CEO Message: Cultivating Internal Auditing's Future https://internalauditor.theiia.org/en/articles/2023/october/ceo-message-cu...

CO Meage: Cultivating Internal

Auditing' Future
ARTICL | ANTHONY PUGLI, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP | OCT 09, 2023

As we celebrate the 2023 Emerging Leaders, we also must chart a course that
fosters young talent, encourages innovative ideas, and remains steadfast in our
principles.

Article Digital Leaderhip Talent Management

takeholder, oard, C­uite, and Audit Committee xecutive Mid­Level tudent ntr Level

Gloal nglih

1 of 4 11/10/2023, 13:21
CEO Message: Cultivating Internal Auditing's Future https://internalauditor.theiia.org/en/articles/2023/october/ceo-message-cu...

As we recognize the accomplishments of Emerging Leaders in our

profession in this issue of Internal Auditor, it presents an excellent
opportunity to share some of �e IIA’s recent developments and
initiatives aimed at shaping the future of our profession. �roughout
my discussions with internal auditors around the world, cultivating
the next generation of leaders consistently emerges as a top priority.

Not only does �e IIA conduct research to understand the needs and
priorities of college students, we also actively seek innovative
approaches to captivate the interest of aspiring internal auditors and
demonstrate how a career in internal auditing can ful�ll their
professional and personal goals.

Last year, the Internal Audit Foundation (IAF) released the Internal

2 of 4 11/10/2023, 13:21
CEO Message: Cultivating Internal Auditing's Future https://internalauditor.theiia.org/en/articles/2023/october/ceo-message-cu...

Audit: A Global View research report that explored the shi�ing

demographics within our profession. �e �ndings revealed a
signi�cant decline in the percentage of respondents under the age of
40, signaling a concerning trend: We are not adequately replenishing
the internal audit pipeline. �is research emphasized the immediate
need for collaborative endeavors to ignite enthusiasm among younger
demographics.

To address this issue, �e IIA launched several initiatives, including

the Global Student Conference, free global student memberships, the
Emerging Leaders mentoring program, and the Ignite Conference, all
designed for early-career internal auditors. �e IAF also has extended
its research e�orts. In �e Internal Audit Student Pipeline, an
upcoming two-part report, the Foundation examines how educators
and higher education institutions support the development of future
internal auditors. Part 1 of the series will be released this month, with
Part 2 coming in 2024 and delving into recruitment strategies,
essential skills, and typical career progression paths within internal
auditing. By implementing these initiatives and committing to their
growth in the years to come, we can ensure a resilient, dynamic, and
prosperous future for the �eld of internal auditing.

Further evidence of �e IIA’s dedication to building a strong future for

the profession is re�ected in Global Board Chair Sally-Anne Pitt’s
theme, “�ink Di�erent.” �is theme underscores the importance of
— and our commitment to — thinking di�erently about our identity,
our work, and our methodologies. When it comes to attracting new
talent, it means thinking di�erently about how we recruit, retain, and
train the next generation of leaders.

I hope that as we celebrate Emerging Leaders in our profession, we

also chart a course that fosters young talent, encourages innovative
ideas, and remains steadfast in our principles. Together, we can elevate
the internal audit profession to unprecedented heights and create a

3 of 4 11/10/2023, 13:21
CEO Message: Cultivating Internal Auditing's Future https://internalauditor.theiia.org/en/articles/2023/october/ceo-message-cu...

lasting impact on the organizations we serve.

Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP

Anthony Pugliese is president and CEO of �e IIA in Lake Mary, Fla.

Learn more with our other reource

ARTICL ARTICL

Wave of Change  Rik: Teting Rik Reilience 

1/2

4 of 4 11/10/2023, 13:21