I heard about the role of Internal Auditor in CRH plc from my previous employer. He had worked for Internal Audit (IA) in CRH in the past and strongly recommended the role to me for career progression reasons. Accountancy Ireland held an opening evening for interested candidates looking for a job with IA in CRH. I went to this opening evening and submitted my CV to them.

I was called for an interview shortly afterwards. The first round interview was basic information (past employment, strength/weaknesses, career progression etc). The 2nd round interview was more specific to the role. You also had to prepare a case study with 6 questions - all specific to Internal Audit scenarios. A few days later I was told I was successful and got the job.

There are 2 types of "typical" days in the life on an internal auditor.

Type 1 - on site with the client.
Here you look at the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, the reliability of financial reporting and check is the company compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

There are different types of audits:

1. Full scope review targeted principally at finance areas. Covers controls over completeness, accuracy and validity of transactions; security of physical / monetary assets; security of IT operations; accuracy of reporting within CRH. Where the business unit is classified as a tier 1 entity for SOX, the review will incorporate testing for SOX purposes

2. Limited scope review can take many forms: SOX testing, IA work for External Auditors, narrowly focused / specific risk internal control review, etc.

Type 2 - Back at head office.
Here a typical day would consist of preparing for an audit (writing planning documents, organising travel schedules, preparing lead schedules and test plans) or writing the report of the audit which you have just completed.

• Third level business studies/commerce degree
• ACA/ACCA Qualified
• Proficient with Excel and related reporting tools and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within tight operating deadlines and strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Flexible, professional attitude
• Excellent financial and analytical skills
• Teamplayer, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be able to build effective client relationships