA, CFE, or CMA.
  • Knowledge of the COSO internal control framework, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and audit sampling techniques.
  • Understanding of risk management principles, financial and operational policies and practices, and accounting for utility operations.
  • Experience using Audit Control Language (ACL), Excel, Word, Windows, PowerPoint, Oracle, Access, or similar software.
  • Knowledge of professional auditing standards and practices.
  • Functional knowledge of District operations, accounting and financial functions, and the regulations governing District operations, including Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Financial Accounting Standards Board, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pronouncements.
  • Demonstrate continuous learning and periodically update knowledge of the business through formal training.
  • Thoroughness, accuracy, and excellent documentation skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with human relations skills.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to manage several projects simultaneously and work independently.
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