(NAPSA)—For a growing number of people, a career as an internal auditoris adding up. Internal auditing provides assurance that an organization’s internal controls are in place, its governance processes are effective and efficient, and organizational goals and objectives are met. The internal audit profession is growing faster than ever, according to The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a global professional association for internal auditors. Experts point to a renewed focus on protecting stakeholder interests as spurring the creation of a record number of jobs for internal auditors, higher salaries for internal audit practitioners, and an enhanced perception of internal auditing’s true value. Common misconceptions of what internal auditors do include negative stereotypes such as “the financial police” and “the IRS,” when in actuality, internal auditors are business generalists who specialize in efficiency and effectiveness for the good of the organization. Says ITA Chief Advocacy Officer Dominique Vincenti, CIA, “The global business community is starting to understand that internal auditors serve as a safety net and sounding board for management and the board.” According to Vincenti, not only do internal auditors bring improprieties to light, but they also add value by examining and assessing ae ; -* ‘ Cm J ae F bate . * 4 - J ug? “ we eeae : Mm A oe er : Se a a : = cs " t . . 77 ie Dominique Vincenti, Chief Advocacy Officer for The Institute of Internal Auditors. the organization’s strategic, opera- tional, information disclosure and compliance risks. According to a 2007 survey by Robert Half, Inc., an international recruiting and placement firm, internal auditing is one of the top five high-growth professions of the year. On average, salaries for internal auditors have increased by approximately 18 percent since 2004. To fill the projected need for internal auditors as baby boomers retire, The IIA is working with colleges and universities around the world to develop internal audit curriculum. To learn more about internal auditing and The Institute of Internal Auditors, visit www.ThelIlA.org.
