Internal Auditing in 2026: Skills That Actually Matter
The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit
In this episode, Mike Levy talks with Dan Fornelius about the skills internal auditors need in 2026 and how to deliver real advice, insight, and foresight that leaders value. They discuss earning a seat at the table, balancing advisory work with independence, aligning audit work to strategy, and how AI and analytics are transforming internal audit. The conversation highlights the shift toward strategic, insight-driven auditing and what auditors must do to stay relevant.
HOST:
Mike Levy, CIA, CRMA, CISSP
CEO, Cherry Hill Advisory
/ mlevy9
GUEST:
Dan Fornelius, CIA
Director & Integrated Risk Leader, CrossCountry Consulting
IIA North Jersey Chapter Board Member
/ danielfornelius
KEY POINTS:
Introduction and the Evolution of Internal Auditing [00:00:02–00:00:39]
Defining Advice, Insight, and Foresight in Internal Audit [00:00:39–00:01:16]
Earning a Seat at the Table Through Early Engagement [00:01:16–00:02:00]
Aligning Audit Work With Organizational Strategy [00:02:42–00:03:33]
Using Business Language to Drive Impact and Value [00:03:37–00:04:20]
Balancing Advisory Services and Independence [00:04:32–00:06:40]
Independence vs. Objectivity: Reframing the Debate [00:07:02–00:08:35]
Providing Real-Time Guidance on Emerging Risks [00:09:12–00:10:27]
Why Internal Audit’s Holistic View Drives Insight [00:10:31–00:11:24]
Defining and Delivering Actionable Insights [00:11:26–00:16:01]
Using Data, Analytics, and Early Warning Indicators [00:12:21–00:15:27]
Technology and AI as Enablers of Better Storytelling [00:16:12–00:18:33]
How AI Frees Auditors to Focus on the “So What” [00:18:45–00:21:06]
Skills and Attributes of the Future Auditor [00:21:22–00:23:25]
Why Communication and Questioning Matter More Than Ever [00:23:25–00:25:01]
Final Reflections on Value-Driven Internal Auditing [00:25:01–00:26:16]
IIA RELATED CONTENT:
Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources:
2026 Fraud Unmasked Virtual Conference
https://www.theiia.org/en/events/conf...
Global Internal Audit Standards
https://www.theiia.org/en/standards/2...
Vision 2035
https://ia-vision2035.org/
Advice and Resources
https://www.theiia.org/en/career-cent...
Knowledge Centers Artificial Intelligence
https://www.theiia.org/en/resources/k...
All Things Internal Audit: Advisory Work: How to Consult
https://www.theiia.org/en/content/pod...
Learning Solutions: The Advisory Engagement
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com...
Visit The IIA’s website for related topics and more.
https://www.theiia.org/en/
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