Top five "C"s all internal auditors should have

Internal audit, like many other finance functions, is increasingly seen as a business partner, not only supporting the business but helping to drive performance and results.

With the nature of internal audit evolving, now is a great time to get ahead of the curve and take inventory of your skill set. Are your current skills in line with what the best employers are looking for? We identify the “top five Cs” internal auditors should be showcasing in their CVs.

“More and more we see finance directors looking for professionals who can demonstrate that they have proactively added value to the businesses they have worked for”, says Oliver Swift, Manager of Internal Audit recruitment at Robert Walters.

More and more we see finance directors looking for professionals who can demonstrate that they have proactively added value to the businesses they have worked for.

“For internal auditors, this means performing more of a consultative, advisory role, as opposed to focusing strictly on compliance.”

What are the top five "C"s to highlight to prospective employers?

As an internal auditor, you should fully immerse yourself in the business, understanding its operations, people and markets in order to identify ways to help the business achieve and exceed its overall goals. On your CV, make sure you can demonstrate:

Confidence

It's difficult to demonstrate confidence on a CV but giving examples of when you have made recommendations on improvements that can be made, be it in a team environment, the company itself or, evaluating your own abilities will be valuable to show you are a confident internal auditor who is capable of making decisions. 

Collaboration

Working in internal audit requires you to be a team player.  The ability to build relationships with key stake holders as well as your team members will help you collaborate with those you work alongside and will help you become an integral part of the business. 

Communication

Communication is a valuable part to your role as an internal auditor. Having the skills and the ability to listen and ask questions makes you more valuable to your company and will help you understand the businesses needs better. 

Concise

Part of your role as an internal auditor will require reporting and pulling on supporting evidence to make your report valid and more reliable. Being concise in your way of writing and explanation will help improve the quality of your reports, making them more clear and comprehensive.

Collection

Collecting in-depth knowledge of the market is an integral part of being a successful internal auditor. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it will help you be the best professional in your industry.

From SMEs to larger organisations, businesses are looking for accounting professionals that are able to demonstrate the ability to provide recommendations to possible risk measures and alternative ways to save costs.