The internal audit function in an organisation is vital for its growth. Internal auditing focuses on assessing and examining company workflows, records, financial documents and systems.
The professionals in this department bring immense value to the company by analysing systems and processes for efficiencies, objectively evaluating risks and identifying emerging issues.
If you are interested in this field, you should have an insight into the various aspects related to internal audit jobs. This article will inform you about multiple aspects related to internal audit jobs in South Africa.
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What Does an Internal Auditor Do? Key Internal Audit Roles and Responsibilities
An internal auditor offers a systematic and disciplined assessment of the governance process and risk control management of a company. These individuals have in-depth knowledge of different accounting procedures and offer a rational judgment. An internal auditor evaluates the organisational process by adapting several approaches.
These approaches include:
- Compliance review: They educate the senior management regarding staying in compliance with current regulations and legislation.
- Safeguard assurances: They review the strategies that a company follows to safeguard its assets.
- Operations analysis: They closely analyse procedures and operations and confirm whether the company is correctly following them in line with its goals and objectives.
Listed below are some responsibilities for professionals in internal audit jobs in South Africa:
- Create and share reports reflecting audit results
- Comply with audit standards
- Develop audit plans
- Analyse, evaluate and collect accounting information
- Plan follow-up audits
Read about the Top Careers in Internal Auditing After a Postgraduate Diploma.
Essential Internal Audit Skills Required for Jobs
There is a set of skills that are necessary to carry out an internal audit job efficiently. These include both hard and soft skills. Individuals seeking to enter this field should note these skills. That can help them take the necessary steps to acquire them.
Internal auditors must be skilled in:
1. Hard skills
- Accounting knowledge
- Analysis
- Mathematics
2. Soft skills
- Communication skills
- Organisational skills
- Memory
- Determination
In addition, individuals seeking internal audit jobs in South Africa should be familiar with technology use. That’s because they may need to adapt to different types of auditing and accounting software. Further, these individuals should be trustworthy as they have access to proprietary data.
Also read: Is a Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing Worth It in South Africa?
Internal Audit Qualifications and Certifications Needed
A majority of employers look for at least a Bachelor’s degree in internal auditors. The degree can be in various disciplines, including accounting, finance, or some other related field. Some employers even expect candidates to hold a master’s degree in accounting, business administration, business law, auditing, or taxation.
Some institutions offer specific programmes with a specialisation in internal auditing, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing from Regenesys.
In addition, pursuing certification provides internal auditors with a competitive edge. Certifications help demonstrate your professional competence and dedication. The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA ®) is a globally recognised internal audit certification.
Gain insights into What Do Auditors Do? Insights into the Auditing Process and Its Significance
Career Path and Growth Opportunities in Internal Audit
If you are interested in this field, you should have an idea of what the internal audit career path looks like. Several individuals begin in public accounting, specifically in assurance or audit services, and then transition to audit careers.
Some individuals start in data analysis, operations or finance roles and get recruited into internal audit due to their exposure to risk and controls. There are project- and contract-based job opportunities available that provide another avenue into this profession.
Internal audit roles depend on the organisation’s size, its overall audit needs and compliance and regulatory requirements.
Professionals in internal audit jobs in South Africa can see career growth and take up the following roles:
- Senior internal auditor
- Manager of internal audit
- Director of internal audit or chief audit executive (CAE)
Furthermore, experienced practitioners in this field are well-positioned to take on leadership roles beyond internal audit. These include roles such as chief financial officer (CFO), compliance officer, and controller.
Average Salaries and Benefits for Internal Auditors in South Africa
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for an internal auditor in South Africa is R423,799 as of January 2026.
It is important to note that the salaries for internal audit jobs in South Africa can vary based on several factors, including location and hierarchy level. For instance, according to the same sources, the average annual salary for an internal auditor in Sandton, Gauteng, is R791,133 as of January 2026. This is 87% above the national average.
Furthermore, according to the same sources, the average annual salary for a senior internal auditor in South Africa is R726,170 as of January 2026.
Along with their salaries, internal auditors may receive benefits that vary across the organisations where they are employed. The benefits can include health insurance, retirement fund contributions and bonuses.
Top Companies Hiring Internal Auditors
Several companies in South Africa hire internal audit professionals. It is important to know about the top organisations, especially for potential job seekers. This will help them target specific organisations for employment opportunities.
Here are some of the top organisations for internal audit jobs in South Africa:
- EY
- Deloitte
- Standard Bank
- PwC
- KPMG
Recruitment posts from these organisations can be published on various job portals or on the official company website. Job seekers should check regularly to stay up to date on the latest job openings.
How to Land Your First Internal Audit Job?
Individuals seeking an internal audit role may be unsure how to navigate the process. This is especially applicable for first-timers. There are a few things that can guide you through this process and help you land a job in this field.
Have a look at the things that you can do to land your first internal audit job:
- Acquire a bachelor’s degree: The first step that you must take to become an internal auditor is to acquire a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
- Earn a certification: Consider earning a certification to strengthen your credibility as an internal auditor.
- Build a network: Networking can help you land your first job opportunity. You can consider building an online network and directly approaching individuals who work in the roles and companies you aspire to work for.
Common Challenges Faced in Internal Audit Careers
While internal auditing can be a rewarding career, it also presents some challenges. It is important to understand these as well. This can help one make an informed decision about choosing this career path.
Have a look at the challenges that the professionals in the internal audit jobs in South Africa face:
- Internal auditors face resistance from the management and employees. Audits can be seen as a fault-finding exercise instead of an opportunity for improvement.
- Several companies operate with limited resources. This can make it challenging for internal auditors to conduct thorough audits.
- Keeping up with regulatory changes is another challenge in this profession. Some industries are highly regulated with evolving standards. Internal auditors need to stay up to date on new regulations and changes in requirements. Failing to do so can lead to reputational damage and legal consequences.
Tips for Advancing Your Career in Internal Audit
The popularity of the internal audit career path has grown significantly in the last few years. Internal auditors who invest in their professional development can advance in their careers and benefit from greater job security.
Here are some tips that can help you advance in your internal audit career:
- Upskill in all fields in an organisation: The professionals must ensure that they upskill themselves in all fields that are relevant to their company so that they can add value. This is in addition to the internal audit-specific disciplines.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies: Businesses implement various technologies in their daily operations. Internal audit professionals must ensure that they are familiar with the emerging technologies.
- Solid grasp of data analytics:A strong command of data analytics and its tools is an important skill that helps these professionals grow and succeed.
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Conclusion
Several organisations employ an internal auditor, though they are not legally obligated to do so. Robust internal audits can help maintain a strong reputation, prevent wastage of money and address issues quickly.
Now that you are aware of the various aspects related to internal audit jobs in South Africa, you should be confident to take a step for yourself in this career path.
Choose Regenesys Education if you want to pursue an AI-powered programme in internal auditing.
Contact us today to know more.
FAQs
Is there a demand for internal auditors in South Africa?
Yes, there is a demand for internal auditors in South Africa.
How much do internal auditors make in South Africa?
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for an internal auditor in South Africa is R423,799 as of January 2026.
Is auditing a good career in South Africa?
Yes, auditing is a lucrative career in South Africa.
Does internal audit have a future?
Yes, internal audit does have a future. Internal audit functions are changing their approaches to advise on critical business issues, better anticipate risk and deliver assurance to stakeholders.
What are the 4 types of internal audit?
The types of internal audit include operational audits, compliance audits, information technology audits and financial audits.
What skills are needed for internal auditing?
Internal auditing professionals should be skilled in accounting knowledge, analysis and mathematics. They should also possess communication skills and organisational skills.
Is an internal audit a stable job?
Yes, an internal audit job is considered stable.
