Become internal auditors is one of the professions that has a strategic role in maintaining compliance, effectiveness, and transparency of an organization. This profession not only requires an appropriate educational background, but also technical competence, understanding of standards such as SMK3 and ISO, as well as supporting soft skills.
This article will discuss in full about the requirements to become an internal auditor, ranging from basic qualifications, special training, to recommendations for digital solutions that can facilitate the audit process.
Why Is The Internal Auditor Profession Important?
In the modern business world, transparency and accountability are becoming a major requirement. Here Comes the role auditor. internal becomes very important. Internal auditors function to ensure that the company's operations run in accordance with applicable procedures, standards, and regulations.
In addition, internal auditors also assist management in detecting risks early, improving efficiency, and maintaining compliance with certain standards such as ISO and SMK3. The presence of internal Auditors is not only a formality, but also a pillar to maintain the sustainability and reputation of the company.
The role of Internal Auditors in the company
- Assess the effectiveness of management systems and business processes.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.
- Provide constructive improvement recommendations.
- Help the company achieve its goals effectively and efficiently.
Benefits of Internal Auditors for management
- Reduce potential losses due to errors or fraud.
- Help increase stakeholder confidence.
- Become a strategic partner of Management in decision making.
Requirements To Become An Internal Auditor
To be able to carry out their duties properly, internal auditors need to meet a number of requirements in terms of education, technical competence, and personality.
1. Educational Qualifications
In general, pendidikan minimal D3 or S1 in Accounting, Management, Industrial Engineering, or any other relevant field is highly recommended. However, some companies also open opportunities for graduates of other disciplines as long as they have a basic understanding of auditing and management systems.
2. Technical competence and expertise
Internal auditors are required to have technical knowledge, such as:
- Understanding of audit standards and applicable regulations.
- Data analysis and report interpretation capabilities.
- Knowledge of risk management systems.
- Understanding of tata kelola perusahaan (good corporate governance).
3. Supporting certification
To increase credibility, internal auditors can take professional certifications, for example:
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): globally recognized international certification.
- QIA (Qualified Internal Auditor): national certification widely used in Indonesia.
- Lead Auditor ISO: specific to specific ISO standards.
4. Soft Skills yang Dibutuhkan
Selain keahlian teknis, auditor internal juga perlu memiliki soft skills seperti:
- Clear and persuasive communication.
- Accuracy and thoroughness in analyzing.
- High integrity and independence.
- Ability to think critically and objectively.
Requirements to become an Internal Auditor SMK3
One of the areas of audit that is much needed is the internal auditor in the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3).
1. Understanding Of K3 Management System
SMK3 internal auditors must understand the principles of K3, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control in the workplace.
2. SMK3 Internal Auditor training
Companies usually require prospective auditors to follow SMK3 internal auditor training recognized by the Ministry of Labor. From this training, the auditor will understand the K3 audit methodology, checklist preparation, and reporting techniques.
3. Working experience in K3
Practical experience in the field of Occupational Safety is a plus. SMK3 internal auditors are expected to have practical insight into the implementation of K3 in the field, so that the audit results are more relevant and applicable.
Requirements to become an ISO Internal Auditor
In addition to SMK3, internal auditors also play an important role in ensuring the company's compliance with various ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.
1. Understanding ISO standards
ISO internal auditors must understand the standards in their field, for example:
- ISO 9001: Quality Management.
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management.
- ISO 45001: Occupational Health and safety.
2. ISO Internal Auditor training and certification
The main requirement for ISO internal auditors is to follow training auditor internal ISO recognized certification body. This certificate shows that the auditor has understood the audit methodology according to ISO standards.
3. Ability To Make Audit Report
In addition to conducting inspections, ISO internal auditors must also be able to prepare standard-compliant audit reports, complete with clear findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Steps To Become An Internal Auditor
To become a professional internal auditor, the following steps can be followed:
- Meet Educational Qualifications
- Minimum D3/S1 from relevant major.
- Follow The Training Of Internal Auditors
- ISO and SMK3 training depends on the needs of the company.
- Gain Practical Experience
- Join the company's internal audit team.
- Take Professional Certification
- CIA, QIA, or ISO certification.
- Maintain Competence On An Ongoing Basis
- Attend seminars, workshops, and advanced training.
Challenges faced by Internal Auditors
Although the internal auditor profession looks promising, there are some challenges that need to be faced:
A. Maintain independence and objectivity
The internal Auditor must remain neutral despite conducting audits within the organization in which he works.
B. Deliver Findings Professionally
It is not uncommon for auditors to find system weaknesses. Communication skills are essential for findings to be accepted by management without causing conflict.
C. Follow The Development Of Standards
Auditing Standards, Regulations, and technology are constantly changing. The Auditor must constantly update knowledge in order to remain relevant.
Closing
The requirements to become an internal auditor are not just an educational background, but also include technical competence, certification, experience, and qualified soft skills. For those who want to become an internal auditor of SMK3 or ISO, special training is needed in order to carry out their duties according to applicable standards.
Recommendations to support Internal Auditors
For companies that want to improve the effectiveness of the internal audit process, the use of technology can be a solution.
Audithink App present to assist internal auditors in:
- Simplify the audit monitoring process.
- Prepare audit reports more quickly and neatly.
- Support the implementation of SMK3 and ISO standards.
Want to try the ease of digital auditing Audithink provides free demo so that you can experience first-hand how this application supports internal audit work more effectively and efficiently.
