Fresh Profile: Internal Audit Jobs

Published on 2008-08-28

Though ensuring data security and accurate financial reporting is an important part of what internal auditors do, their responsibilities are much broader and more complex than simply peering over the shoulder of their company's accounting department. Auditors play a vital role in making sure that an organization maintains ethical and efficient procedures in its day-to-day operations. They act as consultants on risk management issues and monitor compliance with government laws and regulations and company policies. Auditors also review things like internal controls or computer systems for reliability and integrity. In short, if you are considering a career as an accountant but would like a job with a more varied work day, internal audit jobs may be the right choice for you.

Internal auditors essentially move from one department to another checking the work of management and personnel. Within the accounting department, internal auditing jobs involve the reviewing of financial records to make sure the numbers and calculations are accurate. Financial records include expense accounts, commission payments, cash receipts, bank records, and inventory records. Auditors are responsible for documenting mistakes and making the appropriate corrections. Internal audit jobs also involve the reviewing of information systems and internal controls. Auditors review management procedures to make sure everything is ethical, legal, and efficient. Auditors also use their expertise to make suggestions on how to improve an organization.

Although they are employed by the company they have to audit, the nature of their work demands that internal auditors be independent in order to limit conflicts of interest. This autonomy has become particularly important since the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the wake of accounting scandals at Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia, and other companies. The Chief Audit Executive typically reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

Most job openings for internal auditor positions require a bachelor's degree or higher in business, accounting or a related field. Auditors can also choose to gain credentials from various organizations. For example, the Institute of Internal Auditors offers the Certified Internal Auditor designation to individuals who have graduated from an accredited college and possess two years of work experience as an internal auditor. Other designations include Certification in Control Self-Assessment and Certified Financial Services Auditor. Specialized internal auditor jobs are also available in fields like healthcare, law, government, and engineering.

As with jobs in accounting, auditors must be proficient in math and possess a keen attention to detail. Because they gain a wealth of knowledge as they review a wide variety of departments within a company, experienced internal auditors can often advance to supervisory or executive positions. Internal auditors often make excellent chief financial officers.

If you are looking for internal auditor jobs in California, New York, Texas or anywhere else in the U.S., make Fresho.com your first stop. Browse our Accounting & Auditing section for jobs in your area or take advantage of our free resume posting service.