7 Signs You Might Be an Internal Auditor
1. You Have a Natural Suspicion of “It’ll Be Fine”
Whenever someone says, “Don’t worry about it,” your audit senses tingle. Whether it’s a vague expense report or a friend’s overly ambitious vacation plan, you’re already drafting a risk assessment in your head.
2. You’re Obsessed with Checklists
Packing for a trip? There’s a checklist. Grocery shopping? Another checklist. Weekend plans? Yup, checklist. For you, life’s motto is: “If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.”
3. You’re the Official Keeper of Receipts
Literally and figuratively. Your desk drawer is overflowing with neatly categorized expense receipts, and you’ve been known to remind friends about that one time they said they'd pay you back.
4. You Can’t Ignore a Broken Process
You walk into a coffee shop and immediately notice inefficiencies. “Why is the milk station so far from the espresso machine? This layout needs a control review ASAP.” Your friends roll their eyes, but you know the truth: processes matter.
5. You Think in Terms of Risks and Controls
Your partner suggests adopting a puppy? You’re already listing risks (chewed furniture, late-night barking) and controls (obedience training, baby gates). Life is one big audit, and you’re the lead reviewer.
6. You Have an Unhealthy Love for Policies
While others groan at the mention of policies, you’re intrigued. Your dream home library includes The Internal Audit Handbook and COSO Framework for Dummies. And let’s not even talk about your borderline obsession with ISO standards.
7. You’re Everyone’s Go-To for “Finding Things”
Lost your car keys? Can’t remember the Wi-Fi password? Need to track down an old email? Call the internal auditor. Your ability to locate anything and everything has earned you a reputation as a human audit trail.
Embracing the Quirks
Being an internal auditor isn’t just about analyzing spreadsheets and writing reports; it’s about seeing the world through a lens of order, efficiency, and yes—compliance. So, if you find yourself nodding along to these signs, wear your internal auditor badge with pride (and maybe keep an extra checklist handy).
What’s the funniest “auditor moment” you’ve experienced? Let’s hear it in the comments—because even auditors need a good laugh now and then!
