Why Internal / Operational Auditing is a Rewarding Career Path
By
Dawn Balliet
Far from the spy-based impression of yesterday, the internal auditor
of the 21st century operates in a dynamic environment, promotes a
value-added image, and has the ability to maintain his integrity while
performing his job. Individually, these qualities within a profession
are often rare; the combination of all three provides for a rewarding
career path.
In many professions, a practitioner is often specialized in a
particular function and confined to working within a single department.
Internal auditing, however, can promote a diversified existence within
an organization. Aside from performing routine duties, an internal
auditor is in the unique position of becoming familiar with all areas of
an organization. This coverage is not limited to a broad overview, but
may include a detailed understanding of the numerous functions that may
be introduced during an audit. While such a varying work situation may
be considered unpleasant for some, the challenge is stimulating and
provides a wealth of experience for the person unafraid to explore new
venues.
Another encouraging aspect of internal audit is that the area is
evolving into a cooperative and "value-added" service within the
organization. Although the image of the internal auditor has not
entirely shed that of an expensive 'corporate spy,' progress is being
made to promote the profession positively and as more than just a cost
center. Being part of the process to demonstrate a cost-saving technique
to management is appealing; regular participation in such a capacity
must be continually gratifying.
Finally, of all the areas within the accounting profession, internal
audit, if performed in the proper environment, will allow for the
greatest possibility to retain one's values without compromise. Often,
an accountant is faced with ethical challenges: a tax accountant
implementing questionable deductions, a controller smoothing income on
orders from senior management, a public accountant ignoring questionable
practices in exchange for potential non-audit services. While the
internal auditor may also face ethical dilemmas, in a properly
structured and supportive environment, the auditor's integrity should
not be compromised by pressure from immediate superiors. The whole idea
of internal audit is to improve an organization's operations in an
objective manner.
In response to the recent accounting frauds, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,
and subsequent rule implementation by the SEC, merely emphasized the
level of public outrage. Since much of the blame was directed at senior
management and ineffective audit committees, there is now a renewed
interest in corporate social responsibility, which includes a properly
structured internal audit department. This is a perfect time to be an
internal auditor. The public is demanding the service and now corporate
governance standards are requiring the function as well!
After working for more than a decade in the banking and construction
industries, Dawn E. Balliet returned to school full time in 1999
to pursue a degree in Accounting. She earned an AA from St. Petersburg
Junior College (maintained 3.95 GPA), a BA from the University of South
Florida (maintained 3.95 GPA), and is currently enrolled in the MBA
program (maintaining a 4.0 GPA). Ms. Balliet attempted and passed the CPA exam in November 2002 and is
licensed in the State of Florida. She is a member of the Florida
Institute of CPAs, the Institute of Management Accountants, and the
Institute of Internal Auditors. Her prior work experience is diversified and includes a seven year
career trading off-balance sheet products in the treasury of two
international banks, which resulted in postings abroad for nearly two
years. After relocating to Florida, Ms. Balliet worked for four years in
the Accounting/Finance department of Taylor Woodrow, an international
home building and real estate development company. She is currently
employed as a Senior Staff Accountant in the Financial Reporting
department of Lincare at the Corporate Headquarters in Clearwater. |
