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

GUEST: Dan Fornelius, CIA Director & Integrated Risk Leader, CrossCountry Consulting IIA North Jersey Chapter Board Member

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
• Global Internal Audit Standards
• Vision 2035
• Advice and Resources
• Knowledge Centers Artificial Intelligence
• All Things Internal Audit: Advisory Work: How to Consult
• Learning Solutions: The Advisory Engagement

Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.

Follow All Things Internal Audit: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Deezer