Top 5 skills for the future of auditing

The auditing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving regulatory demands, and an increased focus on sustainability. For auditing professionals, the challenge lies not only in keeping up but in staying ahead to ensure measurable value creation for organisations.  

Right now, we are seeing the rise of multi-disciplined professionals armed with advanced tools, business acumen, and the ability to manage complex risks. Whether you’re an established auditor or an aspiring professional, mastering these five forward-focused skills will ensure you’re prepared for the auditing challenges of tomorrow.  

This article dives into the top five skills that are shaping the future of auditing, the trends driving their importance, and actionable steps you can take to develop them. 

Top trends in auditing for 2025 and beyond 

Auditing professionals are no strangers to change. However, the current pace of transformation in this field is faster than we’ve seen in decades. A few trends are leading this charge as we approach 2025 and beyond: 

• Greater reliance on cybersecurity auditing as businesses move to protect digital assets.  

• Green initiatives and stricter regulations increasing the prominence of environmental audits.  

• Expanding the role of internal audit professionals as they add more domains to their remit.  

Navigating these trends requires a skillset that is both deep in specific domains and broad enough to tackle interconnected challenges. 

1. Cyber skills: Identifying and addressing risks

Cybersecurity Management Systems are no longer optional—they are now integral to an organisation’s risk management strategy. 

Cyber risks are on the rise, with global cyberattacks increasing by 38% in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to Check Point Research.  

For auditing professionals, securing data environments and ensuring compliance with regulations like IEC/ISO 27001 has become essential. A comprehensive cybersecurity management system includes a framework that addresses the mitigation of potential vulnerabilities, the robustness of an organisation’s defences, and compliance with global and regional data protection laws.  

Actionable steps: 

• Gain certifications like Auditor or Lead Auditor to ISO/IEC 27001:2022.  

• Stay adept at emerging technology issues like data integrity, encryption solutions or business continuity.  

• Collaborate with IT teams to develop risk management frameworks tailored for your organisation. 

Key training to upskill for the future of information security: 

• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Foundation: Start with an introduction to the ISO/IEC 27001 2022 standard and how it can be used to develop, implement, maintain and continually improve an information security management system. providing a sure foundation for your information security management system. 

• Implementing an ISMS ISO/IEC 27001:2022: Establish the necessary skills to develop, implement and monitor an Information Security Management System within your organisation. 

• Auditing an ISMS ISO/IEC 27001:2022: Advanced course develops the skills needed to perform effective internal/external audits against the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems standard. 

• Lead Auditor ISMS ISO/IEC 27001:2022 & ISO 19011:2018: Gain a practical understanding of the responsibilities of an information security auditor, and the techniques and methodologies required to effectively audit an ISMS. 

• Auditor Transition ISO/IEC 27001:2022: Training for auditors provides an opportunity to learn the necessary skills to transition their existing knowledge of the planning, conducting and reporting of an audit of an Information Security Management System that is compliant with ISO/IEC 27001:2022. 

• ISO/IEC 27701 Privacy Information Management (PIMS) Foundation: This one-day foundation course provides an overview of the concepts and principles of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) based on ISO/IEC 27701. 

2. Green skills: Sustainability and climate reporting and assurance

The emphasis on sustainability has never been stronger. Organisations must meet demanding environmental and social governance (ESG) standards, and auditors with “green skills” will take centre stage. Particularly with the inclusion of climate change amendments in 2024 to several Management Systems by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), it is now something all organisations need to consider to maintain their Management System Certification(s).

Environmental audits, carbon footprint assessments, and alignment with sustainability goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are predicted to dominate the auditing landscape. Qualifications in ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) will become highly sought after, as businesses work toward climate-positive practices. 

Actionable steps: 

• Upskill in ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) to lead climate-related audits. 

• Stay informed about the latest ESG trends and regulatory requirements, like the EU Taxonomy or climate-related risk disclosures.  

• Learn technology audits for tools that assist in tracking sustainability in your supply chain such as InLight. 

Key training to upskill on environment and sustainability: 

• Net Zero Awareness: Explore how compliance, financial, environmental and social risks relate to their specific industry and organisation. This course is designed to equip leaders and implementers with the knowledge on how to adhere to their public commitments towards net zero. 

• Energy Management Systems ISO 50001:2018 Foundation: Gain overview of the ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems Standard with insight into the key clauses and underlying concepts that underpin an effective Energy Management system. 

• Auditing an Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2015: Develop a thorough insight into environmental management system requirements based on the ISO 14001:2015 Standard. 

• Lead Auditor in Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 19011:2018: Elevate your environmental auditing expertise with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in auditing an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 19011:2018. Our training offers a concentrated and comprehensive approach, enabling you to understand the theory and practice of EMS auditing thoroughly. 

3. Quality management skills: Increased importance on quality and risk management

Quality and risk management audits are becoming increasingly pivotal in maintaining organisational integrity amid uncertain global economic cycles. From assessing supply chain risks to identifying compliance lapses, auditors must develop cross-functional expertise to add value in these areas.   

Professionals with a strong grip on international standards and risk management practices are in high demand. They’ll be expected to assess quality management systems with an eye toward continuous process improvement.   

Actionable steps: 

• Earn certifications in ISO 9001 (Quality Management).   

• Monitor global economic pressures affecting your client industries, like inflation or labour crises.   

• Stay consistent by revisiting and re-aligning clients’ risk and quality goals annually.   

Key training to upskill on quality and risk management: 

• ISO 9001:2015 Foundation: This course will enable participants to interpret the key requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard and understand how these requirements relate to their organisation. 

• Auditing a Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015: This 2-day course provides attendees with a thorough insight into quality management system requirements based on the ISO 9001:2015 Standard. 

• Lead Auditor in Quality Management Systems ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 19011:2018: Unlock your continuous improvement and quality auditing expertise with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in auditing Quality Management System (QMS) based on ISO based on ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 19011:2018. Our training offers a concentrated and comprehensive approach, enabling you to understand the theory and practice of QMA auditing thoroughly. 

• Implementing Enterprise Risk Management: Establish the knowledge and skills to develop and implement an operational plan and manage the associated risks to ensure required goals and objectives are achieved. 

4. Business excellence skills: Improving businesses and leadership 

Auditors today are becoming broader business advisors, with leaders trusting them to provide operational, leadership, and improvement guidance. A deep understanding of business strategies, coupled with exceptional leadership skills, is essential to deliver insights that go beyond the immediate audit scope.  

This shift has expanded what clients expect from auditors. Professionals with the skills to identify inefficiencies, mentor leadership, and suggest evidence-backed organisational improvements will excel in this evolving role.  

Actionable steps: 

• Pursue certifications in Lean Six Sigma Management or Leadership and Development training  

• Develop interpersonal skills to build trust and effectively communicate findings with executives.  

• Gain exposure to operations across different industries to understand diverse business nuances. 

Key training to upskill on business excellence and leadership:   

• Lead and Communicate with Influence: Establish the knowledge and skills required to use emotional intelligence and other communication techniques to provide effective leadership and to build strong relationships within their organisation. 

• Lead and Develop Critical Thinking Teams: This course is designed to enable you to develop, manage and lead teams to their full potential. Develop support, coaching and critical thinking skills to improve the quality of team communication and problem solving. 

• Executive WHS Leadership & Obligations: Designed for individuals who bear the mantle of leadership or possess managerial duties, this course is tailored to those committed to upholding and prioritising the health and safety of the workforce. This course equips leaders to make informed decisions, effectively disseminating safety information, fostering a culture where every employee is an advocate for health and safety. 

• Psychological Health and Safety at Work ISO 45003:2021: Gain an understanding of the concepts and principals for managing psychological health and safety risks and provides practical guidance for organisations to develop a mental health strategy tailored to meet the needs of their organisation. 

5. Multi-skilled assurance professionals: Increasing scope of internal audit 

The scope of internal auditing is no longer confined to traditional domains like finance or operations. The rise of multi-skilled assurance professionals enables businesses to streamline diverse audit requirements like compliance, IT, cybersecurity, and environmental considerations, into a unified framework.  

Organisations increasingly need flexible auditors who can tackle audits across various sectors. From ISO certifications to compliance auditing, equipping yourself with knowledge across domains ensures you’ll remain indispensable to your organisation.  

Actionable steps: 

• Diversify your skills across standards like ISO 45001 (Health and Safety) and ISO 45003 Psychological Health and Safety.  

• Network within cross-industry audit communities to broaden your exposure.  

• Stay ahead of training in newly updated or emerging ISO standards. 

Key training to upskill on integrating areas of business:   

• Auditing Integrated Management Systems: The purpose of this course to provide participants with knowledge and understanding of an integrated management system based on ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001. 

• Integrated Governance, Risk Management and Compliance: The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop and implement a risk management framework based on compliance obligations and the organisations governance framework. 

Key training to upskill on specialist areas of business:   

• Remote Auditing Workshop: Remote auditing allows virtual assessments to be completed from anywhere. Gain new insights into conducting audits remotely, to unlock auditing from anywhere. 

• Modern Slavery Awareness Workshop: Establish a clear understanding of the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 and its impact on your business. Identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery within your supply chains. 

• Medical devices Internal Auditor Training: Gain an in-depth review of the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 and how they are applied in the context of an internal audit, and it provides a hands-on approach to planning, conducting and reporting on internal audits in accordance with ISO 19011:2018.   

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