IIA updates qualifications as profession goes global

THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS (IIA) is to update its qualifications to reflect the profession’s increasingly global stance.

From June 2015, the organisation will adopt the IIA Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, which develops and assesses practitioner skills and the new Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL).

The IIA worked with the global IIA to develop the offering, which provides experienced heads of internal audit with the opportunity to gain recognition for their leadership skills and gain chartered status in the UK and Ireland.

Ian Peters, IIA chief executive said: “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.

“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.”

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.

The institute is contacting all qualified and studying members to explain how the changes affect them and has published detailed information on its website.