What is internal auditing?

Without Melissa, no square beef

Melissa is an internal auditor at The Wendy’s Company, making sure that your beef – and everything else – is squared away – and that the company is well-rounded.

Thank you, Melissa.

Melissa Clawson

Chief Audit Executive

The Wendy's Company

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and advisory service designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.

Performed by professionals with an in-depth understanding of the business culture, systems, and processes, internal auditing provides assurance that the organization’s control processes are adequate to mitigate its risks, governance processes are effective and efficient, and organizational goals and objectives are met.

What is the purpose of internal auditing?

Internal auditing strengthens the organization’s ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the board and management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight.

Find a better career in internal audit

Your curiosity sets you apart — and it’s exactly what the world of internal auditing needs. If you've ever questioned how things work (or how they could work better), that’s the first step toward a career in internal auditing that rewards critical thinking, insight, and impact.

What does an internal auditor do?

Internal auditors are trusted advisors, allies, advocates, and influencers.

They examine how organizations really work, what they do, what they want to achieve, and how well their current systems and processes support that. By conducting interviews, visiting workspaces, analyzing operations, and asking tough questions, internal auditors uncover inefficiencies, identify risks, and offer solutions. Their findings turn into advice. And that advice powers real decisions at the highest levels.

Without internal auditing, there would be no…

Risk Assessments
Quality Control
Value Added
Objectives Met

Without Doug, no parcels

Doug is an internal auditor at UPS, confirming delivery and receipt of every package, everywhere – and that the company is on track.

Thank you, Doug.

Doug Daley

Director of Internal Audit, Compliance, and Ethics

UPS

Why become an internal auditor?

High Demand

A high-demand career worldwide, especially in risk-heavy sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech.

Earning Potential

Competitive salaries and opportunities to grow into leadership and executive roles.

Career Options

From banking to nonprofits, from publicly traded companies to government agencies, internal auditors are needed everywhere.

Significant Impact

Important work that guides decisions and shapes how organizations serve their people, their mission, and the world.

Without Lupe, no power

Lupe is an internal auditor at Westinghouse Electric Company, ensuring safe and innovative nuclear technology, and that the company is prosperous and powerful.

Thank you, Lupe.

Lupe Neaves

IT Audit Senior Manager

Westinghouse Electric Company

What skills do you need to be an internal auditor?

If you enjoy digging deeper, thinking critically, and helping others work smarter, you already have what it takes to become an internal auditor. Whether it’s nuclear power or healthcare services, internal auditors help organizations deliver on their promises. Internal auditors apply The Global Internal Audit Standards to their organization's goals and their experiences to elevate their impact.

How does The IIA keep internal auditors well-rounded?

Membership

IIA membership gives you the tools, guidance, and savings you need to advance your career, with tailored access to actionable content, learning opportunities, and a global network of support.

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Certifications

IIA credentials like the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) and Certification in Risk Management Assurance® (CRMA®) help you stand out and strengthen your expertise. Learn what it takes to get certified and take the next step in your career.

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Resources

Explore our library of webinars, industry insights, guidance, and research curated specifically for internal auditors across our global network of 260,000+ members worldwide, including 70,000+ throughout North America.

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Career Center

Discover your next opportunity with The IIA Career Center —your go-to resource for job openings, career advice, and tools tailored to internal audit professionals.

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