Internal Audit Staffing

This chapter highlights the importance of staffing to an effective internal audit function. Staffing models will vary between internal audit functions. Some will choose to establish an in‐house team, others will fully outsource their internal audits, while still others will adopt a hybrid, or co‐sourced model. A high‐quality internal audit function optimizes the mix of skills, experience, and personalities within the team. It will strategically plan for the capabilities it needs both now and into the future and implement a model that best meets these capability requirements. While recruiting talent is important in creating a quality internal audit function, it does not in itself guarantee success. Chief audit executives also need to develop a structure in which staff can work effectively, people are developed and supported, and additional skills can be insourced as required.