What is a certified internal auditor?

Answer 1

A certified internal auditor is an internal auditor who has passed a specific test that proves their quality and understanding of the work they do. Internal auditors who want to advance their careers to the next level should consider taking the certification exam to become a certified internal auditor.

General Job Description

Internal auditors are quality control managers. They can work as staff members for companies or they can be called in on an as-needed basis. Their job is to analyze the productivity and financial organization of a business and report their findings to upper management. A certified internal auditor considers every aspect of an organization’s production and bookkeeping methods and creates a consolidated outline of how the operations are really being handled. They also provide suggestions for areas that could use improvement. Internal auditors are the best defense against poor performance or low quality goods and services.

Education and Training Requirements

The education required to become an internal auditor depends somewhat on what area of business the auditor intends to work in. Most auditors study economics and finance at a four-year college or university before they go into audit work. This prepares them for the in-depth financial analysis work that they will probably end up doing as a major part of their job. To become a certified internal auditor, you need to successfully pass a specific certification exam. You can find training for the exam through vocational schools and community colleges nationwide. There are also online based programs that will prepare you for the certified internal auditor exam.

Typical Salary

The salaries for certified internal auditors have been rising sharply in recent years. Individuals who pass the certification exam can expect to earn up to $100,000 annually. That figure can rise depending on the field that the auditor works in. Technology auditing is growing substantially, which is driving up the salaries of certified internal auditors who are proficient in auditing technology based companies. Financial auditors are also enjoying a growing demand. Certified internal auditors who work for large corporations can expect to make as much as $200,000 on average, depending on their experience, certification level, and the type of auditing they perform.

Answer 2

A certified internal auditor (CIA) is an individual who has met the requirements for certification as established by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).