Starting out in internal audit is both exciting and overwhelming. Here’s how to set new auditors up for success.
Internal Audit is a field for people who love to learn, and there’s plenty of good information from the IIA, MISTI, and other organizations for practitioners who want to advance their careers. But what about the folks who are entirely new to the profession? How do they begin to swim in a vast sea of professional guidance? Read on to learn how to onboard a new internal auditor.
Onspring for Internal Audit
Auditors often describe their early careers as a mix of excitement and trial by fire. The work can be challenging, confusing, and at times intimidating. To help new auditors build confidence and stay engaged, many leaders emphasize four essentials for onboarding: the 4 E’s.
1) Education
Auditors are meant to help companies thrive, not play “gotcha” when mistakes happen, and often, new hires are pushed into fault-finding projects without understanding the bigger mission.
Leaders should define and communicate the purpose of internal audit, the nature of client interactions, and how value is delivered. That clarity helps new auditors see themselves as contributors, not enforcers.
2) Experience
Every new hire brings a different background. Some need more grounding in audit methods, while others need to learn the organization’s structure, processes, and business model.
Assuming prior experience will transfer smoothly is risky. Appropriate training and gradual responsibility ensure that auditors grow into their roles without unnecessary frustration.
3) Expectations
Clear expectations reduce stress and build trust. New auditors should know what success looks like from the start rather than just at project close.
Set milestones for 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year on the job, and include mid-project check-ins. This gives people a chance to measure progress and adjust before formal evaluations.
4) Exposure
Variety keeps auditors engaged. Simple projects like time and expense reviews are useful, but they should not become the default.
Give new auditors exposure to increasingly complex audits and value-adding services. Progression keeps them challenged and motivated, while broadening their understanding of the organization.
The 4 E’s – education, experience, expectations, and exposure – offer a strong foundation for onboarding new internal auditors. Whether you are beginning your career or developing the next generation of talent, these essentials help auditors grow into confident, value-driven professionals.
Empower your new auditor with Onspring. Onspring’s Internal Audit Solution allows teams to plan ahead with transparent project staffing, fieldwork, and reporting. When the time comes, auditors can manage activities, evidence, and analytics all in one place, building audit trails for visibility and actionable insights. Ask us anything about our platform today.
