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By Scott Dawson
Table of Contents
Through this informative guide, we’ll walk you through the role details, qualifications, training
The internal auditor role is normally staffed by a number of experienced employees from throughout the
organization. The purpose of the internal audit is to confirm that the company’s documentation meets
requirements (e.g. ISO9000, OSHA, etc.) and that day-to-day operations follow the documentation. So,
An advisor
A reporter of fact
As the auditor serves in this role, he/she must be careful to bring an objective, professional perspective to
An inquisitor
Dishonest
A policeman
An inspector of products
Selection of candidates for the role of internal auditor should be made based on several factors:
Personal Interest
Qualifications
Specific minimum qualifications that should guide the selection of auditors include:
Education
Demonstrated competence in clear and fluent oral communications and in written concepts and
ideas.
Experience
Personal Qualities
Communication skills
Tactfulness
Flexibility
Persistence
Objectivity
Integrity
Personal Attributes
Sound judgment
Auditor Training
There’s more to becoming an auditor than having an interest in the field and the right qualities for the job
— though these characteristics are undoubtedly important. To earn an ISO 9001 auditor position, you
must have the necessary education, go through extensive training, and acquire the proper certifications
Audit management and auditing skills such as planning, organizing, communicating and directing.
Education
Most auditor positions require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as
finance, accounting, business, economics, or data analytics. Typically, an accounting degree is preferred,
as this major equips students with the educational qualifications necessary to earn their Certified Public
Accounting programs teach individuals accounting and bookkeeping methods, along with how to apply
economic theories to businesses and financial systems. An accounting degree also ensures students can
handle statistics and perform the mathematical operations necessary for accounting processes.
Though a bachelor’s degree is standard, some employers prefer applicants to have a master’s degree in
accounting or business administration with a focus on accounting to give them more advanced
Training
Though not required, many people pursuing a career as an ISO 9001 auditor will attain an internship that
allows them to achieve practical, hands-on experience in the field. This experience gives these individuals
a sense of what ISO internal audits entail and provides a feel for whether the profession is a good fit for
them. Internships also give students the chance to network with other professionals and get noticed by
potential employers.
Once hired, all auditors must go through a training phase where a certified professional supervises them
as they learn the job’s responsibilities. Trainees will also work alongside an experienced employee who
can give them personalized guidance as they navigate their everyday tasks. The length of this training
varies by the accounting firm and specific auditing position — for example, an internal auditor vs. lead
CPA Certification
Though having a Certified Public Accounting license isn’t always necessary to start a career in auditing,
most firms require their employees to obtain this certification. To earn your CPA license, you must
complete at least 150 hours of relevant academic coursework and pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This
four-part test includes a mixture of multiple-choice and simulation questions covering the areas of:
Auditing and attestation.
Regulation.
You can take all four sections at once or in segments, but you must pass them within 18 months of
Obtain and assess objective evidence fairly.
Treat concerned personnel in a way that will best achieve the audit purpose.
Remain true to a conclusion despite pressure to change that is not based on evidence.
Auditor Selection
The selection of appropriate individuals to invest the training and time commitment should consider
matching personal qualifications with an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the auditor.
Another important factor to consider is that the audit team must consist of individuals from a variety of
functions. This supports the requirement that auditors must not audit their own function or department in
“…selection of auditors and conduct of audits shall ensure objectivity and impartiality of the audit process.
Auditors shall not audit their own work.” (ref. 8.2.2, ISO9000).
Becoming an Internal Auditor
Internal auditors conduct assessments to verify a company’s documentation meets ISO 9001
requirements. If you’re interested in conducting ISO internal audits, you must first gain the proper skills,
qualifications and training to earn an auditing position, including the necessary education, experience,
and personal attributes. With so many ISO auditor responsibilities, it’s vital to know the ins and outs of this
For ISO auditing services from expert consultants who care, choose Core Business Solutions. We’re
committed to helping small businesses succeed by implementing management systems that embrace
ISO 9001 Cl 5 2 Th Q li P li
ISO C li C ifi i
5 5 2 M R i ISO E l i d
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