CIA 1.7: Internal Audit Ethics - Competency

Question 1

Internal auditors shall:

Answer 1

4. 1. Shall engage only in those services for which they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.
5. 2. Shall perform internal audit services in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
6. 3. Shall continually improve their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their services.

Question 2

How is conformance with competency demonstrated?

Answer 2

“The CAE may demonstrate a culture supportive of competency and the continual improvement of proficiency, effectiveness, and quality through evidence that:

i. Engagements have been properly resourced and supervised.
ii. Feedback has been solicited from internal audit stakeholders and sufficiently considered.
iii. Performance reviews of internal auditors have been conducted regularly.
iv. Opportunities for training, mentoring, and professional education have been provided.
v. A quality assurance and improvement program is active.
vi. Internal audit services are performed in conformance with the IPPF’s Mandatory Guidance.”

“The knowledge, skills, and experience of individual internal auditors may be evidenced, in part, through credentialed qualifications, such as university degrees and certifications, and relevant work history as detailed on the internal auditor’s resume, which the CAE and/or the organization’s human resources department should have on file.”

“Additionally, internal auditors may maintain documentation of a skills self-assessment, a plan for professional development, and the completion of continuing professional education/development courses or trainings.”

“Internal auditors also may provide evidence of experiences undertaken — such as specific work assignments (i.e., on-the-job training) or volunteering in professional organizations — to expand their competencies. Pursuing and completing professional education, whether new certifications or continuing professional education, further evidences an internal auditor’s commitment to continually improving their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their services.”