9 Reasons Why You Need to Take a CIA Course

Choosing accountancy as a career is already a good start, but if given a chance to take it further, would you take it?

Obtaining a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) means getting recognition around the world. It means credibility in the auditing. Isn’t it tempting to take a CIA Course knowing these perks?

Reasons why CIA certification is essential

Is it worth your time? Delve into the reasons why CIA certification is rewarding.

1. Resume elevated: Putting CIA as your post-nominal initials makes you stand out from the rest. Not because it means you’re a part of the premier CIA that carries out secret operations (although that would make you look cool), but because it shows how pro you are. Having those initials on your resume means you possess internal audit expertise that others don’t have. It shows how competent you are in your field because you were able to pass the required eligibility to become certified, which includes education, ethics, examination, and experience.
2. Skills and abilities development: Getting certified means, you’ll need to pass all the exams and experience requirements by improving and developing your skills and abilities. You cannot be a Certified Internal Auditor unless you possess the knowledge and skills required. CIAs are expected to perform several obligations that prove their competency in the field, such as applying regulations stipulated by state laws, assessing risks to ensure financial data credibility, making recommendations to solve issues, and understanding state laws to guarantee compliance.
3. Greater job opportunities: Once certified, the list of job opportunities will be endless. It doesn’t matter if you’re still on the entry level. There are many options. Getting past the entry level allows you to land supervisory positions such as audit manager, director of internal audit, and risk manager, as well as executive positions such as controller, director of finance or internal audit, Chief Audit Executive, and VP of internal audit.
4. In-demand occupation: Certified auditors are in demand. It’s one of the most sought-after positions in the market today. Companies are giving more emphasis on internal controls; hence the need for financial expertise helps increase. CIAs play an integral role in helping companies achieve objectives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a potential seven percent increase in the employment growth rate of auditors up to the year 2030. With this projected rate, the best time to get certified is now.
5. Greater job security: Rules and regulations provided by federal and state laws in the finance and accounting field continue to evolve. It used to be as simple as auditing, but now it’s geared more toward overseeing the financial operations of a business. Certified internal auditors can do that and assess risk, ensure compliance, and provide direction. Companies want that for their businesses. They need it for their business. And because of that, more and more companies not only employ CIAs but also ensure they keep them for good.
6. Higher salary: You can expect an increase in salary as you climb the ladder. As an internal auditor, you experience a pay rise according to your rank. Your earning potential will be based on your role and experience. How much does a Certified Internal Auditor earn? According to the Robert Half 2022 Salary Guide, based on a 50th percentile, entry-level auditors earn $49,750, senior auditors earn $76,000, managers earn $120,500, and executive-level auditors earn $191,500.
7. Admiration and reliability magnified: Proving your credentials gets you the reliability and admiration you deserve. Getting certified is a choice, and if you’ve decided to go down the route of meeting all the requirements, no matter how difficult the process is, it just shows how dedicated and passionate you are in your chosen profession.There are a lot of auditors in the accounting field who need to be certified. They won’t have the knowledge and expertise you have, which will help you gain the respect you deserve.
8. Join the Institute of Internal Auditors (the IIA): If you had the opportunity to become a part of a global network where auditing professionals interact and support each other, wouldn’t you grab it? The IIA has hundreds of chapters spread all around the world. With 185,000 members (and counting), the opportunities for you to excel and grow in your chosen field are endless.
9. International rewards: Some countries require candidates to be a member of the IIA if they want to become a CIA. But in most cases, you don’t have to be. The IIA, however, encourages candidates to take advantage of the perks such as discounts on review materials and access to exam prep resources.

Apart from that, you can also enjoy the perks of having global connections, leadership opportunities, conference invitations, and executive development education, to name a few.

Also Read: Benefits of Earning an International Business Management Course