Description
Independently evaluate and improve internal controls, risk management, and governance by examining and testing financial, operational, and IT processes; analyze records and systems, report findings to management, and recommend control and process improvements to ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and efficient use of resources.
- • Plan, scope, and execute risk-based internal audits across financial, operational, and compliance areas.
- • Prepare clear, detailed audit reports with findings, root causes, risk ratings, and actionable recommendations.
- • Present audit results to management and the audit committee, and track management responses.
- • Collect and analyze data to identify deficient controls, duplication, waste, fraud, or noncompliance with laws and policies.
- • Inspect accounting records and processes for efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to GAAP and company policies.
- • Evaluate financial and IT systems, recommending controls to ensure reliability, security, and data integrity.
- • Perform walkthroughs and develop audit programs, test plans, and sampling strategies.
- • Test key internal controls, including SOX 404 controls, and document workpapers per professional standards.
- • Examine cash handling, receivables, payables, and bank reconciliations to confirm records are accurate.
- • Observe inventory counts and test inventory valuation and recording.
- • Interview employees and review procedures to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- • Review account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
- • Assess segregation of duties, access controls, and change management practices.
- • Conduct pre-implementation and post-implementation reviews of new systems, processes, and projects.
- • Use data analytics to profile transactions, detect anomalies, and support continuous auditing.
- • Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of recordkeeping and accounting systems and advise on improvements.
- • Assess the budgeting, forecasting, and cost control processes and compare budgeted to actual results.
- • Review financial reporting processes and disclosures for accuracy, completeness, and timely reporting.
- • Audit payroll and HR processes for accuracy, eligibility, and compliance with tax and labor regulations.
- • Evaluate whether management activities align with organizational objectives and risk appetite.
- • Coordinate with external auditors and regulators to support examinations and reduce duplication of effort.
- • Lead, mentor, and review the work of internal audit staff and co-sourced providers.
- • Perform fraud risk assessments and support investigations of suspected misconduct.
- • Monitor remediation of audit findings and perform follow-up testing.
- • Develop the annual internal audit plan based on enterprise risk assessments.
- • Maintain independence and comply with IIA Standards and the internal audit charter.
- • Review and analyze data on assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenditures to assess risk and control impacts.
- • Advise management on control design, process improvements, and compliance requirements while preserving auditor objectivity.
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Financial Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
