Internal auditors, like many other finance functions, are increasingly seen as business partners, not only supporting the business but helping to drive performance and results.
This means that the role of internal auditors is evolving – are your skills in line with what top employers are looking for? We identify the top 5 skills internal auditors should develop in order to get the best opportunities on the market.
“More and more we see finance directors looking for professionals who can demonstrate that they have proactively added value to the businesses they have worked for”, said Özlem Simsek, Managing Director at Robert Walters Belgium. “For internal auditors, this means performing more of a consultative, advisory role, as opposed to focusing strictly on compliance.”
What are the top five "C"s to highlight to prospective employers?
As an internal auditor, you should fully immerse yourself in the business, understanding its operations, people and markets in order to identify ways to help the business achieve and exceed its overall goals. On your CV, make sure you can demonstrate:
1. Confidence
It's difficult to demonstrate confidence on a CV but giving examples of when you have made recommendations on improvements that can be made, be it in a team environment, the company itself or, evaluating your own abilities will be valuable to show you are a confident internal auditor who is capable of making decisions.
2. Collaboration
Working in internal audit requires you to be a team player. The ability to build relationships with key stakeholders as well as your team members will help you collaborate with those you work alongside and will help you become an integral part of the business.
3. Communication
Communication is a valuable part to your role as an internal auditor. Having the skills and the ability to listen and ask questions makes you more valuable to your company and will help you understand the businesses needs better.
More and more we see finance directors looking for professionals who can demonstrate that they have proactively added value to the businesses they have worked for.
4. Concise
Part of your role as an internal auditor will require reporting and pulling on supporting evidence to make your report valid and more reliable. Being concise in your way of writing and explanation will help improve the quality of your reports, making them more clear and comprehensive.
5. Collection
Collecting in-depth knowledge of the market is an integral part of being a successful internal auditor. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it will help you be the best professional in your industry.
From SMEs to larger organisations, businesses are looking for accounting professionals that are able to demonstrate the ability to provide recommendations to possible risk measures and alternative ways to save costs.
Considering a new challenge in internal audit?
Have a look at our latest audit jobs.
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