WHAT IS AN INTERNAL AUDITOR ?
The Internal Auditor will support management by providing evaluations, advice, and insights on the company's activities under scrutiny. This role encompasses auditing financial records and operations to safeguard assets, foster growth, and ensure regulatory compliance. You will not only examine financial transactions but also gain comprehensive knowledge of the operational and IT controls being audited, advising on enhancing internal safeguards and operational efficiencies.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Internal Auditor
1. Internal Auditor Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct audit work based on established control testing plans and execute in accordance with departmental standards ensuring completion within budgeted time.
- Assist external audit team members in the performance of quarterly and annual audit procedures and walkthroughs of business processes.
- Assist with maintenance of business process documentation and their controls in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
- Develop/contribute to the audit planning process during and subsequent to the audit.
- Review policies, procedures and records for their adequacy to accomplish intended objectives.
- Assist in follow up procedures on recommendations to determine if corrective action has been taken.
- Conduct special projects as requested.
- Perform other activities designated by the Associate Director of Internal Audit, the Audit Committee, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer.
- Reporting Results and Communication with Management:
- Assist in the development of timely reports on the results of audit examinations.
- Assist in providing executive management and appropriate officers with reports on audit coverage.
- Assist in providing the Audit Committee the status of audit reports issued and other internal audit information on a quarterly basis upon request.
- Interact with various teams when audit expertise is needed or when requested to do so.
- Assist advising departments on audit or control issues when requested.
2. Internal Auditor Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
- One to two years public accounting and/or relevant internal audit experience.
- CPA or CIA – Must have a certification or be willing to work towards one.
- Basic knowledge of audit and internal control testing procedures
- Proficient in MS Office
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to work independently and as a team member
- Able to build a productive rapport with others (customer service focus).
- Able to interact with associates of all levels regarding the subject under review.
- Detail oriented, inquisitive by nature, with a bias towards learning
Career Overview FAQs
What does a career overview explain?
A career overview explains what a profession involves, including the purpose of the role, the type of work professionals typically perform, and how the position contributes to organizations or industries. It helps readers understand the field before exploring more detailed resources such as job responsibilities, required skills, and career requirements.
What do professionals in this career typically do?
Professionals in this field usually manage projects or tasks, collaborate with teams, analyze information, and solve problems related to business or organizational objectives. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on experience level, specialization, and the organization where the role is performed.
What skills are commonly required for this career?
Most careers require a combination of technical skills related to the profession and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and analytical thinking. These abilities help professionals perform effectively in different work environments and across various organizational roles.
What is the typical career path in this field?
Many professionals begin in entry-level roles where they gain foundational knowledge and practical experience. Over time, they may progress to mid-level or senior positions that involve greater responsibility, specialization, or leadership within their organization or industry.
How can someone start a career in this field?
Starting a career in this field typically involves building relevant knowledge, gaining practical experience, and developing the key skills associated with the profession. Preparing strong application materials, such as a targeted resume and cover letter, can also help candidates pursue entry-level opportunities successfully.
Editorial Process
Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.
Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.