Businesses should always be open to hearing about new ways in which they can improve on what they already have within their operation; helping them unlock their full potential. However, regardless of whether the suggestion aims to make a certain process more efficient or cost-effective to run, it’s imperative to gain the advice from someone with experience and knowledge in the particular line of work.
That’s why companies hire internal auditors to evaluate the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the processes that are critical to meeting their strategic objectives. These professionals are required to examine, monitor and analyse activities related to the business’ structure, and – like in most professions – there is a certain set of skills that can aid them in their work.
1. Personable
Part of the role of an internal auditor is to cultivate trust and respect with other professionals around the business. Regardless of who’s delivering the advice, hearing that a certain process – one that’s been used for years – could be hindering an entire operation is never easy to digest. That’s why the assessor must strive to build productive, highly collaborative and deep relationships with the people they’re working with.
Making an effort in this area should encourage the business to embrace the internal audit’s consultative role and understand how their suggestions for improvement can benefit the company as a whole.
2. Inquisitive
When it comes to non-technical skills, most companies will look for an auditor that refuses to accept a surface explanation. Having a passion for discovery and education will help the auditor conduct a thorough assessment of the organisation, while the company should acknowledge the benefit of having every inch of their operation covered. Therefore, businesses must find an auditor who has a knack for remaining inquisitive in environments that change on a frequent basis.
3. Good communications
Good written and verbal communications are vital in most professions, but perhaps more so in the role of an internal auditor. Employees and their employers will struggle to take on instruction unless it’s been made perfectly clear what the new suggestions will entail. Without a complete evaluation of the process and a detailed description of the new way of working, business owners cannot be expected to warm and adhere to the advice.
4. Integrity
Integrity is critical to establishing and maintaining an auditor’s reputation as a professional. Experts in this field should pride themselves on being consistently honest and forthright during the interactions with company employees; allowing them to build strong working relationships across the organisation.
5. Commitment
Being committed to a company involves so much more than just being there for the duration of the assessment. A good auditor will become immersed in the business and their chosen industry, learning all the ins and outs to ensure that what they’re putting forward will benefit them in the long term. Every company has a unique way of going about their business, which means ‘tried and tested’ suggestions for optimising performance cannot be applied to all. The professional and their company must understand everything about the business they’re working with to offer even the most basic level of input.
