Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Audit

Auditors often find themselves assessing areas outside their expertise. This may trigger a feeling of inadequacy when faced with complex tasks. I know I have felt this when dealing with unfamiliar audit reviews especially where there are high expectations. The additional pressure to maintain objectivity and accuracy can create more self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud or lacking the necessary skills to perform the review.

I think it’s ok to experience this, question however is, how do we as auditors bounce back instead of succumbing to self-doubt to ensure that we continually deliver value to our stakeholders? ?Here are a few strategies:

1.??? Acknowledge and accept that it’s normal to feel the way you feel.

2.??? Leverage on your strengths and accomplishments to counteract feelings of inadequacy. You are where you are because there is so much value you have added in the past and you bring a lot to the table. (Positive self-talk goes a long way. Blow your own trumpet until you believe in yourself).

3.??? Seek support of peers, mentors or supervisors who can provide valuable perspective and reassurance. Team discussions within audit help to reaffirm that you are not crazy after all. If other people see the same duck you are seeing, there is probably a duck.

4.??? Recognize your role as an impartial evaluator rather than the subject matter expert. Ask questions, silly questions can help put things in perspective. Don’t pretend to know what you do not know. I have realized that by asking the simplest of questions I get to the bottom of the risk. You don’t have to sound the smartest in the room all the time.

5.??? Maintain a focus of delivering value and upholding professionalism. Prioritize accuracy, objectivity and integrity while conducting all audit reviews.

?????? Lastly, treat yourself with kindness and understanding it is serious but never that serious!

?Well, that’s my take, let’s hear from you. How else can we overcome imposter syndrome?