Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing (GradCertIA)

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About the GradCertIA

What is the GradCertIA?

The Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing (GradCertIA) is an online postgraduate professional education program for those seeking to establish or further develop a career in internal audit, assurance, governance and risk.

The GradCertIA is designed to provide fundamental knowledge and skills in the field of internal auditing and related areas. It is relevant across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. We have an average of approximately 183 students enrolled each year across two semesters.

The program is fully accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA),  which is the higher education regulatory body. It sits at level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

As well as being a professional association, IIA-Australia is also a TEQSA registered Institute of Higher Education. Our Provider Number is PRV12182.

IIA-Australia is a member of the Independent Higher Education Australia which is a leading peak body in higher education representing independent tertiary education providers. This gives us a network of similar organisations and enables us access to best practice in Australian education.

It has given me the confidence to take on more responsibility in my current, and as the CAE role when secondment opportunities present. I am better able to execute my role. A greater understanding of the IPPF has helped me to inform business process improvements for the audit function and a very successful external quality assessment.

Jacqui, Qld

Who should apply?

  • Professionals seeking to establish or further develop a career in internal audit, governance and risk
  • Practitioners with or without an undergraduate degree
  • Candidates requiring flexibility as the course is conducted online
  • Aspiring internal auditors seeking practical content developed by the profession for the profession
  • Individuals wanting to apply for Professional Membership with the IIA-Australia
  • Organisations who want to develop an internal audit team that will take a comprehensive view of the business and the environment in which it operates

If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more, our Education team is here to help.

Contact:
Amanda Shepherd or Tara Twiddy
[email protected] or 02 9267 9155.

Testimonials

I was able to upskill into the position of Internal Audit Manager faster and easier than without this external course. Also great to make connections with other peers in the industry.
Tania, NZGradCertIA Graduate
This course provided me with skills in planning and risk-assessing the environment. In particular, ensuring supporting evidence and reporting skills are clear and concise.
Elizabeth, NSWGradCertIA Graduate
Provided me with a different skill set allowing me to complement my financial management / accounting skills with audit / assurance. Allowed me to transfer into an assurance role within the same company.
Simon, WAGradCertIA Graduate
Approximately 10 years ago, the Grad-Cert gave me the opportunity to re-skill following a career in management. The turnaround was achieved in a shortish timeframe and work opportunities immediately followed (even when only part way through). From that perspective the Grad Cert was excellent for me and served me well in setting up the final stage of my working life.
Chris, QldGradCertIA Graduate
I'm 68 and working part-time. The course extended my working life as it provided the qualification and skills required to undertake the role which was offered to me in 2014.
Andrew, VicGradCertIA Graduate
It helped as I was brand new to Internal Audit. The course gave me the basics on how the role should be performed technically…I was able to upskill into the position of Internal Audit Manager faster and easier than without this external course. Also great to make connections with other peers in the industry.
Tania, NZ GradCertIA Graduate
I have more responsibility and direct reports, increased income based on my ability to demonstrate a level of knowledge beyond most others in the organisation.
Todd, VICGradCertIA Graduate
"Having practiced as an external auditor, internal auditor and adviser to a broad range of businesses for ten years, I was sceptical as to the value that the Graduate Certificate would provide. I can honestly report that the program was of immense value. The reinforcement of core concepts and internal audit processes and techniques increased my on the-job skillset and enhanced my confidence in delivering internal audits. The program extended my knowledge in areas such as information systems audit and IT project related audits which I was immediately able to bring to the table and better service my clients. Of particular convenience was the online delivery platforms which suited my heavy travel schedule. I would recommend the program to all internal auditors regardless of their level of experience.”
Alex Hardy PMIIA GradCertIAManager, Corporate Assurance, Prosperity Advisers Group (GradCertIA Graduate)
I genuinely loved every part of the course. But in particular, I found the course notes and prescribed texts were spot on – very helpful in applying what we were learning to the workplace. The webinars in all 4 modules were certainly a highlight. All presenters were incredibly knowledgeable and offered useful insights from their own experiences. ‘Accounting basics’ in Module 3 was nothing short of outstanding! I’m a ‘non-accountant’, so I was anxious about how I’d go in Module 3. But the webinars were fantastic at getting me on the right track. The online forum where tutorial questions were discussed was an unexpected bonus. I gained a great deal from the knowledge, experience and insights shared by other participants.”
Leanne Toby PMIIA GradCertIAProfessional Risk and Development Manager (GradCertIA Graduate)
"The IIA-Australia’s commitment to high level, quality internal auditing education is enhanced by the Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing offering organisations and individuals the only post-graduate internal auditing course in Australia. It supports the aim of your Institute to develop a fully qualified internal auditing profession by 2020. Its practical focus and online delivery mode provides the technical knowledge required of an internal auditor in a flexible teaching environment. The GradCertIA supports the needs of organisations wishing to develop their internal audit teams with a rigorous program of professional development for individuals wishing to progress their internal auditing careers.”
Lee Sullivan PMIIAGroup General Manager - Group Internal Audit
"Sheila’s completion of the GradCertIA has benefited Capricorn immensely, broadening her personal skill and knowledge base, whilst at the same time enabling her to improve upon Capricorn’s internal audit processes, reporting and value-add outcomes to the business.”
Graeme DouglasRisk, Compliance and Audit Manager, Capricorn
“Overall the module content combined with the moodle site is a very supportive way to learn in a distance education environment. I always get timely responses and support from the tutors and admin staff and you should be congratulated on the organised, professional manner in which the course has been presented so far.”
Nicole Waugh GradCertIASenior Internal Auditor & Group Training Manager
"We are strongly encouraging each member of our team to undertake the GradCertIA. It provides fundamental professional development in the field of Internal Auditing, is relevant to the Australian governance landscape and grows our “work ready” talent internally. The skills developed through the program are practical and provide candidates with opportunities to build on previous experiences in associated fields of expertise and assimilate content quickly”
Carolyn Eagle PMIIA CIA CGAP CRMADirector, Pacifica Chartered Accountants
“The course is based online, and as I’m on the road a lot, this allows me to complete the coursework in my own time. I especially enjoy the guest speakers who relate their real world experiences to the course material.”
Dane Parsons GradCertIAGradCertIA Graduate
"I wanted to gain a certification as an internal auditor that added value to the work I was doing. The GradCertIA is hands on, practical and relevant to my current work environment. It has given me the knowledge, skills and values to carry out my work as a proficient internal auditor at a very high level. The course content sparked my curiosity and drove me to further research how I could make a difference and add value in my work place. As a graduate of the course and soon to be PMIIA, I am in a position to demonstrate my professional competence, experience and commitment to internal auditing. The GradCertIA allows students to develop a better understanding of the Standards, how to apply them and broadens their knowledge in all areas of internal auditing. Completion of the course also demonstrates your proficiency as an internal auditor and a valuable asset to any organisation.”
Tracy Parker PMIIA GradCertGradCertIA Graduate
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Module Outlines

The Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing (GradCertIA) consists of four (4) compulsory modules (subjects) worth 6 credit points each (a total of 24 credit points for the award of Graduate Certificate). The first three (3) modules are technical/skills based while the final (capstone) module focuses primarily on practical application of previous learning in the course in workplace contexts, as well as professional interpersonal and management skills.

This module equips students with the technical skills and knowledge to undertake a risk-based internal audit according to internationally accepted professional standards. The International Professional Practices Framework and the incorporated Code of Ethics are used to guide students as they evaluate their current practice and improve the quality of their audit work.

This module covers: 

  • The International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
  • Governance, risk management and control
  • Planning and performing the engagement
  • Communicating results and monitoring progress
  • Quality and control
  • Managing internal audit activity engagements

This module develops knowledge and understanding of legal, regulatory and economic environments in which Australian organisations operate and make decisions. The risk of fraud and ethical issues is also covered.

The legal, regulatory and trading (economic) environment is complex and can include traversing trade legislation and regulations, labour laws, copyright, privacy and cyber laws, civil and penal laws, taxation schemes, contract law as well as the nature and laws of legal evidence.

This module covers:

  • Ethics, ethical organisations and evaluating ethics
  • Legal and Regulatory Environment, including governance, the mandate for Internal Audit’s role, compliance mapping and assurance mapping
  • Fraud risk, prevention and investigation
  • Economic Environment, including the role of Government, macroeconomic issues and implications for Internal Audit

Covering key knowledge areas of the internal auditor competency framework, this module builds students’ knowledge and understanding of the systems and processes used to manage an effective business.

The principles of the key financial statements and how they relate to each other are covered. Numbers tell a story and internal audit uses trend and ratio analysis as a starting point for investigation.

The module will examine Information and Communications Technology (ICT) within organisations. It will consider the role of ICT and associated governance, risk management, control and audit processes.

This module covers:

  • Financial reporting and management accounting
  • Analysis and interpretation of financial statements
  • ICT Governance, ICT organisations and the role of the internal auditor
  • Auditing ICT projects
  • ICT Risks and the ICT Audit process
  • ICT General Controls and Application Controls
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Analytics
  • Business continuity management

Professional in Practice is the capstone module of the Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing. As such, it aims to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to make high level, independent judgements in planning, conducting and evaluating an internal audit in accordance with the IPPF.

Drawing on the three previous modules, this module will focus on the non-technical skills that will enable students to lead and effect change, and to communicate and influence all levels of the organisation. Students have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and hone their problem-solving skills, preparing them to deliver high-quality internal audit services and manage a value-adding internal audit program.

This module covers:

  • Influence and communication
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation
  • Change management
  • Culture and risk management
  • Digital governance
  • Capstone case studies

Each of the four modules that will make up the course will be conducted over a single semester.

Each module will be conducted over a 14 week semester with the expectation that candidates will spend 144 hours in total over the semester engaged in private study, participating in interactive learning opportunities and completing assessment requirements. Each semester will consist of a 12 week teaching period plus a 2 week period (Weeks 13 and 14) set aside for candidates to complete their major assessment task.

Student Representation

Each semester the IIA –Australia asks for students enrolled in Modules 2-4 to nominate as the student representative. The student representative’s role is to engage with other students and bring feedback to the Education Committee. This includes any issues experienced by students generally (the role is not an advocate for individual grievances). It also provides the opportunity to suggest and raise opportunities for improvement to the GradCertIA.  

The student representative’s role can be fulfilling and offers exposure to governance processes.   When there is a vacancy, there will be a call for nominations via the IIA-Australia Company Secretary and on Moodle.  

FAQs

Internal audit is a dynamic profession involved in helping organisations achieve their objectives. It is concerned with evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes in an organisation.

The IIA-Australia is the leading body representing internal auditors.

The GradCertIA is a postgraduate education program for professionals who are seeking to establish or further develop a career in internal audit, governance and risk. It fully accredited and sits at level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (Provider Number PRV12182).

The GradCertIA is designed to provide fundamental knowledge and skills in the field of internal auditing and related areas. It is relevant across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.

Each module is delivered fully online. Candidate learning is supported by tutors; comprehensive module learning materials; a web-based Learning Management System (Moodle) and webinars.

The GradCertIA consists of four modules worth 6 credit points each. The first three modules are technical/skills based while the final module focuses primarily on practical application of learned principles in workplace contexts, as well as professional, interpersonal and management skills. Recognition of Prior Learning is available for modules 2 and/or 3.

MODULE 1 – Risk-Based Internal Auditing

MODULE 2 – Legal and Regulatory Environment

MODULE 3 – Organisational Systems and Processes

MODULE 4 – Professional in Practice

  • Professionals seeking to establish or further develop a career in internal audit, governance and risk 
  • Practitioners with or without an undergraduate degree
  • Candidates requiring flexibility as the course is conducted online
  • Aspiring internal auditors seeking practical content developed by the profession for the profession
  • Individuals wanting to apply for Professional Membership with the IIA-Australia
  • Organisations who want to develop an internal audit team that will take a comprehensive view of the business and the environment in which it operate

There are two semesters each year, usually early March and early August. All four modules are offered each semester.

There are five years available to complete the GradCertIA.

Assessment is measured through participation, webinars, assignments, quizzes and reflective journals. There are no exams.

You can apply with or without a degree. If you don’t have a degree you will need two years’ experience in internal audit or a related field.

Your degree can be from any discipline. If it is from another country, we can discuss any additional criteria.

This is RPL available for modules 2 and/or 3. Modules 1 and 4 are compulsory.

Click here to see the application form. 

Amanda Shepherd or Tara Twiddy

[email protected] or 02 9267 9155.

Apply for the GradCertIA

Note: An Experience Verification Form (for non award entry) will be provided for completion once your application is received.
Application Form

Request Handbook