Senior Internal Auditor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of corporate governance, the focus on Senior Internal Auditors has never been stronger.

As businesses continue to evolve and regulatory landscapes change, the demand for experienced minds who can scrutinize, optimize, and safeguard our financial and operational integrity grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Senior Internal Auditor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of internal auditing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Senior Internal Auditor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Senior Internal Auditor Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Internal Auditors are tasked with a strategic role in ensuring company’s compliance with regulations and internal procedures.

Their duties often involve verifying the effectiveness of internal controls, accuracy of financial records, and efficiency of operations.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Senior Internal Auditor may include:

• Planning and performing financial and operational audits to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Identifying and assessing areas of significant business risk.
• Preparing and presenting audit findings and recommendations to management.
• Working closely with management to develop action plans and monitor progress.
• Developing, implementing and maintaining internal audit procedures and methodologies.
• Assisting in the investigation of suspected fraudulent activities within the organization and recommending appropriate action.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the internal controls and make recommendations for improvements.
• Coordinating with external auditors to ensure proper audit coverage and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Maintaining updated knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry best practices and ensure the organization’s adherence to these.
• Providing guidance and support to junior auditors and other staff as needed.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Internal Auditor to assess, analyze and evaluate our internal business processes.

The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for performing and supervising audits, preparing reports, recommending improvements and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in auditing and financial analysis, with the ability to work well under pressure.

The role requires critical thinking, good communication skills, and attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute internal audits and manage audit team to ensure that all business process are performed correctly.
• Analyze and evaluate accounting documents, preparing reports that reflect audit results and document the process.
• Identify and assess areas of significant business risk, internal controls and corporate governance processes.
• Collaborate with management to develop acceptable solutions to mitigate identified risk.
• Conduct follow-up audits to monitor management’s interventions and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Engage to continuous knowledge development regarding sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques and performance standards.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Internal Auditor or Senior Auditor.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, accounting software and databases.
• High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills.
• Knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations.
• CPA or CIA certification is strongly desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; master’s degree preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Senior Internal Auditor
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel to other company locations. Some remote work may be allowed.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Internal Auditor or Audit Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What does a Senior Internal Auditor do?

Senior Internal Auditors typically work for corporations across various industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, and more.

Their primary role is to ensure that a company’s operations comply with corporate policies, industry regulations, and applicable laws.

They plan and execute internal audits, which involves reviewing and evaluating a company’s financial and operational processes.

This includes assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, the accuracy of financial records, and the efficiency of operations.

Senior Internal Auditors also identify areas of risk within the organization and propose corrective measures to management.

They may work closely with other departments such as finance, risk management, and compliance to ensure that these measures are implemented effectively.

In addition to auditing, they are often responsible for training and supervising junior auditors, ensuring they adhere to internal audit procedures and standards.

Furthermore, they are tasked with reporting their findings to senior management or board of directors, highlighting any issues that need immediate attention.

They also make recommendations on how to improve internal controls and governance processes.

Senior Internal Auditors may also be involved in special investigations or ad-hoc projects requested by management, such as fraud investigations or due diligence for potential acquisitions.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Qualifications and Skills

A Senior Internal Auditor should possess a variety of skills and qualifications to effectively oversee and conduct internal audits within an organization, including:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and inefficiencies, scrutinize financial records, and make informed recommendations for improvements.
• Extensive knowledge of auditing standards, accounting principles, and business processes to conduct thorough audits and reviews.
• Proficiency in using auditing software and tools, as well as familiarity with information systems, for efficient data collection and analysis.
• Excellent communication skills to present findings, explain complex information to non-finance personnel, and liaise with various departments within the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines, demonstrating exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Detail-oriented nature to ensure all financial records are accurate and that all regulatory requirements are met.
• Leadership and team management skills to oversee and guide audit teams, ensuring that all tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Experience Requirements

For the role of a Senior Internal Auditor, candidates typically need at least 5 to 7 years of experience in the field of auditing.

This experience can be gained through various roles such as Junior Auditor or Internal Auditor within financial institutions, accounting firms, or corporates.

Candidates must have a proven track record of conducting internal audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and identifying and mitigating financial risks.

They must also possess extensive knowledge of audit procedures, including planning, techniques, test and sampling methods involved in performing audits.

Experience with auditing tools and software is also an essential requirement for the role.

Candidates should be proficient in using computer-assisted audit techniques and various accounting software.

Professionals with more than 7 years of experience often have experience in managing audit teams and overseeing complex audit projects.

These candidates are considered well-versed in setting audit scopes, developing audit plans, and preparing and presenting audit findings to senior management.

Additionally, certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of securing a senior position in internal auditing.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Education and Training Requirements

Senior Internal Auditors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.

The role often requires a sound understanding of business operations, financial processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.

As such, coursework or experience in business management, economics, and law can be beneficial.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer candidates with advanced qualifications such as a master’s degree in accounting or business administration.

Most Senior Internal Auditors also hold professional certifications.

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification is the most common, but others such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) may also be beneficial.

Several years of experience in auditing, accounting, or a related field is generally required for senior positions.

Some employers may also require experience in a leadership or management role.

Continuing education is important in this field as it keeps auditors up-to-date with changing regulations, standards, and best practices.

Hence, many Senior Internal Auditors participate in professional development courses and workshops throughout their career.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Salary Expectations

A Senior Internal Auditor makes an average of $85,680 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, industry, and the geographic location of the job.

 

Senior Internal Auditor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Senior Internal Auditor need?

Senior Internal Auditors need to have strong analytical skills to evaluate the effectiveness of controls, operations, and compliance with corporate policies.

They also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to present their findings to management and collaborate with various departments.

Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a high level of integrity are also crucial for this role.

Knowledge of auditing software and experience in data analysis is also beneficial.

 

Do Senior Internal Auditors need a degree?

Yes, a Senior Internal Auditor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Most employers also prefer candidates who are Certified Public Accountants (CPA) or have other relevant certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Some employers may require a master’s degree in business administration or accounting.

 

What should you look for in a Senior Internal Auditor’s resume?

You should look for a solid background in auditing, risk management, or financial analysis in a Senior Internal Auditor’s resume.

Experience in a leadership role or managing a team is also beneficial as the position often requires overseeing other auditors.

Certifications such as CPA, CIA, or CISA would indicate the candidate’s commitment to the profession.

The resume should also demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Senior Internal Auditor?

A good Senior Internal Auditor is highly analytical and detail-oriented, able to spot discrepancies in financial records and ensure compliance with regulations.

They must also be highly ethical and maintain confidentiality as they will be dealing with sensitive financial information.

Good communication skills are essential as they will need to relay complex financial information to non-financial staff and management.

They should also be independent and objective to ensure their audits are unbiased.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Senior Internal Auditor.

And here’s the thing:

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about ensuring financial integrity and promoting operational efficiency, one audit at a time.

With our comprehensive Senior Internal Auditor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously tailored job listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Remember:

Every audit is part of the larger financial framework.

Let’s ensure that integrity. Together.