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The internal auditor career path: What it offers and how to get started

Career paths Career development Finance and accounting Certifications and Accreditations Salary and Compensation Trends Article
Curious about the career path of internal auditors? You’re not alone in wanting to know more about what these professionals do. Despite internal audit’s long history as a critical business function, internal auditing is not always well understood by those outside the field. But make no mistake: This is a dynamic, forward-looking profession that involves much more than checking boxes for compliance. As companies grapple with evolving regulations and a growing array of complex risks, they are looking to internal auditors to act as strategic advisers—helping them anticipate issues, adapt quickly to change and make more informed decisions. To be effective in that expanded role, internal auditors are using technology tools, including advanced data analytics and AI-driven risk models, to help them uncover insights faster and deliver greater value to the business. Ready to learn more about audit careers? Here are several reasons to consider pursuing the auditor career path and why it can be rewarding.

1. The demand for internal auditors is strong and growing

Is auditing a good career? Well, the hiring outlook for internal audit professionals looks promising as organizations continue to prioritize risk management, compliance and operational improvements. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth rate in jobs for auditors and accountants from 2023 to 2033. That is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. But it’s not just companies in highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare that are on the lookout for internal audit talent. Organizations across sectors are staffing up their internal audit functions to help strengthen governance, manage risk more proactively and increase overall resilience. For instance, tech companies need internal audit teams to help them evaluate cybersecurity controls and meet data privacy regulations. And in manufacturing, businesses turn to internal audit staff to assist in identifying supply chain risks and inefficient processes that could undermine profitability.

2. Internal auditors operate at the heart of the business

Few professions provide access to the same breadth of organizational visibility as an internal audit career. From the start, internal auditors gain a front-row view into how departments function, how decisions are made, and where risks, inefficiencies or opportunities exist. Their work spans operational reviews, compliance checks and strategic assessments—often involving direct interaction with senior leadership and even the board of directors. Data fluency is central to the modern internal auditor’s toolkit. Today’s professionals are expected to navigate large datasets, spot anomalies and translate insights into actionable recommendations. The ability to analyze information at scale enhances audit accuracy and helps position auditors as strategic advisers who can bridge the gaps between finance, operations and leadership. Internal auditing is no longer just about reviewing the past. With tools like IDEA, ACL, Alteryx and AI-powered platforms, internal audit teams can analyze data more deeply, streamline testing processes and uncover patterns that support proactive risk management. Many auditors are playing key roles in digital transformation initiatives, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, and enterprise-wide planning—contributing to how organizations adapt to change and prepare for what’s ahead. Get details on internal auditor job requirements in Robert Half’s latest Salary Guide.

3. Salaries for internal audit jobs are competitive at every career stage

Because internal audit professionals are central to organizational transparency and risk mitigation, they can command strong compensation across the career spectrum. The latest Salary Guide From Robert Half and our online Salary Calculator highlight competitive starting salaries for internal audit roles nationwide, with higher earning potential tied to experience, credentials and industry specialization. Professionals with certifications such as the certified internal auditor (CIA), certified information systems auditor (CISA) or CPA can see higher starting compensation and position themselves for leadership positions. Many employers are also willing to invest in training and certification support for candidates who demonstrate a growth mindset and possess strong foundational skills such as analytical thinking and attention to detail. Professionals researching internal auditor salary trends should remember that compensation varies based on experience, certifications, industry and geographic location. Technological fluency can also enhance your career in audit. Professionals skilled in data analytics, audit automation tools or continuous monitoring technologies are increasingly sought after by employers, especially as internal audit departments are called on to help support digital transformation initiatives. Find out more about salary trends in internal audit.

What does the internal audit career path look like?

Search internal audit jobs now What does the internal audit career path look like? Many professionals start out in public accounting, particularly in audit or assurance services, before transitioning to audit careers. Others begin in finance, data analysis or operations roles and are recruited into internal audit functions because of their exposure to controls and risk. Contract and project-based job opportunities can offer yet another avenue into the profession—as well as a way to work in it flexibly for the long term. For professionals considering a career in internal auditing, these experiences can provide a strong foundation for long-term growth and advancement. Roles commonly found in internal audit functions—depending on the size of the organization, its regulatory and compliance requirements, and overall audit needs—include: Internal auditorInternal auditor (1-3 years’ experience)Senior internal auditorManager of internal auditDirector of internal audit or chief audit executive (CAE) Because internal audit builds a strong foundation in business operations, risk and governance, experienced practitioners are often well positioned to take on leadership roles outside of internal audit, including controller, chief financial officer (CFO) and compliance officer. For example: Internal auditors with procurement exposure might move into supply chain leadership.Those skilled at assessing digital risks could transition into IT governance or data privacy roles.Professionals with regulatory or ethics experience could shift to legal, compliance or ESG roles.Other practitioners might be tapped for product, strategy or project leadership positions thanks to their analytical skills and enterprise knowledge.

Is IT audit a good career?

For professionals interested in technology, data security and risk management within the financial sector, IT audit is an auditor career path worth exploring. In finance, IT auditors focus on evaluating the design and effectiveness of an organization’s information systems, cybersecurity defenses and data privacy practices to help ensure these critical assets support business objectives and comply with relevant regulations. These professionals are often tasked with evaluating aspects of physical security, too, such as whether a company’s server rooms and data centers are well-protected and resilient. While internal auditors typically assess a broader range of financial, operational and compliance risks, IT auditors concentrate primarily on technology-driven controls and processes, including those related to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. However, as modern organizations must navigate a host of complex digital risks, many internal audit and IT audit teams find they need to collaborate more closely. What does this look like in practice? Say an internal audit team is reviewing a company’s revenue recognition process to confirm compliance with accounting standards. During the audit, they discover a new automated billing system was recently implemented. Because this system directly affects how revenue data is captured and reported, the internal auditors partner with the IT audit team to determine whether the system’s access controls, data integrity and change management processes are operating effectively. By collaborating, these teams help ensure financial reporting is accurate and the supporting technology is secure and reliable. Accelerated digital transformation, expanding regulatory requirements and a rising wave of cybersecurity threats are driving many financial services organizations to recruit skilled talent for IT audit roles. Employers often seek candidates with certifications such as the CISA (which can be valuable for a career in audit, generally) or certified information security manager (CISM), and who possess a strong blend of technical skills and critical-thinking abilities. Because specialized technical skills remain in high demand, IT audit salary potential is often competitive, particularly for professionals with CISA certification and experience in cybersecurity, ERP systems or technology risk. Familiarity with financial sector standards such as those from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) or regulations outlined in legislation like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) can also give candidates an edge when pursuing IT audit jobs in banking or financial services. Because this audit career path can also lead to roles in cybersecurity, risk management or governance, candidates with experience in these areas often have an advantage. Learn more about the typical duties of entry-level roles for IT auditors in corporate accounting.

Starting out on the career path of an internal auditor

Professionals interested in an internal audit career should explore entry-level roles within internal audit teams in corporate accounting. Internal risk and compliance roles in public accounting firms can also be a starting point. Employers hiring internal auditors often prefer candidates actively working to earn in-demand certifications in the finance and accounting industry, and who have a strong mix of: Technical skills, including: A solid understanding of accounting principles such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)Familiarity with internal controls frameworks like COSOKnowledge of risk assessment methodologies and best practicesProficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, ACL, Power BI)Experience or exposure to ERP systems and audit management softwareAwareness of emerging technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), AI and cybersecurity frameworks Soft skills, such as: Critical thinking and analytical problem solvingClear, concise communication—especially when telling stories with dataStrong collaboration and the ability to engage stakeholders effectivelyFlexibility and adaptability in dynamic or fast-changing environmentsHigh ethical standards and a healthy sense of professional skepticism Joining relevant professional associations like the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) can also help fuel your career journey in internal audit. These organizations offer members access to training resources, networking opportunities and up-to-date insights on evolving industry standards. With the right combination of skills, curiosity and initiative, your internal audit career can begin sooner than you think—and take you further than you might imagine. As a starting point, consider exploring the internal audit job listings on our website to find opportunities that may interest you.

Frequently asked questions about internal audit careers

Access the Guide Is internal audit a good career? It is certainly worthwhile exploring a career in audit if you enjoy solving problems, thinking analytically and making a meaningful impact on how organizations operate. Internal auditing offers valuable exposure to many areas of a business, from finance to compliance. Internal auditors help organizations strengthen risk management, improve processes and engage in strategic decision making. Increasingly, they are partnering with IT audit, technology and cybersecurity teams to address emerging digital risks, making internal audit careers even more dynamic and future-focused. What qualifications do you need to become an internal auditor? Most internal audit roles in corporate accounting require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field. Many employers also look for candidates pursuing or holding in-demand credentials like the CIA or CPA. Beyond technical knowledge, internal audit jobs’ role requirements often call for strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders. Employers often seek candidates familiar with internal controls frameworks like COSO, data analytics tools, and emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain. Why are soft skills so important for a career in audit? Technical skills are essential for a successful auditing career, but soft skills can make all the difference in how far you can take your audit career. Strong critical thinking, clear and persuasive communication, collaboration, and professional skepticism help auditors build trust, engage stakeholders and present their findings in a way that drives action. These skills are especially vital when explaining complex risks or recommending changes to senior leadership. Whether you work in internal audit or IT audit, the ability to problem solve and adapt to shifting priorities can make you an invaluable strategic partner to the business. What is the typical salary for internal audit professionals? Leading employers offer competitive compensation for entry-level positions in internal audit, and experienced internal auditors can command higher salaries due to their expertise and credentials. Factors such as industry, company size and geographic location can also influence salaries in internal audit, with companies in financial services and other highly regulated industries often providing starting compensation at the higher end of the scale. Check out Robert Half’s latest Salary Guide for insights on internal auditor job requirements and pay.
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