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Internal audit practitioner

Internal audit practitioner

Level 4 - Higher Technical Occupation

Checking an organisation's records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and reliable.

Summary

The role of internal audit departments is to provide an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity to add value and improve an organisation's operations. Internal Audit 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. Internal Audit has an enterprise-wide remit and mandate, which means assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of all areas of an organisation including the risk management, compliance and finance functions. Internal Audit is the last line of defence in an organisation and, as such, must remain impartial and independent in how it works alongside all areas of the organisation. IAPracs will be competent in undertaking all aspects of internal audit engagements. They are typically part of an audit team operating under the management of the Internal Audit Professional (IAProf) or Head of Internal Audit. Internal auditor roles will be found in the public, private and voluntary sectors, where the Internal Audit function is acknowledged as a cornerstone of good corporate governance essential to the success of an organisation, as recognised by the UK Corporate Governance Code (or other sector-relevant codes of practice). The profession is overseen by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA), which sets out guidance and standards on how the profession should manage itself and deliver internal audit services for organisations. 

Checking an organisation's records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and reliable.

 

Keywords:

Accountancy
Audit
Business
Finance
Internal Audit Practitioner
Tax
Technican

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: IAPracs will understand the internal (operational transactions of the organisation/business area being audited) and external (political, commercial, economic, social, cultural, technological, legislative, environmental) environment of the organisation being audited.
K2: IAPracs will demonstrate an awareness of the characteristics of good corporate governance and risk management, and the role of Internal Audit, and will be able to assess the contribution they make to organisational effectiveness and assurance. IAPracs will be expected to work with IAProfs in the audit of more complex topics, e.g. culture, risk management, strategy, fraud prevention.
K3: IAPracs will have an understanding of their organisation’s strategy and success measures, and be cognisant of how their work contributes to the success of the function/organisation’s industry. They will also understand the risk and control implications of different organisational structures, business processes and IT Systems, and how these relate to specific audit work. IAPracs will know where to find relevant internal policy, processes and standards relevant to business area being audited and external regulation/legislation which might impact the organisation.
K4: IAPracs will know the different types of controls, management control techniques, and internal control framework characteristics (e.g. Committee Organisations Sponsoring Treadway Commission (COSO), International Standards Organisation (ISO), Control Objectives for Information & Related Technologies (COBIT)) used within their organisation and industry. IAPracs will demonstrate an understanding of how to apply internal auditing methodologies and standards throughout all stages of an internal audit assignment and will contribute to changes/updates to the Internal Audit manual based on internal audits undertaken and on an appreciation of what is and isn’t working for the organisation.

S1: IAPracs will build sustainable relationships based on trust and respect, within their function and with stakeholders, on an audit by audit basis. This will drive two-way communication with the business being audited to inform the audit plan, support plan changes and aid Internal Audit’s understanding of the risk profile of the business, how the policy, processes and standards in an organisation are being applied by the business as detailed during process mapping, i.e. the walkthrough process.
S2: IAPracs will communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing. IAPracs will adapt their communication style to suit different situations. IAPracs will promote open communication, demonstrating the ability to apply appropriate interview techniques during delivery of their audit work and effectively articulating findings to IAProfs. IAPracs will be able to effectively contribute to meetings.
S3: IAPracs will collaborate effectively with other audit colleagues to gain understanding and insights to inform audits and gather data to deliver results, and will be team players.
S4: With guidance, IAPracs will select and use tools/techniques to obtain relevant data/information for specific audit assignments. IAPracs will apply sampling, data analysis and other statistical techniques to analyse and assess data and draw preliminary conclusions.
S5: IAPracs will manage their time effectively to deliver high quality work within appropriate timelines to deliver their audit assignments and other work requirements.
S6: IAPracs will be proficient in the use appropriate business systems and software e.g. sending emails, using word processing and spreadsheet software, documenting workpapers using organisation’s appropriate audit systems etc.

B1: IAPracs will act with integrity to their profession and the ethical code of conduct of their organisation/auditee, will demonstrate organisational values in how they work, and will demonstrate confidentiality, independence and objectivity.
B2: IAPracs will add value to the organisation/department they are auditing by proactively sharing issues identified during the course of their audit work with their line manager. IAPracs will support the continuous improvement of the risk and control environment of the organisation/business being audited by suggesting new ideas.
B3: IAPracs will take responsibility for their own professional development by seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
B4: IAPracs will demonstrate drive and energy to get the job done and an open mindset in all their audit work, able to adapt in changing circumstances.
B5: IAPracs will demonstrate an attitude that includes a questioning mind and being alert to conditions that may indicate possible misstatement of information due to error or fraud. IAPracs will be able to speak out courageously in their own organisation.

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

Technical Occupations

Levels 2-3

Higher Technical Occupations

Levels 4-5

Professional Occupations

Levels 6-7

This is the focused occupation.
Progression link from focused occupation.

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