Although at least 4.4 million jobs have been lost in the United States since the country began a recession in December 2007, the internal audit profession continues to be a bright spot in the job market, according to an article published in PARADE magazine. The article, “How Our Salaries Are Changing,” states that as many companies across the country lay off workers, a few professions are holding steady or even growing. Internal auditing is one of those professions.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this trend. According to the 2008–2009 edition of the bureau’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of internal auditors is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all professions. An increase in the numbers of businesses, changing financial laws, corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization’s stakeholders are expected to drive growth. The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts the best job prospects will be for auditors who have a college degree or any certification.

“This information demonstrates there’s still a demand for our profession, even when the economy is troubled,” said IIA President Richard Chambers, CIA. “This speaks volumes to the unique value internal auditors provide to their organizations.”