As a newly qualified internal auditor, it's important that you build on the knowledge you've gained whilst studying in the practical, hands-on world of internal audit. The knowledge, skills and behaviours you require start with understanding the essentials like: how to document a process, identify a control, build strong interpersonal skills, and whether or not a control is designed appropriately. In operating effectively, you'll also need to understand what good corporate governance looks like.
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A newly qualified internal auditor must immerse themselves in all the basics. From day one, you'll have responsibility for:
Newly qualified internal auditors will start understand the internal and external environment of the organisation being audited.
Newly qualified internal auditors will begin to understand the characteristics of good corporate governance and risk management, and the role of internal audit, and will be able to, with support, assess the contribution they make to organisational effectiveness and assurance.
Newly qualified internal auditors will begin to develop an understanding of their organisation’s strategy and success measures, and be aware of how their work contributes to the success of the function/organisation’s industry.
Conducting an interview – top tips |
Newly qualified internal auditors will know the different types of controls, management control techniques, and internal control framework characteristics.
Effective risk-based auditing – you asked us |
Risk appetite – concept and theory Risk appetite – the board’s role |
Newly qualified internal auditors will start to build support with IA Practitioners, within their function and with stakeholders, on an audit by audit basis.
Newly qualified internal auditors will be able to communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
Newly qualified internal auditors will collaborate effectively with other audit colleagues to gain understanding and insights to inform audits and gather data to deliver results and will be team players.
Position Paper: the three lines of defence |
With guidance and support, newly qualified internal auditors will select and use tools/techniques to obtain relevant information for specific audit assignments.
Computer assisted audit techniques (CAATs) |
Newly qualified internal auditors will manage their time effectively to deliver high quality work within appropriate timelines.
Newly qualified internal auditors will begin to develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to use appropriate business systems and software.
With guidance and support, newly qualified internal auditors will begin to understand how to interpret/articulate key risks impacting organisation/wider industry.
Risk appetite – concept and theory |
Risk maturity assessment |
Newly qualified internal auditors will act with integrity to their profession and the ethical code of conduct of their organisation/auditee.
Newly qualified internal auditors will, with guidance, add value to the organisation/department they are auditing by proactively sharing issues identified during their audit work with their line manager.
Delivering internal audit findings |
Newly qualified internal auditors will take responsibility for their own professional development by seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
How to approach unfamiliar areas of work |
Newly qualified internal auditors will demonstrate drive and energy to get the job done and an open mindset in all their audit work, able to adapt in changing circumstances.
Newly qualified internal auditors will demonstrate an attitude that includes a questioning mind and being alert to conditions that may indicate possible misstatement of information due to error or fraud.
Whistleblowing |
In addition to specific guidance to meet the needs of internal auditors at the various stages of their career, there is a generic range of functions and subject areas that apply to most organisations and inform all levels of our competence framework.
Our technical team are on-hand to answers any questions you may have, whether that be in relation to your skill-level or a specific piece of guidance.