Internal audit teams are operating in an environment of rising expectations and rapid change. Since taking effect in 2025, the Global Internal Audit Standards have prompted many functions to reassess audit priorities and practices, and to engage interim consultants to help bridge resource gaps, strengthen capabilities and align audit work with the framework.
Issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Global Internal Audit Standards introduced a modernized framework for the internal audit profession. Built around 5 domains and 15 guiding principles, this framework brings together the Purpose of Internal Auditing, Core Principles and key requirements into one practical and cohesive structure. It also includes guidance to help internal auditors apply the Standards in real-world settings and provides examples of what good practice looks like for an internal audit function.
How do the Global Internal Audit Standards impact the work of internal audit teams?
While internal audit’s core principles of independence and objectivity remain, The IIA’s Standards make clear that these functions should:
Align closely with organizational goals and top risk prioritiesCommunicate early and often with management, the board and other stakeholdersDeliver performance-focused insights, not just assurance of controlsRecalibrate plans and methods to fit the new principles and domain structureEmbed quality and continuous improvement in every phase of the audit cyclePrepare for emerging IIA Topical Requirements that establish more detailed expectations for auditing high-risk areas such as cybersecurity and third-party relationshipsTo meet these expectations, many internal audit teams have needed to revisit their audit charter, refresh risk assessments, retrain staff, and modernize their audit planning, execution and reporting. Internal audit leaders are also under increasing pressure to demonstrate audit quality, measure performance against strategic objectives and support continuous improvement efforts across the function. The framework also reinforces the function’s dual mandate to safeguard independence and ethics while delivering high-value assurance and advisory support.
But with teams already running lean—and the accountant shortage impacting staffing across the profession—how can internal audit functions meet the moment in the face of regulatory changes and an evolving risk landscape? With help from interim consultants.
Learn more about how interim consultants can address challenges and uncover opportunities to drive business excellence.
Expanding internal audit’s capacity with interim consultants
According to Robert Half research, hiring challenges continue to shape how finance and accounting teams build their workforces. When hiring managers cannot find fully qualified candidates, 45% prioritize hiring high-potential talent and developing them, while 19% continue searching for the ideal candidate.
With fewer graduates entering the field and many experienced professionals retiring or changing careers, the talent pipeline for accounting—and related functions like internal audit—is far from robust. The accountant shortage isn’t just making hiring in the audit field more challenging. It’s leaving many internal audit functions one open role away from falling behind.
Now that the Global Internal Audit Standards have been in effect for more than a year—and continue to converge with the demands of peak audit cycles, resource-strapped teams are expected to do even more. To navigate these demands, many teams are turning to interim consultants for support. These highly skilled professionals can bring the capacity, specialized knowledge and outside perspective audit teams need to stay on schedule and maintain optimal performance while meeting the Standards’ expectations.
Here are 5 high-impact ways interim consultants can add value to internal audit functions.
1. Rapid deployment of internal audit expertise
Many interim consultants have experience working within the Global Internal Audit Standards and can quickly tailor their guidance based on an organization’s industry, risk profile and strategic goals. They can help auditors to:
Interpret the Standards in context and guide their application across audit methodology, internal documentation and stakeholder communicationsIdentify and prioritize updates to the audit charter, reporting structure and supporting proceduresAlign audit plans and risk assessments with the framework’s principles and domain structure
The rapid onboarding that interim consultants can enable helps organizations maintain alignment with the framework without disrupting in-progress work.
2. Bridging resource gaps during peak audit seasons
Peak quarters, including year-end, are always high-stakes periods for internal audit—but the ongoing accountant shortage makes them even more difficult to manage. With fewer professionals available and increasing competition for talent, many organizations enter peak audit season with unstaffed roles and overextended teams. Interim consultants offer flexible capacity and specialized expertise when it’s needed most. They can step in to:
Support time-sensitive audit planning, testing and documentationAssist with evidence gathering and reporting for external auditsServe as points of contact between internal and external audit teams
Their presence helps teams maintain audit quality, meet deadlines and manage risk without putting additional strain on core staff.
3. Enhancing strategic alignment and risk coverage
The Standards place a premium on aligning internal audit with enterprise goals and top risk priorities. Interim consultants bring an outside-in view that helps organizations close gaps and focus their efforts on what matters most. They can:
Facilitate risk alignment workshops with senior leadership and key stakeholdersMap audit activities to the organization’s enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworkIdentify assurance and advisory gaps that may impact strategic initiatives
The result is a more connected and value-driven audit program that supports not only compliance but also better business decisions. Many leading internal audit functions are also expanding their use of analytics and continuous monitoring techniques to identify emerging risks earlier and provide more timely assurance, helping the function take a more proactive role in supporting organizational objectives.
4. Supporting external audit readiness
Interim consultants can also help keep external audit preparation on track, easing the burden on internal teams facing deadline pressure. These skilled resources can assist with:
Reviewing and enhancing internal controls documentationCoordinating walk-throughs and testing with external audit teamsIdentifying and addressing potential findings before they escalate
The independent perspective of interim consultants also helps organizations move from reactive to proactive audit readiness by spotting potential issues early, strengthening documentation and ensuring alignment with regulatory changes and auditor expectations before reviews begin.
5. Driving innovation and capability building in internal audit
Beyond tactical execution, many interim consultants leave behind lasting improvements to audit processes, tools and team maturity. It is often the case that they can:
Introduce agile audit techniques and embed analytics into workflowsCoach staff on AI governance, cybersecurity, third-party risk, organizational resilience and other emerging risk areasRecommend tools and approaches that improve audit responsiveness
As organizations deploy AI across finance and operational processes, internal audit teams are increasingly responsible for evaluating AI governance frameworks, AI-enabled controls and oversight practices. As a result, specialized AI capabilities are becoming increasingly valuable across finance and accounting.
Half (50%) of finance and accounting leaders say their organizations offer higher salary premiums for specialized AI-related skills than for other in-demand technology skills, while another 31% offer similar premiums. For internal audit leaders, this underscores the growing value of access to professionals with specialized AI knowledge as organizations address emerging areas such as AI governance, risk and controls.
This kind of knowledge transfer can help internal audit functions become more of a strategic partner to the business, delivering insights and driving improvement.
Turning expectations into impact with interim consultants
The Global Internal Audit Standards are reshaping what it means to deliver value through audit. Internal audit functions are expected to align more closely with enterprise objectives, respond to stakeholder needs and provide insights that can enhance business decision-making.
However, meeting those expectations in everyday audit practice requires insight, experience and time that many teams simply don’t have enough of right now. With their cross-functional experience and outside perspective, interim consultants can bridge these gaps, helping audit leaders and their teams to:
Map current audit coverage to enterprise goals, key initiatives and strategic risk areasIdentify emerging, underexamined or changing risks that may require new audit strategies or an expanded audit focusHelp senior leaders align on audit priorities, risk appetite and areas where additional assurance or advisory input could create business value
By strengthening planning, execution and stakeholder engagement, consultants can help lay the groundwork for a more resilient, high-performing audit function that conforms to the Standards.
Ready to fortify your internal audit team with interim consultants?
Contact us
The Global Internal Audit Standards issued by The IIA continue to raise the bar for how internal audit functions deliver insight and value to organizations. For teams to meet these heightened expectations, they need access to the right expertise at the right time, especially when facing audit planning deadlines and shifting audit strategies.
Interim consultants can help core teams meet the Standards’ expectations while also keeping critical work on track and maintaining audit quality. Whether you need one interim consultant or an entire team, Robert Half can help you find skilled professionals to support your internal audit function as it evolves.
