Classification: Internal Use

1. why do you want this senior it auditor job?

 Auditing is mentally challenging and stimulating. Although auditing does not

‘create’ or ‘make’ things, it’s highly analytical.
 Auditors normally work in teams. A lot of learning happens on the job through
team interactions. You learn from more senior colleagues and get to teach and mentor
junior staff. Very tight deadlines are also a common feature of an audit engagement and it
is essential to have support and cooperation from everyone on a team to achieve a task,
therefore, you often form strong bonds and friendships.
 Variety is a typical feature of the job. You regularly move from client to client and
from office to office applying your skills and knowledge to a new set of circumstances
continuously building your experience and expertise without being bored of doing the
same thing.
 Conflicts with the clients and within a team are sometimes unavoidable so you learn to
negotiate and be assertive at the same time.
 Travel can be a great part of the job, whether it’s a remote mine site in Leonora, a
client’s office in Jakarta or an inter-state training seminar at a country resort.

 Finding significant issues and highlighting and discussing the same and recommending
value added solutions to the client (at senior level discussing with senior management)

 Satisfy your curiosity

 have a sense of fulfillment when your suggestion is useful for your client.

 Identify key areas for improvement in your company.

 Test out the performance of new technology.

 Evaluate threats, economy, efficacy and quality.

 show the true picture of company.

2. what have u learned from mistakes on the sr. it auditor job?

3. what challenges are u looking for?

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Classification: Internal Use

 Strict timelines

 Analyzing documents, finding gaps.

4. Describe a typical work week.

5. What is your biggest weakness?

6. why should we hire you ?

7. what do you know about our company?

a. type of products/services.

b. age of company

c. company culture , mission statement

8. why do you want to work with us ?

9. Any questions?

a. I would like to know about induction and developmental programs.

b. How do they see your role progressing within the first 12 months?

10. http://www.careersinaudit.com/article/internal-audit-interview-questions/

A basic question to start may be: Why internal audit?

“Some people are career auditors,” says Paul Edwards, Director of KPP Search, “others
view Internal Audit as their entry point into a new business before progressing
elsewhere after some time. Whichever you are, make sure you are able to clearly
articulate why you are interviewing for this job.”

Note that in answering this question you are also demonstrating what you will bring to
their organisation in your competence as an internal auditor and enthusiasm for the role.
Use this question as an opportunity to show how you specifically can provide effective
risk mitigation, profit increase, cost reduction and attention to detail in reviewing the
organisation’s key statements. The energy you bring to the role because of your
passion for internal audit is what sets you apart from the rest.

Edwards admits that he often receives feedback that candidates indicated their sights
were already set on their next move beyond Internal Audit and didn’t give good enough
reasons as to why they wanted to do the job they were interviewing for. “It’s important to
strike the right balance between the immediate future and showing your ambition,” he
says.

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Why do you want to work with us?

This question is all about testing your preparation skills pre-interview. Your employer
wants to know how motivated you are to work for his or her company, thus how well
you’ve researched the company culture. Use this question to identify which of their core
values you share, your respect for their business ethos and how you intend to uphold
the vision they have created for their organisation.

Why should we hire you?

A typical job interview question and one which gives you the opportunity to mention
any achievements or qualifications you have that add value to your role as internal auditor.
Now is the moment to talk about your skills, your experience and how you will be an
asset to their business. Make sure to give examples of everything you discuss, for
example, don’t just say “I’m a good team player”, prove it. A handy tip in this instance is
also to make sure you have memorised the job description so you can keep referring
back to it as you make your case for why they should hire you.

How do you see your career progressing after 3-4 years in Internal Audit?
This question according to Edwards is again about striking the right balance. He says,
“If a ‘rotation scheme’ is in place, candidates should show clear ambition, whilst
demonstrating an open-mindedness to different career directions.” He further explains,
“If you typecast yourself into one narrow career path, there’s a chance you’re talking
yourself out of the job if the company is any less than 100% sure they can deliver on
your ambitions.”

Can you provide some examples of managing conflict?

When it comes to conflict, what your interviewer is looking for is an internal auditor who
can show a willingness to listen to and understand his or her colleagues’ and
employers’ perspectives in order to work out a solution that is mutually agreeable. The
key here is collaboration leading to resolution.

Can you provide some examples of cultural adaptability?

Edwards explains that the best way to answer this question is by showing, not telling.
“Our clients are often looking for people who will travel frequently, across different time
zones, and encounter many different cultural approaches both inside and outside of
their business dealings,” he says. “If you can show that you know what that entails, it
helps the interviewer feel more relaxed about putting you in that challenging
environment. Any examples of visiting family and friends abroad, studying in a different
country and thus experiencing their culture or adapting yourself to new ways of working
will show the interviewer that this isn't going to shock you.”

What do you expect to be different moving from External Audit to Internal Audit?

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“My advice,” says Edwards in answering this question, “be confident with what you
know, and show humility towards what you don’t. For example, a strong Financial
Auditor may need to adjust their mind-set towards Operational Audits. It’s a completely
different way of thinking and approaching a project and this can take time and shouldn’t
be underestimated.” When it comes to making the move between external audit and
internal audit, Edwards asserts that while companies are not expecting to hire someone
with the full spectrum of expertise, what they are looking for is “someone who has a
strong basis, is eager to learn and can adapt quickly.”

Can you give an example of a suggestion you made that was implemented?
Have an example ready that hones in most importantly on the implementation of an idea
you put forward, and one that was hopefully successful.

What are your weaknesses?

The first thing to know when answering this question is that your interviewer is hoping to
understand how you operate in the internal audit function and how your personality may
affect your work. Be honest in your response, mention a real weakness, but frame it as
something you were made aware of, subsequently worked on and have overcome and
thus improved. This shows your interviewer that you are self-aware, open to
constructive criticism and flexible in terms of your own development.

What are your salary expectations?

This is in some ways a trick question. In that they are trying to trick you into slipping up.
Never answer this question directly. Answer it with a question instead, for instance, you
can ask them about the range of the position and then explain that salary can depend
on the details of the job of which there are many, but only mention a few.

Do you have any questions for us?

Try and use this question to actually learn something about the company and its potential in
furthering your internal audit career. Never mention salary, perks, annual leave or job
location, instead ask the kinds of questions that will cement your interest in the role in
the mind of the person interviewing you. Are there any induction or development
programs? How do they see your role progressing within the first 12 months? Ask about
the company, the industry as a whole and how their business fits in with it. Be
interested.

Below are 10 possible questions to ask at your next audit job interview:

1. Ask about the biggest challenge that the company or the audit department has gone
through. Then, ask how they were able to overcome it or the things that they’re doing to

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resolve the issue. By asking this question, you show that you want to know the challenges
that can keep the audit department from realizing their goals. If possible, you can share
your expertise or experience on how they can overcome these challenges.
2. Ask questions about the company’s culture.Ask your interviewer questions that will
help you show your interest in the audit position that you’re applying for and the
company as a whole. Consider asking the interviewer about their personal experiences
while working for the company or you can even ask them to describe the company
culture in general. Also, ask about your direct supervision and the things that you can
expect should you get hired.
3. Ask about the person who previously had the job that you’re applying for. Is it a
newly created role? Did the previous auditor get promoted? Did they resign? If they did,
would the interviewer know the reason? This question will help you figure out if the
company offer good career advancement opportunities to its employees (if the previous
auditor was promoted) or if there are issues when it comes to expectations.
4. Ask about the employer’s expectations. Ask what they want you to accomplish in the
first three, six, and twelve months in the position. This will not only help you get their
attention very quickly as a forward thinker, but will also give you an idea if you can live
up to those expectations. If you’re confident that you can deliver what they expect to get
from you, be sure to tell them that.
5. Ask about the strengths of the auditing team.This is one of the rarely asked questions
during interviews but worth asking anyway. This will help you get a better picture of the
dynamics of the current team that you may work with should you get hired. Knowing
their strengths can help you figure out ahead of time the things that you can do to
compliment your future colleagues.
6. Inquire about the history of the position. It can be helpful to understand the history of
the position that you are applying for. What are the roles and responsibilities that come
with it? What were the accomplishments of the previous auditor? What did the last
auditor do to contribute to the success of the company? Also, inquire about growth so
you’ll see if there’s a future for you in this company. How long did it take to promote the
last auditor?
7. Ask about the interviewer’s experience with the company. Ask how many years he or
she had been working for the company. What makes the company great to work for?
8. Ask about the factors that are considered for promotion. Aside from being
professional and delivering quality work at all times, what do they expect you to do
before you can climb up the corporate ladder? Do they expect you to participate in
continuing programs that will allow you to broaden your knowledge in the field of
auditing? Will on-going training be provided?
9. Ask for examples of projects that you’ll be working on. This will give you a good
picture of what you’re going to do on a day-to-day basis should you get hired.
10. Ask the interviewer how the current position can contribute to the overall success of
the company. Asking this question can help you to figure out how the audit team is
integrated with the rest of the company. Does it sound like the audit department is seen as
a vital part of the overall company strategy? Just something they need to have to meet
government regulations? A necessary evil?

Below are our top 10 interview tips to ensure you land the job you want.

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1. Check the Company Website

A few minutes extra browsing the audit company’s website can be invaluable. Their news
section might have an interesting recent event that you can drop into conversation that
will show you’ve done your research. Maybe it’ll give you a bit better idea what the
company does, so you can think about exactly the kind of answers they will be hoping to
hear from a prospective employee.

2. Google the Company

Don’t limit your research to just their website. See what the trade press has to say about
them. They might have recently won an award or been in the news for less desirable
reasons. The more you know about the company the better you’ll interview will go. It’ll
give you an advantage over other candidates and make you stand out.

3. Write a List of Questions

Think like the interviewer, if you were recruiting for a new auditor what would you ask? It
might seem simplistic but envisioning questions before you get them will help avoid
being caught off guard. You don’t need a canned response to every question but you
don’t want to be unable to answer any of the questions they field.

4. Double Check the Interview Location

You’d be surprised how many people get lost on the way to an interview or assume it’s
taking place at one office when it might be taking place at another. Double check the
correspondence you’ve had. If you’ve printed a map from the internet make sure it
matches up with the one on their website.

5. Walk Around the Block

Acclimatise yourself to the surroundings of your interview. It will not only help you calm
down it’ll help you decide if they offer the job would you take it. Is it the kind of place
you’d like to spend your lunch hour?

6. Read the Financial Times

Pick up a copy of the Financial Times or the latest edition of the trade press, a few
minutes spent reading might give you a great topical example to use in your interview.
It’ll show you’re aware of the industry as a whole; this outward facing commercial
understanding is a great skill to present for any audit job interview.

7. Research Your Interviewers

If you know who is going to be taking your interview, it’s worth doing a bit of background
research. You might find a common interest or be able to read something they’ve
written in the trade press but be careful to avoid seeming like a stalker. They have
probably typed your name into a search engine to research you so it’s worth doing the
same.

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8. Avoid Rushing
Whether you are using public transport or driving it’s almost inevitable you’ll get held up
at some point, so leave plenty of time, expect the unexpected and you’ll be there with
time to spare.

9. Read Through Your CV

It will refresh your memory about your skills and achievements. It’s also likely that the
interviewers will use the document as a leaping point to ask questions about you so try
and pre-empt any difficult questions.

10. Have You Got the Company’s Number?

It’s only a small thing but can really be a life saver. Make sure you have a phone
number to call if you get lost or are being delayed. You might think it’ll make a bad
impression ringing but it’s much worse turning up late.
1. Consider your audience.
When you step into an interview, you’re stepping out on stage and your interviewers are
your audience. Keep their interests in mind. Your interviewers will be trying to answer
three basic questions:
 Is this person qualified for the audit job they are applying for?
 Will this person fit well within this company?
 What value will this person add to the firm?
When answering questions from the interviewer, keep in mind that your answers should
tell him or her what skills you can bring to the table, and help them see you within the
context of their workplace.

2. Remember that an interview is a two-way road.

Contrary to popular belief, your job in a job interview isn’t to convince the firm to hire
you. The interview is a two way road, and you should be as interested in learning if
you’ll fit comfortably into the job role you’re seeking. Your responses to any questions
should put you in a positive light – but they should be honest. Likewise, you should
learn as much as you can about the working environment at the firm where you’d like to
work, and the responsibilities and qualifications that the firm expects. Asking questions
about the job and the firm will not only get you the information that you need, it will
present you as a person who is interested in more than just a salary. To find out more
about different audit companies read our employers section.

3. First appearances are important.

Your appearance and dress will play a big part in forming a first impression on the
company’s representatives. Your clothing should always be neat, clean and pressed.
What you wear is less important than how you wear it, though. Polished shoes, clean
fingernails and a positive, confident attitude will go a long way in making the best first
impression.

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4. Research the firm.

Before your interview, learn as much about the firm, the audit department and the audit
job itself as you possibly can. The more you know, the better your position to shine in
the interview. Search for current news stories involving the firm, particularly paying
attention to anything that involves the department for which you’re interviewing. Use that
knowledge to help you frame answers and questions in your interviews.

5. Clearly express your interest in the position.

If, at the end of the interview, you’re still interested in the position, make that interest
clear. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “After speaking with you about this job, I’m
more interested than ever. I think that my background and skills are an excellent match.
When can I expect to hear from you regarding a second interview?”

6. Thank your interviewer.

Be sure to thank your interviewers for their time before you leave, then follow up with a
note thanking them again and expressing your continued interest in the position.

What Does an Internal Audit Job Involve?

Internal auditorscan often benefit from ethical guidelines.

As they work directly for the company they are auditing they are not as removed from the
company as an external auditor would be. There are a number of the professional bodies
for internal auditors which have provided some clear advice and guidelines which gives an
overview of what is and what isn’t ethical.

Integrity
Internal auditors should be honest in their job as well as being responsible and diligent in their
audit work. Similarly they should follow the law and make any relevant disclosures which are
required by the law. While most people working in internal auditing would follow these
guidelines as a matter of principle, it is sometimes worth reminding ourselves of their
importance. The professional bodies also advise that their members should avoid knowingly
partaking in any illegal activity or anything which would discredit internal auditing as a
profession or the company you are working for.

Objectivity

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In order to maintain some objective distance, it’s important you don’t get involved in any activity
or relationship which may affect or be construed as affecting your ability to carry out an audit in
a professional and unbiased manner. While it’s important to avoid conflicts of interest in every
type of job it’s particularly relevant to those working as internal auditors. Accepting gifts or
payments which might alter your ability to carry out the audit professionally should be refused.
Even if you feel that accepting gifts would not impair your impartiality it can often been seen
that way by others so should be avoided. Full disclosure is also encouraged as often a lack of
openness can result in a distortion of any reporting and lead to the audit being biased or
inaccurate.

Confidentiality
Being prudent with information is extremely important for internal auditors. They shouldn’t
disclose any knowledge that they have acquired within the course of their duties for personal
gain nor in any way that may be viewed as such. This kind of non-disclosure of important
commercial information isn’t unusual in many firms; however the knowledge that can be gained
in the course of a role as an internal auditor can be extremely valuable outside of the company.

Competency
The professional bodies recommend that as an internal auditor you should only accept roles
which you believe you have the knowledge, experience and skills to carry out professionally.
They also ask those in internal audit jobs to continually improve their skills and effectiveness
over time.

The Basics of Internal Audit

What is Internal Audit?

The role of an internal auditoris to carry out an independent appraisal of how a company works,
their processes and the risk that may affect the business. Typically those carrying out the internal
audit work across all business functions to gain a complete and comprehensive overview of the
company.

The basic functions in an internal audit job can be broken down in the following ways:

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Dealing with Risk – in every company there are undesirable situations and outcomes. Those
working in internal audit jobs have a responsibility to help companies identify and understand
the risk. Through their research of the company and market as a whole, they are able to analyse
trends and understand whether the current processes can deal with the risk. Both the experience
of the auditor and their objective distance from the departments they are assessing enables them
to see risk and opportunities that may have been missed by those closer to the situation.

Reporting on the Operations of the Company -Internal audits often have the objective of
reporting on the processes and operations of a company. Internal auditors are often experts in
knowing how companies can be run more efficiently and effectively. With their overall view of
the company, they are able to identify duplication of work and responsibility, as well as
highlighting needlessly difficult procedures. In their reports an internal auditor would present
their findings to help the business or organisation work better.

Uncovering Fraud and Malpractice – most companies would hope their employees are neither
carrying out fraud nor acting unprofessionally. However the investigations of an internal audit
can often discover such behaviour. Employing an auditor can act as a safety net for the
organisation, helping them to root out such behaviour before it potentially damages the company.

Identifying and Preventing the Worst Case Scenario – similar to the way they identify
risk, internal auditors can help with crisis and emergency planning, whether it’s dealing with
catastrophic data loss in an Accounts firm or identifying a poor pricing process to deal with
rising costs in a manufacturingfirm; they can help identify and prevent situations which would
have a significant negative effect on a business.

Creating and Ensuring Appropriate Controls are in Place – most efficient companies have
effective business controls in place, such as cheques requiring sign off by a suitably senior
member of staff. An internal audit can explore these controls and assess whether they are
suitable. They will recommend when the controls are seen as too stringent or too lax.

Making Recommendations for the Future – the most significant responsibility for an internal
auditor is to make suggestions for future strategy. It is these recommendations where the
employer gets the greatest value from the person working in internal audit.

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