SHEroes Beyond Internal Audit

Ride the Wave: How to Stay Cool and Current in a Rapidly Changing World

By:

Maria (Ria) Pretorius

03 Apr 20241 min read

One of the biggest challenges for Internal Auditors is how to stay relevant and continue making a contribution to your organization in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. As new technologies, regulations, and industry trends emerge, internal auditors must continuously adapt and enhance their skills to remain effective in their roles.

In this blog

Based on my experience here are some strategies that internal auditors can implement to stay relevant:

Continuous learning

Internal auditors should prioritize ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes. Pursuing relevant certifications, attending training programs, and participating in workshops can help enhance skills and knowledge.

Embrace technology
With the increasing use of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation in auditing processes, internal auditors should be comfortable with technology and willing to embrace new tools and software. Developing proficiency in data analysis and IT auditing can help internal auditors stay ahead of the curve.

Stay informed

Internal auditors should stay informed about industry news, regulatory updates, and emerging risks that may impact their organizations. Subscribing to relevant publications, attending industry conferences, and participating in professional networks can help internal auditors stay informed and proactive in their roles.

Build relationships

Developing strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and industry peers can provide valuable insights and support for internal auditors. Collaborating with others, seeking feedback from clients, and networking with industry professionals can help internal auditors gain diverse perspectives and stay connected to the broader business environment.

Adapt to change

Internal auditors should be adaptable and flexible in response to changing business needs and priorities. Being open to new challenges, taking on diverse assignments, and seeking growth opportunities can help internal auditors stay relevant and valuable to their organizations.

Demonstrate value

Internal auditors should focus on delivering high-quality audits that provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve business processes and mitigate risks. Demonstrating the value of internal auditing through tangible results and measurable impact can help internal auditors establish credibility and relevance within their organizations.

Seek feedback

Internal auditors should actively seek feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and clients to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Constructive feedback can help internal auditors enhance their skills, address weaknesses, and continuously improve their performance.