Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors to update qualifications to reflect profession’s global outlook
10 April 2015
The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is to update the range of qualifications it offers, to bring them into line with the profession’s increasingly strategic role and global outlook.
The IIA says that it will adopt the IIA Global suite of certifications from June this year: The suite comprises two key elements: The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, which develops and assesses practitioner skills; and the new Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL). The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors worked with the Global IIA to develop this qualification, which offers experienced heads of internal audit the opportunity to gain recognition for their leadership skills and gain Chartered status in the UK and Ireland.
A three year transition programme will enable those currently studying to switch their studies to the new qualifications and for existing qualification holders to add the new designations.
Dr Ian Peters, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, comments: “By embracing the global qualifications model, we are playing a key part in the development of internal audit’s role and scope, helping to influence and lead discussion and shape best practice.”
“Internal auditing is now a global profession, as organisations operate in increasingly internationalised and co-dependent markets around the world. This often requires internal auditors to work across borders to consistent standards.. In this context, internal audit is playing an increasingly strategic role within organisations.”
“So it’s vital that as the demands and expectations on internal auditors grow as a result, and recognition of the value of the profession increases, we are providing qualifications which are globally recognised and which equip practitioners with all the skills they need to help their employers meet today’s challenges.”
Nature of demand for training and qualifications is evolving
Dr Peters says: “We have also seen the specific training needs of employers and internal auditors in all sectors change. Organisations know that internal auditors gain valuable insight and transferable skills, so often a period in internal audit is now a key part of an individual’s career progression..
“That means that the requirement is now for qualifications that are cost effective, andflexibly delivered,helping to ensure that internal audit teams can have the right resources with the right skills, at the right time.”
He adds, “At the same time, as heads of internal audit are moving into a more strategic position within their organisations, leadership as well as technical skills are essential.
“While the profession is gaining in credibility and status, it is also being expected to do more with less. More and more we are seeing that new capabilities, particularly “soft skills” such as communication and people management skills, as well as problem solving ability, sector knowledge and the expertise to get to grips with IT tools and techniques, are required.
“The [new] advanced Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership will focus on preparing internal auditors for this increasingly diverse and challenging remit.”
The institute is contacting all qualified and studying members to explain how the changes affect them and has published detailed information on its website.
