“How do internal and external auditors differ and how should they relate?” Although they remain independent of the activities they audit, internal auditors are integral to the organization by providing continuous monitoring and assessment of all activities. External auditors, however, are entirely independent of the organization. They strictly assess an annual opinion on its financial...Read More

Question: Just what is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and how has it increased the demand of internal auditors? Answer: The U.S. federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act was created to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. The act covers issues such as establishing a public company accounting oversight board, auditor independence, corporate responsibility and...Read More

Sometimes I hear the phrases “research foundation” and “The IIA” mentioned in the same sentence. Can you explain the relationship between these seemingly unrelated entities? The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) was founded in 1976 by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The IIA formed the foundation as a tax-exempt corporation to provide...Read More

Question: My friends and family ask me for a definition of internal auditing. Unfortunately, my explanations tend to be too long and technical. Can you give me a brief yet accurate answer to that question? Once they understand the career field I would like to enter, they may lend more support toward my goal of...Read More