Becoming an internal auditor is not just about accounting and finance. It requires a deep understanding of business, risk management, and industry regulations. Ida Bagus Rian Mahardhika, Head of Internal Audit at hibank Indonesia and a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business UGM Management Program, Class of 2005, shared some key tips for students and professionals looking to build a career.
Dagut, as Ida Bagus Rian Mahardhika is commonly known, explained that an internal auditor must have a broad knowledge beyond accounting and finance. An internal auditor must also understand business processes in different sectors such as banking, oil and gas, mining, and plantation industries.
He shared his experience that working as an internal auditor in banking is not just about financial institutions. In practice, he also has to deal with various other industries, which requires auditors to have broad and deep insights.
He continued that internal auditors must be certified by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in the banking industry. The Financial Services Authority Regulation (POJK) No. 1 of 2019 governs the role of internal auditors in the banking industry. In addition, internal audits are part of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), which require auditors to interact with various control units.
“Certifications and soft skills make us more valuable in the eyes of recruiters and increase our opportunities in the job market,” he explained in the recent episode of FEBerkarya: Mengupas Karier Head of Internal Audit hibank Indonesia.
In addition to internal audit certification, Dagut mentioned that certifications in risk management and professional accounting can also be key assets in building a career in the field. In addition, internal auditors need to master technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify potential risks early and support monitoring and decision-making systems.
In addition to technical expertise, internal auditors must have strong communication skills. The higher their position, the broader their responsibilities. At senior levels, an auditor is not only responsible for technical audits but must also be able to manage teams, oversee operations, and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including the board of directors, the board of commissioners, the audit committee, and the chief auditee.
Report by: Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals:
