What does it take to be an internal audit professional?

Internal Auditor, Dec, 2003

In addition to fulfilling the duties described in the definition of internal auditing, professional internal auditors have several other characteristics in common. These characteristics, inherent in professionalism at its best, define the level to which all internal auditors should aspire, the degree of respect to which management and the board pay the internal audit function, and the extent of the value internal auditors can bring to their organization's ethical operations.

Are You a Professional?

Do you conduct your audit work in accordance with The IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing? Are you a Certified Internal Auditor[R] (CIA[R])? Has your internal audit department had a Quality Assessment?

Professionalism and Standards

For internal audit professionals who have always practiced in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, today's practice is not far from business as usual. The Standards set the bar for professionalism by delineating basic principles that represent the practice of internal auditing as it should be, providing a framework for performing and promoting a broad range of value-added internal audit activities, establishing the basis for the evaluation of internal audit performance, and fostering improved organizational processes and operations. The Standards and the Code of Ethics are "mandatory" guidance components of the Professional Practices Framework (PPF). The PPF also comprises Practice Advisories, "advisory" guidance, which is available free of charge to IIA members, and development and practice aids that provide "practical, how-to" guidance for the professional practice of internal auditing.

Individual Professionalism and Certification

Few achievements demonstrate professionalism as vividly as professional certification. The more than 40,000 professionals who have earned the Certified internal Auditor (CIA) designation have demonstrated this fact. The CIA, which represents knowledge, skills, and abilities of a global internal auditor, is the international designation for the profession. The CIA examination is offered twice a year to more than 20,000 candidates in 12 languages at more than 200 sites around the world. The global CIA tests candidates' grasp of internal auditing's role in governance, risk, and control; conducting an audit engagement; business analysis and information technology; and business management skills.

Professionalism and Internal Audit Quality

According to the Standards, the internal audit function should have a quality assurance program with ongoing and periodic internal assessments and periodic external assessments. An external quality assessment is required by the Standards at least once every five years. This significantly contributes to professionalism in that quality assurance and improvement programs can lead to enhanced effectiveness and efficiency, can provide guidance for improvements in the internal audit function, can assess compliance with Standards and policies, and can help the internal auditors to consistently add value to their organizations.