How To Become An Internal Auditor In South Africa & Subjects Needed

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Are you looking for a way to become an Internal Auditor in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become an Internal Auditor in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.

What Does An Internal Auditor Do?

Internal auditors provide an independent and objective assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of a company’s operations, specifically its internal control structure. The internal audit function helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal auditors understand the organisation, provide value-added solutions and are familiar with the industry’s best practices.

An internal auditor’s key activities include:

  • Collating, checking and analysing spreadsheet data
  • Examining company accounts and financial control systems
  • Gauging levels of financial risk within organisations
  • Checking that financial reports and records are accurate and reliable
  • Ensuring that assets are safeguarded
  • Identifying if and where processes are not working as they should, and advising on changes to be made
  • Preparing reports, commentaries and financial statements
  • Liaising with managerial staff and presenting findings and recommendations
  • Ensuring procedures, policies, legislation and regulations are correctly followed and complied with
  • Undertaking reviews of wages.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

The career path to becoming an internal auditor follows a sequence, starting with obtaining an academic qualification – a Bachelor of Commerce and Honours in Accounting, as well as completing the Certificate: Theory of Accounting (CTA).

The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) recommends, where possible, working through an academic institution that has been endorsed by the IIA (IAEP status). These institutions often offer internship programmes. Become a member of the institute. Go through the IIA SA’s Professional Training Programme.

This is a structured on-the-job training programme designed to build competence in internal auditors. Write the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam as the final test of competence. Many internal auditors also opt to write the specialty exams, which have been designed to further assist members in government, financial services, as well as those who want to enhance their facilitation skills.

In order to maintain the professional IIA SA designations, an internal auditor must adhere to the IIA SA’s continuing professional development requirements.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

  • Mathematics
  • Accounting
  • Economics

Where Can I Study?

University of the Western Cape

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.uwc.ac.za

University of Johannesburg

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.uj.ac.za

North-West University

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.nwu.ac.za

University of Pretoria

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.up.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.nmmu.ac.za

University of Stellenbosch

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.sun.ac.za

Central University of Technology

Durban University of Technology

Tshwane University of Technology

UNISA

  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting; Certificate: Theory of Accounting
  • www.unisa.ac.za

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