Institute of Internal Auditors

The stated mission of The Institute of Internal Auditors is to provide "dynamic leadership" for the global profession of internal auditing. This includes:

• Advocating and promoting the value that internal audit professionals add to their organizations;

• Providing comprehensive professional education and development opportunities; standards and other professional practice guidance; and certification programs;

• Researching, disseminating, and promoting to practitioners and stakeholders knowledge concerning internal auditing and its appropriate role in control, risk management, and governance;

• Educating practitioners and other relevant audiences on best practices in internal auditing;

• Bringing together internal auditors from all countries to share information and experiences.

The critical role of the IIA in establishing a corporate conscience for internal auditors has been explored by Kapoor and Brozzetti in the CPA Journal.[2]

The IIA’s annual report, Pulse of Internal Audit is based on a survey of over 500 internal audit executives and identifies key risk areas.[3] In 2019, those risk areas were[3]:

• Cybersecurity and data protection
• Third-party risks
• Emerging and atypical risks
• Board and management activity

Established in 1941 [4] , the IIA today serves more than 200,000 members [5] from more than 170 countries and territories. IIA's global headquarters are in Lake Mary, FL, United States. Richard Chambers is the President and CEO.[6][7] Chambers succeeded David A. Richards, CIA, who retired in 2004. Previously, Chambers was IIA vice president of the Learning Center from 2001 to mid-2004.[8]

The CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is the primary professional designation offered by The IIA. The CIA designation is a globally recognized certification for internal auditors and is a standard by which individuals may demonstrate their competency and professionalism in the internal audit field. In order to become a certified internal auditor, candidates must possess a four-year degree from an accredited institution as well as pass all three parts of the CIA exam.[9]

Earning the CIA certification is intended to demonstrate a professional knowledge of the internal audit profession. CIAs are required to take continuing education courses.

Many CIAs today are senior internal audit managers, Vice Presidents, Directors and Chief Audit Executives in top global MNC companies driving internal audit functions in their respective companies. The first CIA exam was given in 1974. Through December 31 2019, over 165,000 CIAs have been awarded.[10]

Internal Auditors who take and pass the CIA Part One exam can earn the designation of Internal Audit Practitioner.[11] In 2019, the IIA announced it would be changing the Internal Audit Practitioner program.[11] The program changes include a new exam and waiving of the educational requirement for active Internal Audit Practitioner designation holders applying for the CIA program.[11] The changes go into effect in 2020.[11]

In 2019, the IIA announced plans to change its Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) program.[11] The CRMA changes go into effect in October 2020, and will include a new exam and updated prerequisites and experience requirements.[11]

• Certification in Control Self Assessment (CCSA)
• Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), for Government performance auditing and Government Auditors
• Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)
• Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL)

The IIA has two levels of professional guidances: (1) Mandatory Guidance (including the Standards) and (2) Strongly Recommended Guidance. The two levels of guidance constitute the IIA's International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

The Internal Audit Foundation is a not-for profit organization that promotes and advances the value of the internal audit profession globally. It supports research, grants and awards, and promotes internal auditing study at post-secondary institutions world wide.

In December 2019, the IIA announced the results from its inaugural American Corporate Governance Index (ACGI).[15] The ACGI is a joint project of the IIA and the Neel Corporate Governance Center at the University of Tennessee, and grades companies on eight Guiding Principles of Corporate Governance.[16] The principles were compiled from guidance and principles from organizations like the Business Roundtable, National Association of Corporate Directors, and New York Stock Exchange. Scores were based on the survey responses of 128 chief audit executives.[15][17] The criteria included: board performance, external disclosures, company wide communication, corporate culture, and long-term strategies.[18] The first report graded U.S. publicly listed companies overall with a C+.[15][16]

• Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
• External audit, External auditor, Certified Public Accountant, and AICPA
• Internal Audit, Director of audit, Comptroller General, Inspector General
• Internal Control, Controller

• The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - and The IIA's Code of Ethics
• Internal Audit Foundation
• New York State Internal Control Association
• Essays on Common Sense Management regarding Internal Control
• Internal Audit Training Courses across EMEA
• The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors