Why You Should Consider a Career in Internal Audit

The Role of Internal Auditors

Internal auditors play a crucial role in an organization’s ability to achieve success. Their work spans two key areas: assurance and consulting. Internal auditors provide independent evaluations of the organization’s internal controls, risk management processes, and governance in their assurance role. This ensures that the organization operates efficiently, complies with regulations, and safeguards its assets.

In addition to providing assurance, internal auditors consult, offering insights and recommendations to help organizations improve their processes, reduce inefficiencies, and mitigate risks. By helping organizations run more effectively, internal auditors contribute directly to their long-term success.

The Internal Audit Practitioner designation (IIA) emphasizes that internal auditors are trusted advisers who help organizations navigate a rapidly changing risk landscape. As businesses face new challenges in cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and global operations, internal auditors are more essential than ever in ensuring stability and growth.

High Demand for Internal Auditors Across Industries

According to the IIA’s 2025 North American Pulse of Internal Audit, nearly half of internal audit teams are expanding to meet increasing regulatory requirements and address the growing complexity of today’s business environment. As organizations face evolving risks—especially in data security, sustainability, and digital transformation—the need for skilled internal auditors is more significant than ever.

Internal auditors are needed in various sectors, including finance, health care, government, and technology, making this a field with tremendous career growth opportunities. 

Job Satisfaction and Career Growth

Internal auditors consistently report high levels of job satisfaction. The ability to work across departments, tackle diverse challenges, and directly influence organizational success makes internal audit a rewarding profession. The IIA highlights that internal auditors are highly valued by their organizations and often have opportunities to move into leadership roles, including positions such as audit manager, director of internal audit, and chief audit executive.

With the right mix of experience and certifications, the path from entry-level internal auditor to senior leadership is often shorter than in other professions. Internal audit presents clear growth opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking to advance their careers rapidly.

How St. John’s University Positions You for a Successful Career in Internal Audit

If a career in internal audit interests you, there’s no better place to prepare than The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. Recognized by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) as one of only 13 Centers of Internal Audit Excellence worldwide, St. John’s stands at the forefront of internal audit education. Students gain exceptional academic preparation along with unparalleled access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and career pathways.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Risk and Financial Advisory (RFA) builds directly on this foundation. The program equips you with the specialized skills needed to thrive in the dynamic, fast-growing field of internal audit, welcoming students from any undergraduate background. Whether you’re continuing your studies or shifting directions, the RFA program prepares you for long-term success in a high-demand profession.

Career Opportunities with Top Employers

Graduates of St. John’s M.S. in Risk and Financial Advisory program have gone on to secure roles at some of the most prestigious financial services, accounting, and consulting firms. The program’s strong reputation and the College’s formal recognition as a Center for Internal Audit Excellence continue to attract top employers across the industry.

Investment Banks

St. John’s graduates have been hired into competitive roles at leading global banks, including

• Citi
• Goldman Sachs
• JPMorganChase
• Morgan Stanley

These top-tier institutions offer positions in internal audit, risk management, and financial advisory. Compensation is especially strong, with many analysts earning six-figure salaries early in their careers.

Big Four Accounting Firms and Consulting 

St. John's students thrive at leading professional services firms, where structured career paths and professional development support long-term growth:

• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Protiviti

These firms offer diverse opportunities across audit, advisory, assurance services, risk management, and operational improvement, giving graduates a strong foundation for leadership roles.

These career outcomes demonstrate the strong demand for St. John’s graduates and the program’s proven ability to prepare students for meaningful, upwardly mobile careers in internal audit and related fields.

A Career That Makes an Impact

Internal audit is a career that offers exciting opportunities for growth, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a real difference in the success of organizations. With rising demand for skilled auditors and a wealth of opportunities across industries, now is the perfect time to consider a career in internal audit.