A career path for the internal auditor

A well-structured and technically grounded career path is integral to every profession. From entry level to the highest designation, the IIA SA provides internal auditors with the support and opportunities to develop to their fullest potential.

The designations are founded on the international Competency Framework for Internal Auditing and have been registered with the South African Qualifications Authority. Designations are the official recognition by a professional body of the abilities of an internal auditor - 'badges' of competence and integrity.

All candidates applying for designations or to write examinations are required to be members of the IIA SA.

Accreditation

To achieve the following two designations, members can apply either to be accredited by the IIA SA or to complete a learnership program.

• The Internal Audit Technician (IAT (SA)) - This is the entry-level designation and indicates that an IAT (SA) should be able to perform routine audit tasks, execute audit programmes, prepare work papers and draft audit findings. As a guideline, IAT (SA)s must have completed two years of a relevant degree or diploma, and have at least two years of internal auditing or related experience.
• The General Internal Auditor (GIA (SA)) - This is the next step in the career path. The GIA is a supervisory level designation, and those who have undergone education and training in the knowledge fields of internal auditing, accounting, business management and other related subjects can apply for accreditation. A GIA (SA) should be able to perform some senior and supervisory tasks, and conduct multiple audit duties. These include budgeting, planning, audit program preparation, scheduling, staff monitoring, completion of special projects with little supervision, and preparation of audit reports. As a guideline, GIA (SA)s must have completed at least a relevant three-year degree or diploma, as well as have a minimum of three years' experience in internal auditing or a related field.

Learnerships

A learnership (an 'apprenticeship' in internal auditing) is a work-based learning program, which usually consists of two elements:

• an education (academic) component provided by the IIA SA, which consists of several days' focused instruction spread over time to ensure minimum disruption of normal working hours, and
• a training component (workplace implementation of principles learned). Supervisors/mentors in the workplace complete a logbook and gather evidence of competence.

The IIA SA provides trained assessors to monitor and ensure quality in the process.

Upon completion, a designation is awarded.

The benefits of a learnership program to employers are significant. In addition to having improved skills in the workplace, there are various financial benefits that more than compensate for the cost per individual learner. These include tax incentives and recoupment of skills levies.

For more information please e-mail learnerships@iiasa.org.za.

The Institute also initiates and fosters cooperation and collaboration with academic institutions offering degrees and diplomas in internal auditing so as to promote and sustain excellence, and quality and growth of the internal auditing profession and practice.