How do you become a senior internal auditor?

3 Gain relevant experience

Experience is a key factor in advancing to senior internal audit roles. You need to demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, and report on complex and high-risk audit engagements, as well as to provide value-added recommendations and insights to senior management and stakeholders. You also need to show your leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills in managing audit teams, coordinating with external auditors, and building relationships with clients and business partners. Typically, you need at least five years of progressive internal audit experience to qualify for senior internal audit positions.

4 Develop your skills and competencies

As a senior internal auditor, you need to cultivate a broad range of skills and competencies to be able to perform your duties effectively and efficiently. Analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for identifying, evaluating, and interpreting complex information. You must also have business acumen and industry knowledge, as well as technical and digital skills for using various tools, techniques, and software applications. Communication and presentation skills are necessary for communicating clearly and persuasively to different audiences. Finally, senior stakeholder management skills are important for establishing trust, respect, and rapport with senior management and stakeholders.

5 Seek mentorship and feedback

One of the best ways to learn and grow as a senior internal auditor is to seek mentorship and feedback from experienced and respected professionals in your field. A mentor can provide you with guidance, advice, and support, as well as help you identify and pursue your career goals, opportunities, and challenges. Feedback can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, and to improve your performance and skills. You can find mentors and feedback sources within your organization, such as your supervisor, manager, or director, or outside your organization, such as your peers, colleagues, or industry associations.

Becoming a senior internal auditor is a rewarding and challenging career choice that requires dedication, passion, and continuous learning. By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for this role and achieve success and satisfaction in your profession.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?