What does an internal auditor do?

An internal auditor is an individual who takes responsibility for crucial accounting functions in an organization. Internal auditors have trusted consultants who advise upper management on how to handle corporate goals and risks. They review the business operations and processes of organizations. They have to assess the efficacy of the company's risk management procedures. They are expected to have superb communication skills, IT knowledge, and math aptitude. Also, they help protect the organization from potential theft and fraud of its assets.
Internal auditor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real internal auditor resumes:
- Manage and coordinate annual external business evaluation in conjunction with CPA consultants.
- Work with department analyst to create measurement tools and methods for communicating results and managing QA analysis in compiling/reporting results.
- Conduct complex performance audits, fraud investigations, special projects and routine follow-up reviews in accordance with IIA standards.
- Perform tests of critical controls in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and report results utilizing company compliance tool to validate SOX checklist.
- Develop company FDA policy & procedures for liquid oxygen small bulk delivery vessels.
- Perform planning, compliance testing, substantive analysis and testing in accordance with GAAS.
- Conduct training classes on how to properly prepare cash flow sheets and other financial forms via PowerPoint presentations.
- Assess risk in all departments of the bank and test the internal control system base on the COSO frame work concept.
- Cooperate with CPA audit and economical lawsuit investigation.
- Specialize in hospital audits and healthcare consulting projects.
- Update ISO documentation and facilitate resolution of any outstanding corrective actions.
- Identify gaps in corporate/plant operations with current FDA and international regulations.
- Audit and examine ISO procedures in all departments of the manufacturing facility.
- Facilitate quarterly and annual audit programs for residential and commercial lending using GAAS.
- Document systems, operating environment, and application security under the COBIT framework.
Internal auditor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Internal Auditors are proficient in CPA, Risk Management, and SOX. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Internal Auditors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CPA, 8%
Participated in and supervised domestic and international audits of various manufacturing plants while completing my experience requirement for my CPA license.
- Risk Management, 5%
Participated in special investigations and reviews including employee and vendor misconduct, bankruptcy analysis, risk management, and fraud activity.
- SOX, 5%
Assumed full accountability for validating compliance of business controls and analyzing performance risks in accordance with SOX regulations.
- Audit Findings, 5%
Prepare detailed reports in accordance with IIA standards on audit findings and provide relevant recommendations for correction and enhancement of current processes
- Audit Procedures, 5%
Recommended audit improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness of audit procedures and provided recommendations for enhancing and improving current business processes.
- Internal Audit Function, 5%
Performed essential internal audit functions including inventory observations, general ledger account reviews, operations reviews, and fraud investigations.
Most internal auditors use their skills in "cpa," "risk management," and "sox" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential internal auditor responsibilities here:
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform internal auditor duties is communication skills. Internal auditors responsibilities require that "accountants and auditors must be able to listen to and discuss facts and concerns from clients, managers, and other stakeholders." Internal auditors also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "prepare audits reports, including formal communication and resolution of audit issues to management. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for internal auditors to perform their duties. For an example of how internal auditor responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "accountants and auditors must pay attention to detail when compiling and examining documents." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an internal auditor: "converted files of financial reports for monthly/yearly corporate auditing into organized files detailing quarterly cash, credit and direct bill transactions. ".
Math skills. A big part of what internal auditors do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to internal auditor responsibilities because "accountants and auditors must be able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical internal auditor tasks: "compiled findings in audit reports from quantitative and qualitative analysis of financial data and findings. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for an internal auditor to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what internal auditors relies on this skill, since "strong organizational skills are important for accountants and auditors, who often work with a range of financial documents for a variety of clients." How this skill relates to internal auditor duties can be seen in an example from an internal auditor resume snippet: "performed operational and system audits which determined the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational processes and controls using gaap. "
The three companies that hire the most internal auditors are:
- Citi191 internal auditors jobs
- Robert Half49 internal auditors jobs
- Navient23 internal auditors jobs
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Internal auditor vs. Audit specialist
An audit specialist is responsible for evaluating the reports by a professional auditor that will assist in improving the growth of the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Audit specialists aid in the development of the company by using a systematic approach to reach the goals set by the company. Primary responsibilities include operating complex and difficult audit projects and conducting audits of control, financial, and other operating records. Also, they develop, implement distinct audit strategies, programs, and procedures for intricate assignments.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, internal auditor responsibilities require skills like "cpa," "risk management," "internal audit function," and "internal control procedures." Meanwhile a typical audit specialist has skills in areas such as "audit reports," "patients," "data entry," and "internal controls." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Audit specialists really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,330. Comparatively, internal auditors tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $66,055.The education levels that audit specialists earn slightly differ from internal auditors. In particular, audit specialists are 4.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an internal auditor. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Internal auditor vs. Auditor supervisor
An auditor supervisor is a financial professional who manages a staff of audit professionals and controls consulting engagements that evaluate the management and operating practices of a corporate. This supervisor is required to supervise audit planning and fieldwork as well as communicates findings and recommendations to senior management. To ensure that audit staff follows the department's methodology, the supervisor must supervise the audit staff and review their automated audit work papers. The supervisor must also ensure that reviews are following the standards of the corporate audit department and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that internal auditor responsibilities requires skills like "risk management," "internal audit function," "financial statements," and "powerpoint." But an auditor supervisor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "audit reports," "excellent interpersonal," "internal controls," and "night audit."
On average, auditor supervisors earn a higher salary than internal auditors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, auditor supervisors earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $86,925. Whereas internal auditors have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $66,055.auditor supervisors earn similar levels of education than internal auditors in general. They're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Internal auditor vs. Auditor/consultant
The duties of an auditor/consultant depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities include coordinating with different departments to gather and analyze data, performing audits and assessments on all financial activities, looking out for any errors and discrepancies, reviewing documentation, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of current systems, and developing strategies to optimize all operations. Furthermore, an auditor/consultant must recommend methods and solutions in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an internal auditor is likely to be skilled in "internal audit function," "powerpoint," "internal control procedures," and "acls," while a typical auditor/consultant is skilled in "healthcare," "project management," "data analysis," and "hipaa."
Auditor/consultants earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $86,809. Internal auditors earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $66,055.When it comes to education, auditor/consultants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to internal auditors. In fact, they're 2.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Internal auditor vs. Audit internship
An audit intern is responsible for assisting the finance department in processing financial reports, analyzing account statements, releasing invoices, and conducting tax audits. Audit interns shadow tenured staff on the operation procedures to familiarize themselves with work processes. They are also tasked to do administrative and clerical duties under the supervision of a direct supervisor, such as writing reports, ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, responding to clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalating high-level complaints to the supervisor for immediate resolution.
Types of internal auditor
Updated January 8, 2025











