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How to Become A Certified Internal Auditor

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What is a Certified Internal Auditor

A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) helps protect an organisation’s financial health and makes sure it follows the rules. They check financial and work processes to ensure all rules are met. This career suits people who love numbers, problem-solving, and making a real impact. It combines finance, risk, and compliance in one active role.

CIAs do varied work every day. They run audits, write reports, and analyse data. They spot risks and suggest ways to fix them. This makes them vital to any well-run organisation.

Common tasks include risk checks, budget controls, and compliance reviews. CIAs work with teams across the business and report to senior management. Clear communication and attention to detail are very important. The ability to explain complex findings in plain language is a key skill.

The demand for CIAs in Australia is strong right now. The role offers good job security and clear paths to senior positions. Finance, public service, and professional services all need skilled internal auditors. If you enjoy focused, detail-driven work, this career is a great choice.

Career Outlook for Certified Internal Auditor

Internal auditing offers a stable career with moderate future demand across Australia. Around 6,000 Australians work in this role (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The workforce is 57% female, with a median age of 39. This reflects a well-balanced and experienced field.

Most internal auditors work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week. The full-time share is 85%, far above the national average of 64% (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). Weekly earnings are $2,046, or around $106,000 per year (Your Career, 2025). Pay grows with experience, skills, and career stage.

Internal auditors are found in finance, professional services, and public service. As organisations face tighter rules, skilled auditors stay in demand. The CIA badge is a strong career move. It opens doors in sectors where good governance and risk control are business priorities.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Certified Internal Auditor

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Complete a Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at an Australian university. This takes three years full-time. The course covers financial reporting, audit principles, tax, and management accounting. A bachelor’s degree is the standard entry point for the internal audit profession in Australia.

Step 2: Build Two Years of Relevant Work Experience

Gain at least 24 months of experience in internal auditing or a related field. This includes roles in accounting, finance, risk, or compliance. Entry-level roles in corporate, government, or professional services are all suitable. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) needs this experience before you can earn the CIA badge.

Step 3: Join IIA-Australia and Start CIA Exam Preparation

Register as a member of IIA-Australia at iia.org.au. Access their study materials, practice exams, and prep courses for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. The CIA exam has three parts: Essentials of Internal Auditing, Practice of Internal Auditing, and Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Most candidates take 12 to 18 months to prepare for all three parts.

Step 4: Pass All Three Parts of the CIA Exam

Sit and pass each of the three CIA exam parts through the IIA. You can sit each part on its own and in any order. Each part tests a different area of internal audit knowledge. After passing all three, you will receive the globally recognised CIA designation.

Step 5: Maintain Your Certification Through Annual Professional Development

Keep your CIA active by completing at least 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year. IIA-Australia offers training, events, and online courses to help you meet this need. Staying current with audit standards, rule changes, and new risks is vital throughout your career.

What does a Certified Internal Auditor do?

A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) runs audits and checks on financial and work processes every day. They gather and read data to assess cost structures, risk, and trading results. CIAs also design audit methods, set audit goals, and write reports for management and stakeholders. Their findings help organisations improve compliance and how they work.

Tasks

A Certified Internal Auditor helps organisations stay compliant and run efficiently. They do this by examining finances, assessing risk, and advising on improvements. The day-to-day tasks of a CIA are varied and rewarding.

  • Assists with equity, debt, and taxation planning – Helps the organisation manage its financial strategy and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Collects and analyses financial data – Turns numbers into insights on trading performance and cost structures.
  • Sets up or reorganises accounting systems – Builds efficient controls to track and manage financial performance.
  • Conducts audits and writes financial reports – Provides transparent reporting for management, shareholders, and governing bodies.
  • Assesses cost effectiveness and operational risks – Spots areas where the organisation can improve and reduce risk exposure.
  • Designs and implements audit methods – Creates a structured approach to auditing that meets the organisation’s needs.

Skills for Success

A CIA needs sharp analysis skills and a keen eye for detail. They must read complex financial data and spot potential risks. Good problem-solving helps them find ways to boost efficiency and meet rules. Clear written and spoken communication lets them share findings with managers and regulators.

A solid knowledge of relevant laws and rules is also needed. CIAs work with many teams, so good people skills matter. The ability to manage time well and stay calm under pressure is a real advantage. These skills grow with experience and open doors to senior roles.

Skills & Attributes

  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Knowledge of auditing standards and practices
  • Understanding of financial reporting and accounting principles
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Time management and organisation
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Risk assessment
  • Adaptability to regulatory change
  • Proficiency in auditing software and tools
  • Report writing
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building

Average Salaries

The average yearly pay for an internal auditor in Australia is around $106,000, based on weekly earnings of $2,046 (source: Your Career, 2025). Entry-level roles start at about $75,000. Senior roles can reach $135,000 or more (source: SEEK, June 2026).

min $75 K

max $135 K

av $106 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.