Hiring the right internal auditor can have a marked impact on your organisation’s risk management, governance and operational efficiency. But interviewing internal audit professionals isn’t always straightforward: technical skills must be assessed alongside communication style, business acumen and ethical judgement.
So how can hiring managers ensure they’re asking the right questions?
Here are some of the most effective interview questions to help you identify top-tier internal audit talent—and what to look for in their responses.
1. 1. “Can you walk us through a recent audit you conducted from start to finish?”
đą Why ask this: This question reveals how the candidate approaches the audit process—planning, scoping, execution, reporting, and follow-up. It also sheds light on their organisational skills and attention to detail.
đ What to look for:
- A structured, methodical approach
- Clear communication with stakeholders
- Insight into how issues were identified and addressed
- Post-audit action planning
2. 2. “How do you balance independence with building strong relationships across the business?”
đą Why ask this: Internal auditors must remain objective while also being approachable and collaborative. This question helps assess emotional intelligence and professionalism.
đ What to look for:
- Awareness of potential conflicts of interest
- Examples of influencing stakeholders without compromising integrity
- Evidence of trust-building within departments
3. 3. “Describe a time when you uncovered a significant issue or control failure. How did you handle it?”
đą Why ask this: This question highlights the candidate’s problem-solving skills, resilience under pressure, and communication style during sensitive situations.
đ What to look for:
- A calm, measured response to risk or control breaches
- Clear communication and escalation
- Positive outcomes and lessons learned
4. 4. “How do you keep up to date with changes in regulations and auditing standards?”
đą Why ask this: Internal auditors must stay current on industry regulations, compliance requirements, and emerging risks.
đ What to look for:
- Memberships in professional bodies (e.g. IIA, ACCA)
- Ongoing CPD or certifications (e.g. CIA, CISA)
- Proactive learning through webinars, courses, or regulatory bulletins
5. 5. “What audit tools or systems are you experienced with?”
đą Why ask this: Technology is increasingly integral to audit functions, especially in large or global organisations.
đ What to look for:
- Experience with platforms like TeamMate, ACL, IDEA, or SAP
- Ability to adapt to new systems
- Comfort with data analysis and visualisation tools
6. 6. “How do you handle pushback from auditees or senior stakeholders?”
đą Why ask this: Auditors must often deliver difficult messages. This question uncovers how the candidate manages challenging conversations.
đ What to look for:
- Diplomacy and professionalism
- Clarity in communication
- Confidence without being confrontational
7. “Where do you see the role of internal audit evolving in the next 3–5 years?”
đą Why ask this: This reveals how forward-thinking the candidate is and whether they align with your company’s strategic goals.
đ What to look for:
- Awareness of emerging risks (e.g. ESG, cyber, AI)
- Understanding of internal audit’s evolving value
- Appetite for continuous improvement and innovation
Final Thoughts
Interviewing for internal audit roles requires a mix of technical, behavioural, and strategic questioning. While qualifications and experience matter, it’s just as important to find candidates who can engage with the business, challenge constructively - and add long-term value.
At Leonid, we help clients identify and attract the best internal audit professionals, whether you're hiring at analyst level or building out an entire audit function.
Need help finding your next internal auditor? Get in touch with Adam Bond today.