An internal auditor evaluates an organisation’s processes, controls, and risk management systems to ensure they are effective and compliant. They review financial and operational activities, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations to strengthen efficiency, governance, and overall performance.
What is an internal auditor?
Internal auditor is a challenging role that contributes directly to the optimisation of organisations. Using careful and intuitive analysis of management and financial information, you will be responsible for identifying how to maximise effectiveness and minimise risk.
Although focused on finance, internal auditors can be involved in all aspects of an organisation, from IT contracts to environmental policies. Your day to day tasks could include attending meetings, investigating processes, researching risk, and using a range of software tools to record and present results to stakeholders. Embracing new auditing software and tools as they emerge will be critical to helping you future-proof your career as an internal auditor - they will help you deliver increasingly faster processes and better, more precise insights. Knowledge of the latest auditing technologies will also ensure you're always in demand by top employers.
Furthermore, excellent progression opportunities make this a good role for those interested in rising to senior levels of an organisation.
How do I achieve it?
Recruiters tend to look for internal audit candidates that have previously worked in public practice, particularly within external audit. Furthermore, those recruiting for internal audit positions will expect strong relationship-building and communications skills.
The following ACCA Strategic Professional Options exams are also extremely relevant to this role:
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Frequently asked questions
Internal audit helps organisations improve by identifying risks, inefficiencies, and control weaknesses before they become major issues. By providing independent insights and practical recommendations, internal auditors support better decision-making, strengthen internal controls, and enhance overall business performance.
Yes, internal auditors work closely with management and senior stakeholders across the organisation. While they remain independent in their assessments, they collaborate with teams to understand processes, communicate findings, and support the implementation of improvements.
Internal audit roles require strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Communication is also essential, as auditors must clearly present findings and recommendations. Knowledge of risk management, governance, and accounting principles is highly valuable.
Yes, accounting students are well-positioned to move into internal audit careers. The role builds on core accounting knowledge while offering broader exposure to business operations, risk, and governance. Many employers support students through professional qualifications, such as the ACCA Qualification, alongside internal audit roles.
Internal auditors are employed across a wide range of industries, including financial services, corporate, public sector, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and advisory. Any organisation focused on risk management and compliance relies on internal audit functions.
Yes, internal audit is an excellent role for analytical thinkers. It involves evaluating complex processes, identifying risks, and assessing controls, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and working with data.
Internal audit focuses on improving internal processes, risk management, and controls within an organisation, while external audit provides an independent opinion on financial statements for stakeholders. Internal auditors work within the organisation, whereas external auditors are typically part of an external firm.
Internal audit experience can lead to a variety of career paths, including roles in risk management, compliance, and finance leadership. Many professionals progress into senior positions such as audit manager, head of internal audit, or move into broader strategic roles within the business, such as CFO.
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