Internal Auditor

Owned by Steven Piliero
Last updated: May 21, 2024
2 min read

Name: Emily "Em" Martinez

Age: 35

Education: Master's in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, B.B.A. in Accounting from Baylor University

Professional Background:

  • 10+ years of experience in internal audit and risk management, with experience in various industries (financial services, technology, manufacturing).

  • Focus areas: Internal controls assessment, risk management, compliance audits, operational audits, and fraud investigations.

  • Previous roles: Senior Internal Auditor at a Big Four accounting firm, Audit Manager at a technology company, Internal Auditor at a financial institution.

  • Special certifications or skills: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Industry: Varies depending on the organization's focus

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and execute internal audits of various business processes and functions to assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes.

  • Identify and evaluate operational and financial risks, and recommend improvements to controls and processes.

  • Conduct investigations of potential fraud or misconduct.

  • Report audit findings and recommendations to management and the audit committee.

  • Stay up-to-date on auditing standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Goals:

  • Provide independent and objective assurance to the organization's stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of its risk management and control environment.

  • Identify and address potential risks and vulnerabilities before they result in significant losses or reputational damage.

  • Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's operations through audit recommendations.

  • Maintain a high level of professional competence and integrity in conducting audits.

Challenges:

  • Balancing independence and objectivity with the need to build collaborative relationships with auditees.

  • Managing multiple audit projects and deadlines simultaneously.

  • Communicating complex audit findings and recommendations to non-auditors.

  • Dealing with resistance or pushback from auditees who may not agree with audit findings or recommendations.

Motivations:

  • Protecting the organization's assets and reputation by ensuring strong internal controls and risk management practices.

  • Helping the organization achieve its objectives by identifying and addressing inefficiencies and weaknesses.

  • Making a meaningful contribution to the profession of internal auditing.

  • Continuously learning and developing skills in auditing and risk management.

Tech-Savviness:

  • Proficient in using audit software, data analytics tools, and risk assessment methodologies.

  • Comfortable with data analysis and able to identify trends and patterns in audit data.

  • Open to using technology to automate audit processes and improve efficiency.

Behavioral Traits:

  • Detail-oriented and methodical, with a strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness.

  • Objective and independent, able to make unbiased judgments based on evidence.

  • Strong written and verbal communication can explain complex audit findings and recommendations.

  • Collaborative and relationship-oriented, able to build rapport with auditees and other stakeholders.

Sources of Information:

  • Professional auditing standards and guidelines (e.g., IIA Standards).

  • Industry-specific audit resources and publications.

  • Audit software and data analytics tools.

  • Networking with other internal auditors and attending professional development events.

Quote:

"Internal audit plays a crucial role in safeguarding the organization's assets and ensuring its long-term success. By providing independent and objective assurance, we can help management identify and address risks, improve controls, and enhance overall performance."

Â