Title: Internal auditor: career path and qualifications
Headings: Internal auditor: career path and qualifications
Internal auditor: career path and qualifications
Internal Auditing Career Path
Educational Qualifications
Other Qualifications

Content: They operate as independent agents within an organization. They are tasked with providing objective evaluations of internal controls, risk management efforts and governance processes. Many internal auditors look into virtually every corner of an organization, evaluating operational efficiency, the reliability of financial reporting, information security controls and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Detecting, investigating and deterring all types of fraud within an organization is another key function of the internal auditor. Most internal auditors have the authority to access and assess all areas of an organization. In a publicly traded company, internal auditors typically report to the audit committee of the company's board of directors, thereby maintaining independence from the company's management structure. This enables free and objective reporting of fraud and operational problems regardless of the parties involved, ensuring the issues are addressed and changes are implemented to improve the company. Internal Auditing Career Path
While many internal auditors begin in entry-level positions immediately after completing their bachelor's degrees, others obtain positions after gaining professional experience working in external audit firms or in accounting. With several years of experience, junior internal auditors can advance to more senior positions, handling complex audit assignments from the planning stages through to the final reporting stages. Senior internal auditors may supervise and lead audit teams to complete audit projects.