When passion meets purpose, the impact resonates across an entire profession. Kate Bethell, Director of Internal Audit and Risk at Scyne, exemplifies this spirit. Recognised for her outstanding contributions to internal audit, Kate was honoured with the Internal Auditor of the Year Award 2024, an accolade that celebrates leadership and innovation within the industry.
Since receiving the award, Kate has deepened her involvement with IIA-Australia, joining the WA Chapter Council, hosting events and contributing to the planning of the upcoming 50th anniversary WA Conference.
In this interview, Kate reflects on her journey from the moment of winning to the opportunities that followed, sharing her thoughts on the value of internal audit, finding balance amid a busy professional and personal life, and the goals she is setting for the year ahead.
Know an outstanding internal audit professional making a real impact? Nominate them for this year’s Internal Auditor of the Year Award and help shine a spotlight on their achievements.
Name: Kate Bethell PMIIA
Professional role: Director Internal Audit and Risk, Scyne
How did you feel when you won the Award? I was absolutely elated and so honoured. I have so much respect for my peers and to be recognised by them was such a proud moment for me.
What have you done since receiving the Award? I have joined the IIA-Australia WA Chapter Council and run an IIA-Aust event in the NT in relation to the new IIA Global Standards. I am assisting with the planning for WA’s next IIA-Aust Conference which celebrates is the 50th anniversary event.
Has the Award provided any new opportunities or recognition with your peers, organisation? Absolutely! I continue to be congratulated by colleagues and it has definitely increased my professional credibility as an Internal Auditor.
What do you love most about your job? I really believe that what we do matters. Internal Audit is about getting the best out of your business and achieving the highest standard of work reasonably achievable. I love contributing in that way.
What do you like to do in your spare time? (non-work related)? My favourite pastime is gardening, camping and just generally being in nature.
What has been your biggest challenge in the past 12 months? It’s been an exciting 12 months. I have lots of interesting work with my job including travelling interstate. I won this award and have become more involved in IIA Australia. Maybe the biggest challenge is finding balance in life. There is so much I want to do and so little time!
What are your goals for the coming 12 months? My eldest daughter will graduate high school soon and will be leaving home to join the Defence Force. That’s both exciting and scary. I’m expecting lots of new positive work challenges to grow and learn, and I’ll probably wrap up nearly 3 years of renovations to my little cottage.