Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations.

At its simplest, internal auditing involves identifying the risks that could keep an organization from achieving its goals, making sure the organization’s leaders know about these risks, and proactively recommending improvements to help reduce the risks.

Many professions enjoy an inherently universal understanding of their value. Most people understand the role of a doctor, for example, so a campaign designed to build awareness of what doctors do is generally not necessary. Unfortunately, this may not be true for the internal audit profession. In fact, even internal auditors’ close friends and family don’t understand exactly what an internal auditor does.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) supports efforts to raise awareness of the internal audit profession and its value. The aim is not only to dispel misperceptions of the profession, but also to enhance the business community’s knowledge of the essential role internal auditing plays in strong organizational governance, internal control, and effective risk management. When management and boards of directors come to fully appreciate the value of internal auditing, they ensure the internal audit activity is adequately sourced and effectively utilized. Similarly, as the general public becomes more familiar with what internal auditors do, the number of individuals who consider it a viable career option rises, fueling the profession with greater talent.