Definition

The Definition of Internal Auditing is part of the IIA's mandatory guidelines and states the fundamental purpose, nature, and scope of internal auditing:

"Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance process."

Source: International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation, Florida USA, January 2011