32 Internal Audit Manager Interview Questions & Answers
1. If you had an under performing auditor, what would you say to him or her, to help boost their performance?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about a time that you have had to handle an under performing auditor. How did you feel about your method of managing this situation and would you do it the same way again?
Answer Example
"I have handled situations previously with under performing auditors. I follow a particular schedule when it comes to coaching, documenting, and then taking corrective behaviour if needed. I try to be an encourager first and will get to know why the auditor is struggling. I like to make a plan of action with the auditor so they are accountable for their own performance."
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2. How strong are your analytical skills?
How to Answer
As an internal audit manager it is very important to be analytical. Tell the hiring manager the ways in which you showcase your analytical skills.
Answer Example
"I am a highly analytical individual and consider it a vital skill for being a successful internal audit manager. I would consider myself most analytical when I am presented with a brand new case, or client. I always want to start the audit process with the correct foundation."
3. What accounting software are you familiar with?
How to Answer
You will likely have your tech/software skills listed on your resume. Start with the programs that you are most knowledgable in and work your way down. Be sure to ask the hiring manager which programs they prefer to use in their company so that you have the opportunity to speak to those as well.
Answer Example
"I am an expert level user in QuickBooks, SAP and Simply Accounting. I have used PeopleSoft a little bit as well. Can you share with me which programs you use most in your office?"
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It processes accounting entries in a faster way and generates reports quickly."
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4. Are you skilled in creating flowcharts, presentations and reports?
How to Answer
As an internal audit manager, it is very important that you are able to take complicated data, analyze it, and turn it into easy to understand flowcharts and presentations.
Answer Example
"I am highly skilled in creating presentations, reports and flow charts. This type of work accounts for approximately 25% of my work day. For the creation of these reports, I am an expert user in Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint."
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In my role, report writing is one of my primary responsibilities. Once I've written the draft of my report, I will self-review my work and assess whether I am delivering the right message, and I am using the right tone. I will not submit the report for someone's review unless I am happy with my draft."
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5. Do you have your CPA designation? If not, do you plan on obtaining it?
How to Answer
CPA designation is important to have as an internal audit manager but not always a requirement of the position.
1st Answer Example
"Yes, I achieved my CPA designation 3 years ago from Yorkville university. I am happy that I chose to obtain it as I feel it is a very helpful asset for me as an audit manager."
2nd Answer Example
"I have not completed my CPA as of yet, however; I understand the importance of this designation. My goal is to begin this coursework by the end of this year."
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6. Are you clear and detailed when it comes to documentation? How important is accurate documentation to you?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your documentation style. Have you ever received a compliment from a supervisor on your strong documentation?
Answer Example
"I am incredibly clear and detailed in my documentation. In my opinion, as an internal audit manager, that is one of the most important factors in a job well done. My current supervisor often comments on my clean documentation and I take pride in that."
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7. How will you add value to our company?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you will immediately add value to their organization. Speak briefly of your plan to make a difference right away.
Answer Example
"If I am successful in obtaining this position, I plan on making a difference immediately. My strong level of education as well as my managerial experience will add value to this position. I also have a very strong work ethic which you will notice immediately."
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8. What improvements would you make as the audit manager, if you were awarded this position?
How to Answer
When hired, the company would like to know that there are measurable results right away. Assure the hiring manager that you have already thought about a variety of ways that you will make an impact on their organization,should you be the successful candidate.
Answer Example
"If I am the successful candidate, I would begin by streamlining the audit process. In our first interview together you mentioned that you have troubles with a few under-performers. I would address that immediately through setting team and personal targets and creating a very thorough performance review with everyone on my team."
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9. What would you change about an auditors role, if you could?
How to Answer
Are there aspects to your role that you feel could be passed to a more junior position, in the interest of time and efficiency? Perhaps you have a particular responsibility like this in your current position. Remain positive when answering this question and avoid being critical of the company's internal structure.
Answer Example
"One thing I would change about the auditor's role in my current company would be taking a bit of the more junior workload off of the audit managers in order to ensure utmost efficiency. For example, I take time every week to scan resume's that come into my department. I would love to have an HR Administrator who could screen resume's for me so that more of my time is spent on the audit related tasks where I am most trained."
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10. How do you remain focused during a day filled with number crunching and paying acute attention?
How to Answer
Being an audit manager can be tedious, detailed work. Tell the hiring manager how you manage to keep your focus on even the most mundane and repetitive days.
Answer Example
"I remain focused on the job by double checking my work on a consistent basis, especially if I am becoming a bit tired when working overtime. The work becomes a bit repetitive but I do really enjoy auditing so it doesn't happen to me too often."
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11. What do you enjoy most about being an auditor?
How to Answer
Generally speaking, your favorite part of being an auditor will also be the part that you are most skilled in. Tell the hiring manager what you enjoy the most in your career.
Answer Example
"The part I enjoy most about being an auditor is my ability to make sound decisions based on fact, and compiled data. It can be very mathematical and is calculated. I also love that I can assist in streamlining a company's processes to increase their bottom line."
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12. What is your leadership style? Are you able to take on a leadership role over others who were once your peers?
How to Answer
What type of feedback have you received on your leadership style in your most recent managerial roles? Tell the hiring manager what you feel is your greatest strength in leadership.
Answer Example
"I very naturally take on a leadership role in my work, and day-to-day life. I am able to lead by taking on the role of a caring coach and mentor."
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I show respect and empathy to all members of the team. I love coaching junior members, and I am always willing to spend time coaching them."
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13. How long have you been an auditor? What has prepared you for the manager role?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager what has prepared you to take on a management role at this junction in your career.
Answer Example
"I have been an auditor for 3 years total and have completed all of the required education and certifications to qualify for a management role. I have proven leadership skills in my most recent role and am now ready to take those skills into a formal management type of position."
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14. As a manager, what skills do you possess that help you excel at your job?
How to Answer
As an internal audit manager, what skills do you feel are most important in order to be successful? Do you possess these skills? Demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are able to excel in this role.
Answer Example
"I feel that as an audit manager, the most important skills for me to possess are integrity, attention to detail and strong organization. With these three skills, I am able to successfully manage, lead, and be an effective employee."
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15. Have you ever been offered a bribe at any of your previous positions? What did you do?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer if you have ever been in a situation where you have been offered a bribe for a positive audit result.
1st Answer Example
"Yes, I have been offered a bribe previously. Earlier in my career, I was performing a financial audit on a client. I was offered a cash incentive in exchange for a positive grade. I, of course, did not take the bribe and I reported the situation to my supervisor."
2nd Answer Example
"I have not come across a situation like this before. If I were to be offered a bribe I would certainly not take it. I would be sure to report the incident immediately."
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16. Would you consider yourself to be a trustworthy person?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you are a trustworthy person. Talk a bit about how you see yourself and confirm this by referring to previous feedback from a manager or supervisor.
Answer Example
"I certainly do consider myself to be a trustworthy person. I have consistently been complimented on my high level of accountability on the job."
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17. While attending post-secondary, what was your best and favorite subject?
How to Answer
Explain to the hiring manager where you excelled the most in your post-secondary courses and why.
Answer Example
"During my post-secondary education my best grades were in macroeconomics and organizational behaviour. These subjects came naturally to me and I really enjoyed learning the concepts."
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18. In your opinion, what qualities make a great leader?
How to Answer
Talk about any leaders or mentors that you have had, and they similar qualities they had. How do you fit in as a leader? Do you emulate these qualities?
Answer Example
"I have had a few really great mentors and leaders in my life and they all have similar qualities. Patience, an analytical mind, and a strong set of personal morals and values. When these qualities are combined, it simply adds up to great leadership."
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19. Tell me about your management experience. Do you enjoy being a leader?
How to Answer
Have you been a leader in the workplace or in a volunteer situation? Take the hiring manager through your experience as a leader and why you find leadership an enjoyable experience.
Answer Example
"I do enjoy being a leader but I also enjoy having a strong mentor to look up to as well. I have been in a variety of management level roles, leading from 1 to 5 people. I would love to expand my leadership experience to include a larger team of incumbents."
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20. What do you find most challenging when performing an internal audit?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about your most challenging experience during an internal audit and what you do to push through that challenge to complete the audit successfully.
Answer Example
"The part of an internal audit that I find most challenging are the annual risk assessment audits. They are very detailed and take a great amount of concentration. Even though they are my biggest challenge as an auditor, they are my favorite. Enjoying my work makes it easy for me to stay focused."
21. Why do you feel internal auditors have an important role in our company?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about why you feel your job function is important to their company.
Answer Example
"As an internal auditor, I feel my job is incredibly important for the overall financial and operational standards of the company. When I perform operational, financial and compliance audits, the company can utilize my findings to effectively use their resources and ensure overall operational efficiency."
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22. Have you ever had an employee act unprofessionally towards you? How did you react?
How to Answer
An an internal audit manager you will be responsible for managing a variety of personality types. Tell the hiring manager how you handle that kind of task.
Answer Example
"In my current role it took me some time to gain the trust of some of the team members. They didn't want a new audit manager at first. One employee in particular was quite rude to me. I took him aside and confronted him on his behaviour, asking if I had personally done anything to offend him. By placing the 'blame' on myself, he realized that I wasn't all that bad and he quickly came around."
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23. In your most recent performance evaluation what positive feedback did your Supervisor have for you? Did they recommend any areas for improvement?
How to Answer
Think back to your last couple of meetings with your supervisor. What positive and constructive feedback did they provide for you? Even if you do not receive formal performance evaluations, you can answer this question.
Answer Example
"If I were to gather the positive feedback from my supervisor I would say that she consistently comments on my high level of reliability and my strong skills in documentation. For constructive feedback, she has recommended that I take additional coursework in Excel as I am currently at an intermediate level and she would like to see me at an expert level."
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24. How do you manage a healthy work/life balance?
How to Answer
This question is intended for the hiring manager to get to know you on a personal level just a little bit better. You can keep the answer brief and be sure to remain positive.
Answer Example
"I manage a healthy work/life balance by making the best of the time I have at work, and at home. I am organized which helps me greatly when it comes to time saving. I do tend to work a bit too late at times but I am always sure to avoid burnout by incorporating sleep, healthy eating and exercise into my daily plan."
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25. Why do you feel you are a good fit for our company?
How to Answer
What makes you the best fit for this organization? Talk to the hiring manager about the areas that are the best fit for you, and how that will benefit them should they choose to hire you.
Answer Example
"When I initially read your job posting, I knew that this role was a perfect fit for me. Your company vision and mission are exactly what I personally aim to achieve in my career as well. If you were to offer me a position, I would make a positive impact immediately because I have a strong understanding of your company's goals."
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26. Tell me about your most significant career accomplishment.
How to Answer
The hiring manager is able to learn more about your personality through this question. You can make the answer a bit personal.
Answer Example
"My most significant career accomplishment comes from the position I am currently in. The company promoted to me to a management level position after just 3 months. The promotion was in response to my strong work ethic and level of reliability. I was very proud of that accomplishment."
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27. In your current position, how are inspection reports posted and communicated? Do you agree with the process?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about the process for posting and communicating reports in your current position. Whether you agree or disagree, keep your answer positive and brief.
1st Answer Example
"I am very happy with how inspection reports are posted and communicated, in my current company. We have had a couple of kinks but all-in-all, very minor."
2nd Answer Example
"I have some challenges with the way my current company posts and communicates inspection reports. I have recently presented some suggested changes and they are being reviewed right now."
28. Tell me about what areas you audited in your last job.
How to Answer
Bring your last experience to life for the hiring manager, talking about your areas of focus.
Answer Example
"In my most recent position, I was responsible for overseeing operational and compliance audits. In the role before this one, I managed all financial audits. As you can see from my resume, I have experience in all types of audits."
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29. Why do you enjoy auditing?
How to Answer
How you answer this question could help the hiring manager to determine where you best fit within their organization.
Answer Example
"I enjoy auditing as a whole, however; the main reason that I enjoy auditing is because it's the perfect job for an analytical, organized person such as myself. I love knowing that I can make an impact on a company financially and organizationally."
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30. Tell me about an inefficiency you detected during an audit.
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about how you came across the inefficiency and how it impacted the company you were working for at the time.
Answer Example
"During my most recent operational audit I found that there was a great deal of improper duplication of responsibilities in job descriptions and cumbersome processes with very time-consuming steps. I made a recommendation to streamline these descriptions."
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31. Have you ever discovered fraud in an audit?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about a time that you discovered fraud in an audit. Talk about your course of action and what the result was.
Answer Example
"In 2014 I discovered bank transfer fraud during an internal financial audit. I immediately followed our internal protocol set for situations such as this. The employee was found and charged with fraud. I was very satisfied with my work on that audit."
32. Tell me about your accounting education.
How to Answer
Walk the hiring manager through your educational background. Be sure to discuss any awards or recognition.
Answer Example
"I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Waterloo. I graduated top in my class and made the Dean's list. I also completed my CPA this past year."