Focus on Professionalism

The IIA works toward global recognition

of internal auditing

As 2008 gets underway, The IIA is working on a new six-year strategic plan with one overarching goal: By 2013, internal auditing will be universally recognized as a profession. The IIA is already making great strides toward that goal through its efforts to strengthen the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), make the process for certification more accessible around the world, and offer training and continuing education to ensure auditors maintain and increase their knowledge and skills. Through the new strategic plan, The Institute will continue to elevate the profession around the globe with its many offerings that are more accessible to an international audience.

The Professional Practices Framework

To be taken seriously, a profession must have common guidelines with which to consult and comply. The new IPPF offers practitioners a blueprint to follow in their day-to-day jobs. Included in the new IPPF are the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), the Code of Ethics, practice advisories, position papers, and practice guides.

The addition of position papers to the new IPPF will help readers better understand issues involved in internal auditing and outline auditor's roles and responsibilities. The new practice guides offer detailed guidance on internal audit activities, including processes and procedures and examples of deliverables.

"The changes to the IPPF were made to meet the demand for more clarity, transparency, and rigor of the process as a result of the increasing stature of the internal audit profession," according to Günther Meggeneder, CIA, chief audit executive, Agrarmarkt Austria, and IIA vice chairman of the board, Professional Practices. "The framework combines a common body of knowledge with guidance and delineates consistent development, interpretation, and application of principles, methodologies, and techniques."

The new IPPF, which will be available in early 2009, will also position The IIA as the global standard-setting body for internal auditing. According to Meggeneder, the entire IPPF will be translated into The Institute's core languages (English, French, and Spanish), while the mandatory parts (definition, Standards, code of ethics) will be translated into 16 languages.

Certifications

The IIA has four professional certifications - Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), certified government auditing professional (CGAP), certified financial services auditor (CFSA), and Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA). The CIA designation, held by more than 75,000 practitioners, is the only globally accepted designation for internal auditors. As part of the goal to provide accessibility to certification candidates around the world, testing will be available, starting in May 2008, on a year-round basis in multiple languages.

"Earning professional certifications demonstrates a level of competency and passion for the profession," says Susan Lione, CIA, CCSA, CGAP, CFSA, IIA vice president, Professional Practices. "It shows your organization that you take pride in what you do and have a strong commitment to your vocation."

Continuing professional education (CPE) is a vital part of keeping your certifications current and communicating to your organization that you stay up-to-date on the latest practices in internal auditing. Presently, 80 CPE credit hours must be earned during each two-year period to maintain your CIA designation. There are many ways to earn credits, including attending IIA conferences and seminars, writing for Internal Auditor magazine, watching webcasts, taking online courses, and writing exam questions.

Online Training

The Institute's learning management system, Global Education Audit Resources (GEAR), offers a vast array of learning opportunities, from multiple providers, through computer-based classes. From soft skills, such as business etiquette and negotiating tips, to technical applications, such as managing cash flows and international finance, GEAR allows you to take courses at your own pace and convenience.

Part of the plan for positioning GEAR as a professional development tool is career mapping and a competency framework. Learning plans will be available to detail skills internal auditors need at each stage of their career, enabling them to identify skill gaps and select appropriate training. Resources to fill those gaps and to assist in long-range career planning will also be available.

The newest option to be added to the virtual classroom is The IIA's first online seminar, "Value-added Business Controls: The Right Way to Manage Risk." This live, interactive training is conducted by experts and consists of classroom-style instruction in short sessions over several weeks, all brought to you through your computer.

Developing Global Relationships

Advocacy is an important global tool in raising awareness about what internal auditors do and how they can add value to an organization. Gerald Cox, CIA, MIIA, IIA Chairman of the Board said in his article "Going Up" (Internal Auditor, August 2007) that "Most members have a clearly understood connection with their chapter or institute, but many are hardly aware of the dynamic, global network of which they are a part."

According to Dominique Vincenti, CIA, IIA chief advocacy officer, Professional Practices, Certification, and Quality, The IIA strongly believes that internal auditing is paramount to good governance and the sustainable success of the organization. "The role of The Institute is to lead and represent the profession by delivering a clear, consistent message that reflects the many voices of its members, ensuring that at all times our message is global in nature, with a local twist," she adds.

The IIA builds relationships with international standard-setting bodies, regulators, professional associations, and other oversight bodies. Some of these organizations include the International Federation of Accountants, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Working with these high-level organizations increases The Institute's global presence and ensures others that internal auditors are an important group to include in strategic planning.

The IIA has developed tools such as the advocacy results matrix, promotional aids, and presentations to assist chapters and institutes in their efforts to promote the profession. Visit the advocacy section of The IIA's Web site to access this information and share it with those around you. After all, communicating the importance of internal auditing is crucial in building a strong reputation for the profession.

To the Future and Beyond

As Cox says in "Going Up," "The Institute must improve awareness of its global footprint by actively promoting the exchange of information across datelines and throughout the entire IIA organization." As the role of the internal auditor continues to evolve and gain awareness throughout the world, practitioners everywhere should be proud of what they do and the value they add to the integrity of their organizations.

The IIA will work to build relationships and leverage the role of internal auditing to reach the goal of universal recognition of the profession. "If we are successful, legitimacy and credibility is the absolute winning combination for sustained presence in the economic and societal global picture," Vincenti says.

How can you help strengthen the profession?

Earn your CIA certification.
Stay in compliance with the Standards.
Volunteer for IIA committees.
Speak about your profession at events.
Network with people outside of the profession to share knowledge.
Pursue continuing education.