What Does A Senior Internal Auditor Do?

WHAT DOES A SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITOR DO?

Published: Oct 15, 2025 - The Senior Internal Auditor plans, organizes, and executes audit engagements to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and compliance with company policies and procedures. This role involves identifying control deficiencies, determining root causes, and developing practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen operational efficiency and mitigate risks. The Senior Auditor also prepares detailed audit reports, supports management in enhancing control processes, and contributes to annual risk assessments and audit planning activities.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Senior Internal Auditor

1. Senior Internal Auditor Roles and Responsibilities

IT Compliance Support: Support the organization’s IT SOX compliance program by identifying key risks across systems and processes.
Process Assessment: Conduct system walkthroughs and assess process documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Control Evaluation: Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of IT controls, including ITGCs, application controls, interfaces, and critical reports.
Testing Execution: Perform detailed testing to ensure IT control frameworks meet regulatory and audit standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with Engineering, Product, Information Security, IT, Finance, and Fintech teams to align on risk and control priorities.
Risk Analysis: Provide proactive insights on emerging risks related to technology changes and product roadmaps.
Remediation Support: Assist management in remediating identified control deficiencies and monitoring progress toward closure.
Corrective Verification: Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions implemented to resolve control gaps.
Data Analytics: Utilize modern technologies and data analytics to enhance control, assessment, and risk evaluation processes.
Process Optimization: Contribute to continuous process optimization and innovation within the IT compliance framework.

2. Senior Internal Auditor Duties and Roles

Control Evaluation: Evaluate and test the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls.
Risk Mitigation: Identify, communicate, and assist in the implementation of recommendations to mitigate risk and/or improve process efficiencies.
Non-SOX Testing: Assist in identifying and testing non-SOX controls as part of the ongoing development and enhancement of a comprehensive internal audit function.
Stakeholder Engagement: Develop relationships with the business to support their view of Internal Audit as a value-add trusted advisor and independent assessor.
Staff Development: Assist in the supervision and development of junior staff.
Audit Coordination: Act as a liaison between the business and external auditors to support their completion of SOX internal control assessments and SOC report testing.
Risk Control Review: Continuously challenge the risk control matrix to determine whether it is adequately covering the risk profile and control structure.
Audit Planning: Assist with the ongoing risk assessment and annual audit planning process.

3. Senior Internal Auditor Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Financial Auditing: Conduct audits across finance functions, including accounting, financial management, and related processes.
Operational Evaluation: Evaluate operational areas such as contract compliance, performance management, and stakeholder relations.
HR Process Review: Review people-related processes covering the full employee lifecycle and human resource management activities.
Risk Management Assessment: Assess the effectiveness of risk management practices, including risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.
Business Continuity Review: Verify the adequacy of business continuity management plans and related controls.
General Auditing: Perform audits in additional areas that do not require deep technical expertise, such as health and safety or IT operations.
Compliance Examination: Examine information security and materials or inventory management processes for compliance and efficiency.
Control Performance Audit: Audit a range of corporate and cross-functional activities to ensure consistent control performance.
Report Preparation: Assist in drafting precise and professional language for inclusion in formal audit reports.
Strategic Support: Support the implementation of Serco Global Internal Audit Strategy initiatives and improvement programs.
Audit Leadership: Lead or coordinate audit assignments, directing the work of others on specific projects.
Remediation Follow-Up: Follow up on previously issued audit findings to ensure timely remediation and closure.

4. Senior Internal Auditor Roles and Details

Resource Coordination: Coordinate personal and team resources to execute audit assignments efficiently.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with staff and management at all levels to gather information and assess processes.
Data Analysis: Analyze data to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks.
Documentation Quality: Compile high-quality audit documentation in accordance with agreed standards and timelines.
Findings Presentation: Conduct closing conferences with senior management to present preliminary findings and validate their accuracy.
Recommendation Discussion: Discuss the practicality of proposed recommendations and secure management agreement on next steps.
Follow-Up Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations through systematic follow-up reviews.
Progress Reporting: Provide regular updates to Internal Audit Management on assignment progress and resource utilization.
Audit Planning: Contribute to the planning and allocation of audit resources to optimize departmental performance.
Relationship Management: Manage relationships with business units to ensure transparency and awareness of audit developments.
Objective Setting: Set clear short-term objectives for each audit, allocate responsibilities, and track progress toward completion.

5. Senior Internal Auditor Key Accountabilities

Audit Execution: Execute planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases of operational audits in alignment with company policies and procedures.
Audit Planning: Lead and contribute to defining audit objectives, scope, and detailed audit plans.
Testing Development: Develop testing procedures to assess compliance, efficiency, and control effectiveness.
Fieldwork Oversight: Oversee fieldwork execution and guide other engagement team members.
Quality Assurance: Ensure audit testing is performed with accuracy, consistency, and professional judgment.
Observation Reporting: Prepare comprehensive audit observations and develop actionable management recommendations.
Findings Presentation: Present findings clearly to stakeholders and collaborate on remediation strategies.
Process Improvement: Contribute insights and ideas to strengthen internal audit practices and methodologies.
Documentation Management: Maintain complete and well-documented workpapers supporting all audit conclusions.
Team Collaboration: Foster productive relationships within the audit team and across the organization.
Communication Promotion: Promote collaboration and open communication to enhance audit quality and organizational impact.

6. Senior Internal Auditor General Responsibilities

Fieldwork Assistance: Assist the audit team in conducting fieldwork through the collection and analysis of relevant documentation and data.
Audit Preparation: Review prior audit reports and process flowcharts to support the planning and execution of audit procedures.
Control Evaluation: Evaluate information to identify control gaps, process inefficiencies, and potential risks.
Documentation Preparation: Prepare detailed audit working papers and supporting evidence that accurately reflect audit findings.
Process Documentation: Document business processes and present results to the team lead for review and feedback.
ERM Research: Research to support Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) training initiatives and projects.
Case Study Development: Develop case studies that illustrate key ERM concepts and best practices for client engagements.
ERM Reporting: Assist in documenting and compiling the results of ERM assessments for client reporting.
Ad-Hoc Support: Perform ad-hoc assignments as directed by the team lead to support departmental objectives.
Collaboration Enhancement: Contribute to enhancing audit quality and ERM program effectiveness through proactive collaboration.

7. Senior Internal Auditor Role Purpose

Audit Leadership: Lead, plan, organize, and execute comprehensive audit reviews across domestic and international operations.
Compliance Assessment: Assess partner and subsidiary compliance with internal policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Results Communication: Communicate audit results clearly to management and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Action Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of agreed-upon corrective actions to ensure the timely resolution of findings.
Control Advisory: Advise managers on strengthening the design and effectiveness of internal control systems.
Framework Evaluation: Evaluate existing control frameworks to identify inefficiencies and risk exposures.
Fraud Investigation: Lead fraud investigations in accordance with the organization’s established fraud response plan.
Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and resolution of fraud cases.
Analytical Reporting: Provide input and analytical insights for reports presented to the Audit Committee and senior leadership.
Governance Enhancement: Contribute to enhancing the organization’s governance, risk management, and compliance culture.

8. Senior Internal Auditor Essential Functions

Audit Management: Manage a portfolio of audits and assurance engagements from planning to completion.
Objective Development: Develop audit objectives, scopes, and timelines aligned with organizational priorities.
Standards Compliance: Ensure each engagement adheres to professional standards and the internal audit methodology.
Fieldwork Coordination: Coordinate audit fieldwork, ensuring thorough evaluation of controls and risk mitigation measures.
Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively within the audit team to support the consistent application of risk-based auditing.
Methodology Refinement: Contribute to refining the audit methodology to enhance efficiency and relevance.
Assurance Review: Participate in assurance reviews to assess the effectiveness of risk management frameworks.
Control Analysis: Identify control weaknesses and operational inefficiencies through detailed analysis.
Process Improvement: Recommend practical, value-driven improvements to strengthen processes and internal controls.
Continuous Enhancement: Promote continuous improvement across the internal audit function through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

9. Senior Internal Auditor Additional Details

Audit Execution: Effectively execute a wide range of audit engagements.
Audit Performance: Perform operational, compliance, and financial audits with accuracy and professionalism.
SOX Testing: Conduct SOX testing of accounting, finance, business process, and application controls objectively.
Compliance Assurance: Ensure all testing procedures align with regulatory and internal compliance requirements.
Analytical Thinking: Apply critical and creative thinking to determine the most impactful audit approaches.
Process Improvement: Identify improvement opportunities that deliver measurable value to the organization.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with audit team members and control owners to ensure clear communication and understanding.
Stakeholder Relations: Build strong relationships with stakeholders while resolving conflicts constructively.
Documentation Management: Document audit procedures and results concisely in working papers and final reports.
Innovation Utilization: Leverage business systems, applications, and audit tools to enhance departmental innovation.

10. Senior Internal Auditor Roles

Process Documentation: Understand and document significant processes across various business units to establish a comprehensive view of operational and financial activities.
Risk Identification: Identify risks that could impact the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the achievement of strategic priorities and objectives, and determine the related internal controls.
Process Improvement: Document and communicate areas for process improvement to relevant process owners, collaborating with them to design and implement effective enhancements.
Control Testing: Design and perform tests of controls to evaluate their adequacy and operational effectiveness.
Information Assessment: Assess the completeness and accuracy of information supporting control activities to ensure reliability.
Audit Coordination: Coordinate with external auditors on process documentation, testing procedures, audit requests, and findings to promote efficiency and consistency between internal and external audit efforts.
Reporting Support: Assist Internal Audit leadership in preparing quarterly reports for the Audit Committee and periodic updates for executive business owners and management.
Project Collaboration: Collaborate with process and project owners on company initiatives and projects to provide insights and guidance from a risk and control perspective.

11. Senior Internal Auditor Tasks

Audit Leadership: Participate in and lead audit engagements from planning through reporting, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in accordance with departmental and professional standards.
Risk-Based Evaluation: Apply a risk-based audit approach to independently evaluate, test, and report on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls while identifying the root causes of issues.
Findings Communication: Finalize and communicate audit findings clearly and concisely, highlighting opportunities to improve the design and efficiency of key controls.
Judgment Application: Exercise sound judgment in forming and communicating an overall opinion on the control environment.
Results Presentation: Present audit results and recommendations to Audit Management, key business partners, and risk and control forums.
Assignment Execution: Execute audit assignments on schedule, including drafting audit issues for management review, facilitating issue tracking, and validating the closure of remediation actions.
Planning Support: Support the annual audit planning and risk assessment process by contributing to the development of the proposed audit plan.
Risk Awareness: Stay informed of evolving industry practices, regulatory developments, and emerging risks that may impact the control environment.

12. Senior Internal Auditor Details and Accountabilities

SOX Compliance: Conduct and lead reviews to assess compliance with SOX Sections 302 and 404, as well as established corporate policies and procedures.
COSO Integration: Assist in the application and integration of the updated COSO Framework related to external financial reporting.
Control Evaluation: Plan, conduct, and lead business process reviews to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over business operations.
Operational Review: Perform business process reviews to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities.
Financial Integrity: Lead reviews to evaluate the integrity of financial statements and assess the adequacy and efficiency of accounting, financial, and operational control procedures.
Audit Reporting: Assist in preparing comprehensive audit reports that include actionable recommendations and management-approved action plans.
Findings Communication: Communicate audit findings clearly and effectively to management personnel to ensure understanding and prompt remediation.
Project Support: Support management on special projects and assignments.
Policy Development: Assist the Internal Audit Manager in developing and refining Internal Audit policies, procedures, and methodologies to strengthen audit practices and alignment with professional standards.

13. Senior Internal Auditor Overview

Business Partnership: Partner with the business to leverage knowledge of financial processes, financial reporting risks, and internal controls to design, evaluate, and monitor the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Change Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of system, process, or business strategy changes on the effectiveness of internal controls.
Control Advisory: Advise finance process owners on process and control design during system or procedural changes, including documentation and compliance requirements.
Audit Coordination: Interface with external auditors to coordinate overall SOX program timelines, deliverables, and testing expectations.
SOX Testing: Perform testing of internal controls over financial reporting to ensure compliance with SOX requirements and company policies.
Control Evaluation: Formulate well-supported conclusions on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and related procedures.
Operational Auditing: Assist in conducting operational audits across multiple departments and functional areas to identify control gaps and improvement opportunities.
Workpaper Preparation: Prepare clear, well-organized audit work papers that thoroughly document the work performed, results obtained, and conclusions reached.

14. Senior Internal Auditor Job Description

Quality Assurance Auditing: Conduct audits in alignment with the annual Quality Assurance Plan.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, as well as applicable regulations, including those related to financial reporting, accounting standards, and consumer lending.
Field Auditing: Travel between branch office locations within the organization’s operating territory to perform audit activities.
ICFR Testing: Test controls in accordance with the annual ICFR Plan to evaluate the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external use.
Special Projects: Complete special projects and assignments as directed by the Chief Audit Executive or their delegate in a timely and accurate manner.
Team Collaboration: Contribute positively to a collaborative and team-oriented environment within the Quality Assurance team.
Relationship Building: Build strong working relationships with personnel across the organization, promoting a cooperative partnership between the Quality Assurance team and all staff.
Audit Reporting: Provide clear, concise verbal and written reports to management and staff, summarizing operational performance and key observations from audits and special projects.

15. Senior Internal Auditor Functions

Control Auditing: Conduct audits to ensure adherence to established controls, policies, and procedures across all areas of the business.
Financial Compliance: Evaluate financial statement controls to ensure compliance with GAAP and FASB standards.
Model Review: Review allowance methodologies, financial models, and key estimates to assess their accuracy and validity.
Credit Examination: Examine credit packages to confirm the accuracy of risk reporting and the proper preparation of loan documentation.
Continuity Testing: Test the effectiveness of business continuity and disaster recovery plans, as well as both physical and digital data security measures.
Audit Reporting: Document audit results and findings, prepare comprehensive audit reports, and present them to management and the Board of Directors.
Data Collaboration: Collaborate with the Data Analytics team to develop reports that monitor compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and fraud prevention initiatives.
Fraud Oversight: Oversee audits covering internal anti-fraud and compliance programs within the organization.
Process Improvement: Deliver value by executing audits efficiently, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and recommending actionable strategies that drive positive change within the Quality Assurance team.

16. Senior Internal Auditor Accountabilities

Risk Assessment: Perform internal audit planning and risk assessment activities independently to ensure thorough coverage of key business areas.
Audit Planning: Develop audit scopes, objectives, and work plans that include selecting appropriate audit tests, identifying key controls, and incorporating data analytics and other effective audit techniques.
Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engage with management and stakeholders to gather relevant information, resolve issues, and provide actionable recommendations for business and process improvement.
Compliance Evaluation: Evaluate the adequacy of and compliance with internal policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Operational Improvement: Recommend operational improvements based on audit findings and prepare detailed work papers, schedules, and summary reports.
Findings Reporting: Report audit findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to management for timely action.
Transparent Communication: Communicate audit plans and approaches transparently with stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding.
Continuous Learning: Stay informed of developments in internal controls and audit methodologies to maintain the effectiveness of audit processes.
Advisory Partnership: Balance the dual role of serving as an independent, objective assurance provider and a consultative business partner, guiding continuous improvement during audit engagements.

17. Senior Internal Auditor Job Summary

Risk Assessment: Understand the Group’s business risks and controls to perform timely risk assessments of assigned functions and processes.
Process Evaluation: Conduct interviews with personnel at all levels, from staff to executive management, to evaluate processes and organizational systems.
Audit Program Development: Establish risk-based audit programs for the Group’s major processes, functions, and emerging risks.
Scope Determination: Collaborate with Audit Managers and the Deputy Director to determine the scope of audit or review engagements.
Policy Appraisal: Appraise policies and procedures to assess the adequacy and suitability of internal control designs.
Procedure Documentation: Document audit procedures in accordance with the Group’s Internal Audit Approach and Methodology.
Audit Execution: Plan and execute audit engagements, including financial, operational, compliance, and special audits, perform walkthroughs of processes and controls, and conduct audit testing to identify issues and assess associated risks.
Evidence Management: Maintain electronic work papers using data analytics and supporting evidence to substantiate findings and recommendations.
Report Preparation: Prepare high-quality Internal Audit Reports with clear, practical, and contextually relevant recommendations, and communicate results effectively to all levels of management.
Follow-Up Auditing: Perform follow-up audits to validate management’s implementation of corrective actions and ensure effective risk mitigation.

18. Senior Internal Auditor Responsibilities

SOX Testing: Lead and perform control testing in support of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance, including business process, application control, and IT General Controls testing.
Audit Collaboration: Collaborate with process owners and external auditors to manage and execute the testing of internal controls.
Risk Management: Assist in planning, performing, and overseeing internal audit and SOX testing procedures to ensure risks are properly identified and controls are designed and operating effectively to mitigate those risks.
Process Understanding: Obtain a thorough understanding of the processes, systems, and related controls under review.
Framework Documentation: Document and update the SOX framework to reflect control or testing modifications identified during testing procedures.
External Coordination: Coordinate with external auditors to manage audit requests, sample selections, and testing procedures.
Workpaper Preparation: Prepare comprehensive, well-documented audit work papers outlining test steps performed, results obtained, and recommendations provided.
Findings Communication: Draft audit findings and communicate observations to management, following up on outstanding deficiencies to ensure resolution.
Control Monitoring: Monitor changes in business operations, processes, and systems to assess potential impacts on control effectiveness.
Stakeholder Support: Provide support to stakeholders to ensure timely updates to control documentation and testing procedures.
Regulatory Tracking: Track changes in regulations, governance standards, and best practices to maintain compliance.
Guideline Review: Assist in reviewing related guidelines to ensure control documentation and testing procedures are updated in a timely and accurate manner.

19. Senior Internal Auditor Details

Audit Planning: Assist in developing and executing the annual internal audit plan in alignment with organizational risk priorities.
Risk-Based Auditing: Plan and conduct internal audits for areas identified as having potential risk, executing projects on a case-by-case basis.
Control Evaluation: Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control environment to ensure operational integrity and compliance.
Quality Review: Review audit work papers, reports, and related deliverables to verify accuracy, quality, and alignment with audit objectives.
Process Documentation: Prepare process flow documentation and identify key risk points within the processes under review.
Audit Execution: Plan, coordinate, and perform internal audits, including the development of audit programs and the creation of detailed audit issue reports.
Operational Auditing: Conduct financial and operational audits to assess control effectiveness, compliance with policies, accuracy of financial data, and the safeguarding of assets.
Workpaper Management: Maintain thorough working papers that substantiate audit findings and support conclusions.
Procedure Enhancement: Contribute to the enhancement of internal audit procedures, practices, and training materials to improve audit quality and consistency.
Data Analysis: Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for process improvements that strengthen controls and enhance efficiency.
Issue Remediation: Support issue remediation by working collaboratively with control owners to ensure that identified risks are properly mitigated.
Fraud Review: Perform financial reviews in connection with fraud investigations and company acquisition or disposition activities.
Compliance Review: Assist with regulatory compliance reviews and financial audits to ensure adherence to legal, professional, and organizational standards.

20. Senior Internal Auditor Duties

Audit Planning: Plan and organize work assignments efficiently while developing appropriate audit steps to ensure the timely completion of audits.
Issue Identification: Identify problem situations or deficiencies during audits or special investigations and expand testing to determine root causes.
Information Evaluation: Gather, organize, and evaluate relevant information to support audit conclusions and recommendations.
Judgment Application: Exercise sound judgment by considering the implications of all available options when assessing findings or recommending corrective actions.
Scope Adjustment: Adjust the audit scope or approach to address changing circumstances or newly identified risks.
Recommendation Development: Provide cost-effective recommendations grounded in factual evidence and thorough analysis.
Control Enhancement: Assist management in developing and enhancing control procedures, processes, policies, and related documentation.
Program Maintenance: Prepare and update audit programs, internal control questionnaires, and confirmations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Workpaper Development: Develop clear, organized, and comprehensive work papers that fully document audit procedures, support conclusions, and substantiate findings.
Findings Communication: Communicate audit observations and recommendations objectively and clearly through written reports and effective verbal presentations.
Special Investigations: Conduct or assist with special investigations involving potential misconduct, fraud, or non-compliance.
Leadership Reporting: Keep the Director and relevant leaders promptly informed of significant issues, challenges, or unusual circumstances identified during audits.
Recommendation Monitoring: Monitor and summarize the status of all open internal and external audit recommendations before each Audit & Compliance Committee meeting.
Risk Assessment Support: Assist the Director in developing the annual risk assessment and audit work plan to align with organizational priorities.
Professional Conduct: Adhere to organizational standards of professionalism and competency in all audit activities, maintaining integrity and accountability throughout the process.

21. Senior Internal Auditor Roles and Responsibilities

Assurance Engagements: Conduct internal assurance and special engagements to assess the adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of business operations, including established internal controls, policies, and procedures.
Risk-Based Procedures: Develop and perform risk-appropriate assurance procedures by documenting business processes, creating engagement programs, performing risk-based sample testing, analyzing trends, reaching conclusions, and identifying issues with root cause analysis.
Control Evaluation: Evaluate and provide reasonable assurance that control standards and governance systems are operating as intended and aligned with leading practices.
Methodology Development: Assist in developing Internal Audit (IA) methodology and deliver training sessions for the IA team and other staff.
Risk Assessment: Contribute to the development and maintenance of annual risk assessments and a revolving annual audit plan.
Data Analytics: Conduct data mining and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls.
Findings Documentation: Document clear, concise, and objective risk-based findings, including actionable recommendations that add value to the business.
IT Risk Assessment: Evaluate IT risks and controls to identify potential exposures and improvement opportunities.
Results Presentation: Draft engagement summaries and present audit results to the Global Director, the Auditee, and Management for validation and review.
Issue Tracking: Develop and maintain an internal audit tracking system to monitor issues and ensure the timely implementation of management action plans.
Investigations: Conduct investigations into suspicious trends or irregularities to identify root causes and recommend corrective measures.
Reporting Support: Assist in preparing reports and presentations for the Audit Committee and senior management.
Risk Communication: Enhance communication and understanding of risks and controls across the organization through proactive engagement and knowledge sharing.
Evidence Maintenance: Maintain adequate documentation and evidence to support risk-based findings, reports, and conclusions.
Benchmarking: Perform benchmarking exercises against leading practices and comparable organizations to identify improvement opportunities.
Advisory Services: Complete other assigned projects or provide advisory services that strengthen risk management, governance, and control frameworks.

22. Senior Internal Auditor Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Evidence Gathering: Interview employees, examine documents, analyze data, and observe operations.
Audit Procedures: Perform other necessary procedures to gather sufficient evidence for concluding on audit objectives.
Compliance Assurance: Ensure all audit work conforms to applicable audit policies, procedures, budgets, and established time schedules.
Workpaper Documentation: Document audit work performed clearly, concisely, and in accordance with professional standards.
Special Projects: Work on special projects and investigations, and assist external auditors.
Scope Definition: Conduct surveys of audit areas to define the scope and objectives for upcoming audits.
Standards Review: Review new pronouncements on auditing standards and accounting principles issued by authoritative bodies within the auditing and accounting profession.
Industry Awareness: Stay informed about emerging issues and developments within the health insurance industry to maintain audit relevance and effectiveness.
Complex Area Survey: Assist in surveying moderately complex audit areas to define audit scope and objectives.
Audit Planning: Support the development of comprehensive audit plans and programs that include specific procedures and tests designed to achieve audit objectives.

23. Senior Internal Auditor Key Accountabilities

Control Evaluation: Review and evaluate internal and management controls of audited areas, including electronic data processing systems and applications, analyzing control strengths and weaknesses.
Workpaper Documentation: Document audit work in compliance with applicable standards, budgets, and timelines, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Findings Development: Develop written audit findings addressing control deficiencies, operational efficiency opportunities, and non-compliance issues.
Report Writing: Write and edit formal audit reports that effectively communicate results, findings, and recommendations.
Risk Assessment: Assess and communicate the level of risk associated with identified audit issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Special Projects: Conduct special projects and investigations as assigned by management.
External Collaboration: Assist external auditors and identify opportunities to enhance audit efficiency through collaboration.
Follow-Up Procedures: Perform and document follow-up procedures on outstanding audit issues and report on the status of corrective actions taken.
Team Leadership: Provide leadership and technical guidance to newly hired auditors through on-the-job training in audit techniques, issue identification, and industry practices.
Professional Development: Participate actively in local professional organizations to promote professional growth and stay current with industry best practices.

24. Senior Internal Auditor General Responsibilities

Advisory Recommendations: Provide recommendations on issues that fall outside the bounds of defined procedures and established practices.
Decision-Making Authority: Exercise wide latitude in decision-making within assigned projects and programs, with impact generally limited to the project or department level.
Team Leadership: Act as a resource to advise, and at times lead, the work of lower-level professionals and support staff.
Project Representation: Represent the department on cross-functional projects and perform in a project leadership capacity.
Consulting Services: Provide consulting and advisory services on internal controls, enterprise risk management, and other operational areas to strengthen governance.
ERM Contribution: Contribute to the Corporate Enterprise Risk Management and Assessment process and assist in developing the Annual Audit Plan as directed by the Director of Internal Audit.
Compliance Monitoring: Monitor Internal Audit’s compliance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) established by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and prepare periodic compliance reports.
Quality Assessment: Conduct Annual Internal Quality Assessment Reviews (QAR) to evaluate the department’s adherence to IIA standards.
Risk Mitigation: Identify risks within audit areas and initiate investigations or audits to mitigate losses and enhance control effectiveness as warranted.
Workpaper Review: Review audit work papers for completeness and accuracy to ensure quality and compliance with professional standards.
Ethics Monitoring: Monitor the organization’s standards of conduct and ethical relationships with market participants, regulators, stakeholders, suppliers, and employees when assigned by the Director of Internal Audit.
Report Preparation: Draft and issue reports and other formal communications summarizing audit results and recommendations.
Training Delivery: Provide training to new employees and contractors, as well as refresher sessions for current staff on audit processes, procedures, and operational changes.

25. Senior Internal Auditor Essential Functions

Risk Investigation: Recommend or request investigations and audits to address potential risks and control weaknesses.
External Coordination: Coordinate and interface with external auditors to jointly evaluate and report on internal processes, controls, and business outcomes.
Team Oversight: Oversee report drafting, editing, and review work completed by junior audit team members to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Audit Participation: Participate in audits involving all levels of management and staff throughout the organization.
Policy Review: Review policies, procedures, and related documentation to understand the scope and operations of the areas being audited.
Program Execution: Follow approved audit programs with specific testing criteria to evaluate risks and controls within designated areas.
Control Follow-Up: Ensure adequate internal controls are maintained by following up on prior audit recommendations to confirm implementation.
Work Documentation: Document all work thoroughly and completely to substantiate audit conclusions and results.
Professional Standards: Adhere to professional standards of the Internal Audit discipline in all activities.
Report Drafting: Assist with drafting reports and other formal communications summarizing audit outcomes for review by senior auditors or the Director of Internal Audit.
Skill Development: Develop knowledge and experience to achieve proficiency in conducting internal audits and business reviews independently.
Operational Auditing: Conduct audits across various management levels, assessing operational effectiveness and control integrity.
Program Development: Develop audit programs with specific testing criteria to evaluate identified risks and controls.
Process Improvement: Recommend improvements in procedures, processes, and operations across the organization to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation.

Relevant Information

What Does An Internal Auditor Do?