As businesses respond to heavy regulatory pressures, demand for compliance, risk management and internal audit services is growing. This is clearly good news for internal auditors, including those with audit consulting experience. These five tips can help you to maximize the benefits of a favorable market for internal audit jobs.
1. Build up your certifications
Designations such as the certified internal auditor (CIA) and certified public accountant (CPA) can greatly enhance your career marketability. If you’ve already earned one or both of these, consider augmenting them with an additional credential, such as the certified information systems auditor (CISA) or an MBA.
Advanced certifications and degrees can increase your value to companies and land you a bump in starting salary. You may even be to secure your company’s help in attaining them.
2. Emphasize soft skills
In a white paper, Richard Chambers, president and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, detailed seven must-have nontechnical attributes:
- Integrity
- Relationship building
- Partnering
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Openness to diverse perspectives
- Commitment to continuous learning
Integrating these skills will help you adapt to the rapidly changing environment of audit jobs. And showcasing them will position you to take advantage of the growing demand for auditors.
3. Leverage your experience
As if broad regulatory compliance mandates weren't enough, many companies also are subject to rules particular to their industry. As a result, firms in some industries, such as financial services, place added emphasis on sector-specific experience.
4. Consider internal audit consulting
As an experienced internal auditor, you have a well-rounded perspective on the compliance and oversight needs of businesses. Why not put that expertise to work in audit consulting?
This type of work provides you greater scheduling flexibility, more diverse experience and the ability to strengthen your image as an industry thought leader. If you have experience as an audit consultant, companies value your expertise on complex projects, broad skill set and adaptability.
5. Know the value of your skills
As demand rises and recruiting challenges persist, employers are increasing compensation to attract and retain talented auditors and are more willing to negotiate salaries with top job candidates. Whether you’re preparing for a performance review, to ask for a raise or to look for a new opportunity, staying current on compensation trends for internal auditors will help you secure a salary commensurate with your skills and expertise.
Resources
Skills an Audit Manager Needs to Be a Successful Leader: Intensifying regulatory demands, evolving technology and other challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape are making it more important than ever for organizations to have a strong internal audit function — and skilled and experienced internal audit managers to lead it. Learn more in this post.
Premium Audit Jobs: 3 Career Tracks for Internal Auditors: Today's business dynamics are driving the need for more internal auditors, including those with specialized skill sets. See this post for a quick look at three premium audit jobs many employers are looking to fill — and the starting compensation gains internal auditors can expect to earn if they have the right experience.
Looking for internal audit jobs? Explore our site to find employment opportunities in your area.
