Getting Started With: Path to Promotion

00:00:03 The IIA

Hi, welcome to Getting Started With, where our job is to make your job easier. On this episode, we're getting started with the path to promotion, with an emphasis on the internal auditing competency framework. In this episode, you'll understand what the competency framework is, how it relates to career growth, and how you can start building the skills that move you toward your next promotion. So, let's get started.

00:00:29 The IIA

Many internal auditors wonder what it takes to move from entry-level roles to senior auditor, manager, or even chief audit executive. The good news is that the IIA created a framework to help internal auditors progress along their career journey, which leads us to our first term to learn, internal auditing competency framework. The framework is defined as a structured model that identifies the knowledge, skills, and proficiency levels internal auditors need to perform their roles effectively.

00:01:00 The IIA

So, what is the competency framework? Think of the competency framework like a career map for internal auditors. Instead of guessing what skills you need to advance, the framework outlines the competencies expected at different stages of an internal audit career. The framework also connects directly to the global internal audit standards, helping auditors ensure they meet professional expectations while continuing to grow in their careers.

00:01:25 The IIA

Organizations can use the framework to define job roles and training paths, while individual auditors can use it to understand what they should focus on learning next. The competency framework matters because it creates transparency around job growth and clarifies career expectations. Instead of wondering what skills a manager or CAE might expect, the framework identifies key competency areas and the level of proficiency needed as your career progresses.

00:01:52 The IIA

It supports continuous professional development, encouraging auditors to strengthen both technical knowledge and professional skills over time. For audit leaders, the framework helps ensure teams have the right mix of capabilities to address evolving risks. For organizations, it helps build stronger audit teams and align skills with the global internal audit standards. The competency framework groups skills into several major areas.

00:02:19 The IIA

Some focus on technical audit expertise, such as understanding risks, control, and audit methodology. Others focus on professional capabilities like communication, business knowledge, and ethical decision-making. And as technology continues to shape the profession, competencies related to data analytics and digital awareness are becoming increasingly important. These areas evolve as auditors move into more senior roles.

00:02:47 The IIA

Let's look at how competencies evolve as your career progresses. Think of it visually as rungs on a ladder. Entry-level auditors focus on learning the fundamentals. This includes understanding audit methodology, documenting work papers, and learning how to evaluate controls. Senior auditors begin taking on more responsibility. They may lead portions of an engagement, analyze complex risks, and mentor newer team members.

00:03:14 The IIA

Audit managers shift toward leadership and coordination. They oversee engagements, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure the audit plans align with organizational risk. At the top level, chief audit executives focus on strategy. They guide the internal audit function, advise the board, and ensure internal audit delivers value to the organization. As you move up this ladder, the competencies expected of you expand.

00:03:41 The IIA

from technical audit skills to leadership, strategy, and organizational influence. That's where the Internal Auditing Competency Framework can help guide your development at every stage of your career. Let's look at a quick example of how this might play out in real life. Imagine a junior auditor named Maya, who has just joined an internal audit team.

00:04:04 The IIA

At first, Maya focuses on building foundational skills, learning how to perform walkthroughs, document work papers, and test controls. Over time, she strengthens her competencies in risk assessment, communication, and critical thinking. She begins leading parts of engagements and mentoring new team members. Because she consistently develops the competencies outlined in the framework, Maya is promoted to senior auditor.

00:04:30 The IIA

A few years later, she continues expanding her skill set by developing business knowledge along with abilities in leadership and stakeholder communication. Eventually, she's promoted to audit manager, where she now leads engagements, oversees team members, and helps shape the internal audit plan. The key takeaway? Promotions in internal audit aren't just about time in the role. They're about building the right competencies at each stage of your career.

00:04:58 The IIA

One of the most valuable ways to use the competency framework is as a self-assessment tool. Ask yourself questions like, what competencies does my next role require? Where am I already strong? And what skills should I focus on developing? Many internal audit teams also use competency templates to help employees map development goals and training opportunities. This helps turn career growth from something vague into something intentional and measurable.

00:05:28 The IIA

If you're aiming for your next promotion, there are several practical steps you can take. First, seek diverse audit engagements. Exposure to different processes and risks builds valuable experience. Second, build business knowledge. Understanding how the organization operates helps auditors provide better insights. Third, strengthen communication skills. The ability to explain risks and recommendations clearly is essential at every level.

00:05:57 The IIA

Fourth, develop your technology and analytic skills, which are becoming increasingly important across the profession. And finally, learn from others. Mentors and experienced colleagues can provide guidance that accelerates your development. Here's a useful tool that can help you turn the competency framework into real career progress. The competency framework templates.

00:06:22 The IIA

These templates are designed to help internal auditors and audit leaders assess competencies, identify skill gaps, and plan professional development. Using the templates, auditors can evaluate their performance against proficiency characteristics for each competency area. This helps you understand where your skills currently stand and what you may need to strengthen for your next role.

00:06:45 The IIA

Teams can also customize assessment worksheets to evaluate both individual auditors and the collective capabilities of the entire internal audit function. Another helpful feature is the ability to apply job role profiles. These profiles outline the competencies expected for different positions, helping auditors benchmark their progress and identify development opportunities.

00:07:08 The IIA

The templates also support conformance with the global internal audit standards, helping organizations maintain quality while encouraging continuous professional development. In short, the templates help turn the competency framework from a concept into a practical roadmap for growth. Before we wrap up, here are a few things to watch out for when thinking about your path to promotion in internal audit. First,

00:07:34 The IIA

Staying only in your comfort zone. If you only take on the same types of engagements or tasks, it can limit your growth. Exposure to new areas helps build broader competencies. Second, focusing only on technical audit skills. Technical knowledge is important, but promotions often depend on communication, leadership, and business understanding.

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Third, avoiding stakeholder communication. As auditors advance, interacting with management and explaining risk clearly becomes a critical skill. And finally, waiting for development opportunities instead of pursuing them. Seeking training, certifications, mentorship, and challenging assignments can accelerate your growth. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you stay on track as you work toward the next step in your internal audit career. Here's a pro tip.

00:08:23 The IIA

Use the competency framework to build your personal development plan. Choose a few competencies to strengthen each year, whether that's analytics, stakeholder communication, or leadership. Small improvements over time can make a big difference in your readiness for the next opportunity. Let's quickly recap what we've covered. The internal auditing competency framework outlines the knowledge and skills internal auditors need to succeed.

00:08:49 The IIA

As auditors move through their careers, from entry-level roles to leadership positions, those competencies grow and evolve. The framework helps auditors understand what skills to develop for their next role and helps organizations build stronger internal audit teams. And tools like the competency framework templates can help assess progress and support continuous professional development.

00:09:13 The IIA

Understanding the competencies expected at each stage can help you take a more intentional approach to growing your career in internal audit. Thanks for watching Getting Started with Path to Promotion. Don't forget, the IIA has also released the Internal Auditing Competency Framework Global Practice Guide to help auditors understand the knowledge and skills needed to grow throughout their careers.

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Visit the iia.org to download the framework and templates and keep building your knowledge, one competency at a time. You can find these and other helpful resources, including tools, podcasts, and training at the links below.