As internal audit functions deepen their focus on Q3 audit prep, they’re under mounting pressure to finalize audit planning, test and fine-tune controls, and document findings ahead of reviews. At the same time, with the new Global Internal Audit Standards now in effect, many functions are also reassessing audit priorities and practices, and engaging interim consultants to help bridge resource gaps, guide implementation efforts and align audit work with the updated framework.
Issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the 2025 Standards introduce a modernized framework for the internal audit profession. Built around five 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 2025 Standards impact the work of internal audit teams?
While internal audit’s core principles of independence and objectivity remain, The IIA’s new Standards make clear that these functions should:
Align closely with organizational goals and top risk priorities
Communicate early and often with management, the board and other stakeholders
Deliver performance-focused insights, not just assurance of controls
Recalibrate plans and methods to fit the new principles and domain structure
Embed quality and continuous improvement in every phase of the audit cycle
To meet these expectations, many internal audit teams will need to revisit their audit charter, refresh risk assessments, retrain staff, and modernize their audit planning, execution and reporting. The new 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.
Expanding internal audit’s capacity with interim consultants
According to Robert Half’s latest Demand for Skilled Talent report, more than 62% of finance and accounting leaders face a moderate to severe challenge in hiring and retaining accountants. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate in jobs for accountant and auditors from 2023 to 2033. That is faster than the average for all occupations.
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 are in full effect—and converging with the demands of Q3 audit prep—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 adapting to the new Standards.
Here are five high-impact ways interim consultants can add value to internal audit functions.
1. Rapid deployment of internal audit expertise
Many interim consultants have already led transitions to the new Global Internal Audit Standards at other businesses 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 communications
Identify and prioritize updates to the audit charter, reporting structure and supporting procedures
Align audit plans and risk assessments with the framework’s new principles and domain structure
The rapid onboarding that interim consultants can enable helps accelerate audit readiness and allows teams to adopt the new framework effectively without disrupting in-progress work.
2. Bridging resource gaps during peak audit seasons
Q3 and 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 are heading into 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 documentation
Assist with evidence gathering and reporting for external audits
Serve 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 new 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 stakeholders
Map audit activities to the organization’s enterprise risk management (ERM) framework
Identify 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 decision
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 documentation
Coordinating walk-throughs and testing with external audit teams
Identifying 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 workflows
Coach staff on emerging areas like environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and reporting, AI governance and cybersecurity
Recommend tools and approaches that improve audit responsiveness
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: Interim consultants and the 2025 Standards
The new 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, translating the Standards into 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 areas
Identify emerging, underexamined or changing risks that may require new audit strategies or an expanded audit focus
Help 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 new Standards.
Ready to fortify your internal audit team with interim consultants?
The Global Internal Audit Standards issued by The IIA are raising 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 adapt to the new Standards 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.
