Internal Audit Manager Job Description & Profile

Internal Audit Manager Job Description & Profile

An internal audit manager is a senior professional responsible for overseeing internal audit activities within an organisation. Their primary role is to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes to ensure that the organisation operates efficiently, complies with regulations, and mitigates risks effectively.Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

As organisations grow in complexity, the need for robust internal auditing becomes increasingly critical. The Internal Audit Manager plays a crucial role in identifying weaknesses, providing strategic insights, and recommending improvements that enhance business operations and protect assets.

Key Responsibilities of an Internal Audit Manager

The responsibilities of an internal audit manager vary depending on the size, structure, and industry of the organisation, but typically include:

• Developing and managing internal audit plans based on organisational objectives and risk assessments.

• Leading and mentoring internal audit teams, providing technical guidance, and supporting professional development.

• Conducting audits of financial, operational, compliance, and IT processes.

• Identifying control weaknesses and risks and proposing effective, actionable recommendations.

• Presenting audit findings to senior management and audit committees, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), J-SOX, or other applicable standards.

• Collaborating with external auditors and regulatory bodies as required.

Internal Audit Managers must strike a balance between maintaining independence and working closely with various departments to improve systems and controls.

Essential Skills and Competencies

To succeed as an internal audit manager, professionals require a blend of technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Key skills include:

• Risk assessment and internal controls expertise

• Regulatory compliance knowledge (e.g., SOX, IFRS, local legislation)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Project and team management abilities

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

• Proficiency with auditing software and data analytics tools (such as SAP, Oracle, ACL, Power BI, TeamMate)

As technology continues to influence the audit landscape, familiarity with data analytics, cyber risk, and automation is increasingly valuable.

Typical Career Path and Progression

Many internal audit managers start their careers as internal auditors or external auditors within professional services firms, particularly the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), before moving into industry roles.

A typical progression might look like this:

• Junior/Internal Auditor

• Senior Internal Auditor

• Internal Audit Manager

• Head of Internal Audit/Chief Audit Executive

• Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Compliance Director / CFO (in some cases)

Internal Audit can also serve as a stepping stone to broader roles in finance, risk, compliance, and corporate governance.

Qualifications and Certifications

Most internal audit managers hold degrees in disciplines such as:

• Accounting

• Finance

• Business Administration

• Economics

In addition, professional certifications are highly valued and often required, including:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

• Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA)

• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)

• CISA (for IT audit roles)

Ongoing professional development is crucial for staying current with regulatory changes and emerging risks.

Final Thoughts

The role of the internal audit manager is central to fostering good governance, risk management, and organisational integrity. It is a dynamic position that offers exposure to all areas of a business and is well-suited to individuals who are analytical, curious, and strategic.

As organisations face increasing regulatory scrutiny and emerging risks—from cybersecurity to ESG—internal audit managers will continue to be essential in helping businesses navigate uncertainty and maintain operational resilience.

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