Internal auditor interview questions
List of interview questions
- What is your process for conducting an internal audit?
- What risk management procedures would you implement if your company were exposed to a major risk?
- What would you do if someone asked you to do something unethical, like covering up a fraud?
- What is the most difficult operational issue you have had to deal with?
- How do you handle discrepancies between financial records?
- How do you reduce the risk of error in your audits?
- What is your process for developing an audit plan?
An internal auditor is an important position that ensures a company’s compliance with government rules and regulations. Part of the job involves preventing risks and solving problems in a timely manner.
If you are looking to hire or outsource an internal auditor, consider these interview questions to help find the best candidate.
Interview questions for an internal auditor
You may refer to this list of sample interview questions when looking for an internal auditor.
1. What is your process for conducting an internal audit?
A good internal auditor must have a clear, well-planned process when conducting audits. This question assesses the candidates’ understanding of the audit process and their ability to plan and execute audits effectively.
Listen to the active steps your candidate takes when auditing. The more well-defined their process is, the better.
2. What risk management procedures would you implement if your company were exposed to a major risk?
This question gives insight into the interviewees’ understanding of risk management and their ability to respond to urgent situations.
They should demonstrate an ability to analyze and prioritize risks, develop appropriate response strategies, and communicate with relevant stakeholders.
3. What would you do if someone asked you to do something unethical, like covering up a fraud?
Internal auditors are objective and act ethically. This question assesses their integrity when faced with a dishonest or unethical action.
You want a candidate who displays strong ethical behavior and adherence to professional standards. As a follow-up, you can ask about ways to prevent such rule violations.
4. What is the most difficult operational issue you have had to deal with?
This question looks into the potential hire’s experience with difficult situations. An ideal applicant showcases resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities.
Listen to how candidates approached the situation. Pay attention to how methodical or rational they were in coming up with a solution.
5. How do you handle discrepancies between records?
Internal auditors must have a keen eye for errors, so they must be able to spot and deal with discrepancies in any type of record.
Ask about your interviewees’ systematic approach to handling errors or inaccuracies. You can follow up by asking how they can prevent such errors in the future.
6. How do you reduce the risk of error in your audits?
Everyone in the company makes mistakes, even the internal auditor. The important thing is to be able to reduce such mistakes so that they do not happen again.
It is best to hire someone who learns from previous mistakes. Listen to your potential hire’s active efforts in reducing mistakes and improving accuracy.
Furthermore, applicants should display a clear understanding of professional skepticism whenever they see a discrepancy.
7. What is your process for developing an audit plan?
A good internal auditor must be able to create a comprehensive audit plan that addresses key objectives and possible risks.
You want someone who has a strong knowledge of company goals, risk management, and compliance. Additionally, a strong candidate should emphasize flexibility to adjust the plan as needed.
Finding the best internal auditor
There are a lot more questions you can ask an internal auditor candidate. Remember to ask the right ones that give you helpful information on their skills.
Feel free to customize this internal auditor job description template, as it has all the necessary information to look for hiring.
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