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HOST
Hello, welcome to Getting Started With, where our job is to make your job easier.
On this episode, we are Getting Started With the key attributes of an internal auditor. In this episode we’ll learn about the top 5 attributes that every internal auditor should have, why they are important, and ways to improve in each of these areas.
Let's get started!
Kicking off our list, the fifth attribute an internal auditor should have is objectivity.
Objectivity is our First Term to Learn. It’s defined as:
an unbiased mental attitude that allows internal auditors to make professional judgments and fulfill their responsibilities.
Objectivity is necessary for internal auditors to maintain their independence as they provide an impartial view with observations and recommendations provided in an unbiased way and supported by facts.
Objectivity helps build trust with stakeholders and enables internal auditors to be relied upon to provide factual representations in any issues they find.
One way to improve in this area is to be aware of your own biases, and ensure you prioritize facts over your opinion by supporting your work with evidence.
The next key attribute an internal auditor needs is competency.
Competency ensures that internal auditors have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their work effectively. It allows them to assess risks, evaluate controls, and provide valuable insights that drive improvements within an organization.
Being competent means staying updated on industry standards, best practices, and regulatory changes. It also involves continuously developing technical expertise and soft skills, such as negotiation and adaptability.
Your success and growth as an internal auditor depend on this key attribute – communication, which takes the number three spot on our list.
Communication is how you interact with stakeholders every day. This is how you approach what you put into your emails, messages, and meetings. Be thoughtful in your approach, whether it’s an introduction or delivering findings. Be straightforward and honest, and if you can, add a bit of humor to help build rapport.
Ways to improve your communication ability are to proofread your emails or messages, not just for grammar, but for tone as well Make sure what you are saying is tailored for that audience. Consider whether the person needs a direct and risk-focused tone or a more detailed response when explaining an observation.
Coming in at number two is critical thinking. Critical thinkings plays a vital part in an internal auditor's work. It’s a way to ask the right questions, uncover unknown risks, and solve problems logically. It often requires internal auditors to take a more analytical process to make sound conclusions.
Ways to improve your own critical thinking skills are to regularly rethink your past decisions and think of questions you would have liked to ask if given the chance again. Taking a unique perspective may prove valuable in reaching your conclusions.
The number one attribute of an internal auditor is integrity. Our reputation and the value of our work is tied up in being able to be a trusted advisor who is willing to tell it like it is.
Intergrity is our last Term to Learn. It’s defined as: Behavior characterized by adherence to moral and ethical principles, including demonstrating honesty and the professional courage to act based on relevant facts.
Integrity ensures any observations or risks you uncover are presented without bias and factually and can be relied upon.
To make sure you build yourself a reputation of integrity always be honest in your communications and your follow through on what you say you are going to do. Doing this repeatedly along with holding open and honest communications with your stakeholders will help you become a trusted advisor who is relied on to improve processes and mitigate risks across your organization.
HOST
Congratulations on completing Getting Started With: key attributes of an internal auditor. Thanks for watching! Want to learn more? Check out the links below for resources and extra learning tools
