3 Imperative Soft Skills For Internal Auditors

Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or just getting started, gaining new skills is critical for anyone who wants to advance their career. However, the changing industry necessitates more than simply the traditional abilities that internal auditors are required to possess. Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in the work of auditors.

In the COVID-19 setting, where the majority of business assurance audit work is done remotely, soft skills play a substantial and prominent role. Internal auditors will be able to adjust and assure project success during and after the COVID-19 work environment if they can use soft skills.

The following are the most important soft skills for modern and competent auditors:

COMMUNICATION

Internal auditing used to be an isolated activity in the company. Auditors come in and out of the organization, examine records, and present the findings and audit report to the organization’s audit committee. However, the audit committee is under strain due to the rising complexity of the audit process, more public scrutiny, and modern legislation. They now collaborate closely with auditors in order to improve audit findings.

Aside from that, auditors collaborate closely with some individuals of the business to learn more about their operations and identify problems. To achieve the best audit results, there must be efficient communication and cooperation between the auditors, the audit committee, and the rest of the company.

Auditors must improve their communication skills while conducting interviews and presenting their findings to the audit committee. Remember that one of your primary responsibilities as an auditor is to advise management on how to achieve organizational goals in a timely and efficient manner. Improving your communication skills will allow you to better explain your comments to the committee and turn them into more practical suggestions.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Auditors must learn how to create and maintain relationships with people from all backgrounds as the demand for auditors to reach out to the rest of the company grows. Building solid professional relationships among your peers and within the organization, your audit will assist you in conducting your audit with the least amount of resistance. Auditors must also make employees feel at ease, letting them know that you are there to help them better their work rather than only point out their flaws. Therefore, they will be more cooperative and honest during the audit.

LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Audit firms aren’t simply seeking the brightest people with technical expertise to join their ranks. Their recruiting decisions are now heavily influenced by leadership abilities and potential. Firm managers are looking for individuals who can augment their team’s technical demands.

Effective auditors devote time to learning about various leadership styles and critical project management abilities for their future. These professionals realize what they need to do to reach their goals because they are goal-oriented. This orientation equips them with the proper mindset for conducting their audit task.

As technology becomes more integrated into the auditing sector, soft skills and people skills are becoming just as important as the technical knowledge and competence required to succeed. Keep in mind that the finest auditors are well-versed in all aspects of their job, including the overlooked soft skills.

FINAL WORDS

Are you having problems finding qualified professionals to get auditing and business assurance services? Find out how our globally competitive audit support workers can assist you to manage your audit accounts by contacting Harbins.

We are a leading provider of financial services to accounting firms in the UAE. By using our global network of expertise, we assist organizations in realizing their full potential.