What does a person in this occupation do?

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organisation’s operations. It helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

An internal auditor analyses and evaluates all activities, controls and governance processes concerned with the operations of an organisation, reports to executive management on audit findings and submits proposals for improvements.

Study path:

• B degree in Accounting at any university or university of technology or
• BTech degree in Internal Auditing at any university of technology.

Professional Qualifications Internal Audit Technician (IAT(SA))

This is the entry-level designation and indicates that an IAT (SA) should be able to perform routine audit tasks, execute audit programmes, prepare work papers and draft audit findings. To achieve this designation the candidate must have completed two years of a relevant degree or diploma, and have at least two years of internal auditing or related experience.

General Internal Auditor (GIA(SA))

This is the next step in the career path. The GIA is a supervisory level designation. Those who have undergone education and training in the knowledge fields of internal auditing, accounting, business management and other related subjects can apply for accreditation. The GIA (SA) must have completed at least a relevant three-year degree or diploma, as well as have a minimum of three years’ experience in internal auditing or a related field.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

The CIA-certificate is an international qualification held in high esteem. Membership of the institute and a relevant three year degree or national diploma is compulsory.

Professional bodies:

Professional body registration or membership is not a prerequisite to practice as an internal auditor. However, to use the IAT(SA) and GIA (SA) designations you have to be a member of the Institute for Internal Auditors of Southern Africa (IIA-SA).