Internal auditors are the unsung heroes of the corporate governance world. As a recruitment agency specialising in internal audit roles, we’ve engaged in thousands of conversations with professionals in this space, from newly qualified candidates to seasoned Heads of Audit. Through these discussions, one thing is clear: great internal auditors are critical thinkers, business partners and quietly ambitious professionals who thrive on making a difference.
Here are some of the insights we regularly encounter in our conversations with internal audit professionals about what really excites them in their careers.
1. Curiosity
One of the most consistent traits we've seen is insatiable curiosity. Internal auditors love asking "why?" and "what if?"; not to question for the sake of questioning, but to understand how things work and where risks might hide. They enjoy digging into the details and uncovering root causes, not just symptoms.
“Every audit is like a puzzle. You’re looking for what doesn’t quite fit, and I embrace that challenge,” one candidate told us.
2. A sense of purpose
While many roles focus on driving growth or increasing revenue, internal auditors are driven by impact through integrity. Many professionals say they feel a genuine sense of duty to protect their organisation, its finances, its reputation - and its people.
“My job is to be a second set of eyes for leadership. I take that seriously. It’s about protecting the business and doing what’s right.”
3. Continuous learning
Audit professionals rarely stay still. Many are drawn to the field because of its exposure to all areas of the business. From operations and IT to finance and compliance, they love that their work constantly challenges them to learn and evolve.
We often hear:
“The variety is what I love. No two audits are the same, and every project sharpens a different skill set.”
This mindset is reflected in the number of auditors pursuing professional development, whether it’s a CIA, CISA, or data analytics courses.
4. Adding clear business value
Forget the outdated stereotype of auditors as "the police." Today's internal auditors are strategic thinkers who want to add value, not just point out what’s wrong.
“It’s not about writing a report and moving on; I want to help teams implement sustainable improvements,” said a senior internal auditor we placed recently.
The most successful candidates are those who see their role as collaborative: working with stakeholders, not against them.
5. Balancing ethics with commercial ambition
Ethics is non-negotiable in audit, but what sets great auditors apart is the ability to balance integrity with business acumen. Candidates tell us they don’t want to just say “no”, they want to offer better alternatives and practical solutions.
6. The right kind of pressure
Let’s be honest: internal audit isn’t always easy. Tight deadlines, shifting priorities, and sometimes tough conversations are part of the job. But many candidates say they thrive under this kind of pressure, especially when they’re in an environment that respects their role.
“Being challenged keeps me sharp. I like knowing that what I do matters, even if I’m not always the most popular person in the room.”
Final Thoughts
What makes internal auditors tick? It’s a blend of curiosity, ethics, resilience and the desire to make a meaningful impact. For employers, understanding what motivates these professionals can help you attract and retain the best talent. For auditors, it’s a reminder that your mindset and values are not just suited to audit, they’re essential for success.
Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next move, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with our Internal Audit expert, Adam Bond, for a friendly chat.
