This category emphasizes the need for a change mindset that's crucial for enhancing internal audit effectiveness and protecting organizational value.  

Examples in this category demonstrate remarkable achievements in improving audit efficiency, effectiveness, and overall impact through strategic transformation efforts. Ways in which this may be demonstrated include but are not limited to:

• Adopting agile audit methodologies
• Transformative risk assessment frameworks
• Creative talent utilization
• Real-time audit reporting
• Innovative stakeholder engagement
• Adaptive audit planning

This category underscores the importance of leveraging technology and data to advance internal auditing, enabling more sophisticated analyses and deeper insights, ultimately enhancing evaluation accuracy and effectiveness.

Examples in this category demonstrate significant achievements in integrating cutting-edge tools, harnessing data, and utilizing technology to transform traditional audit practices into dynamic, high-performing functions. Ways in which this may be demonstrated include but are not limited to the following:

• Strategic use of advanced analytics 
• Process automation in auditing / GRC 
• AI-powered audit tools  
• Real-time continuous monitoring 

The Audit Innovator Award program is structured to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional accomplishments within the field of internal audit. It invites applications from internal audit professionals based in the United States who are leading change in various roles. This includes Chief Audit Executives (CAEs), Directors or Vice Presidents of Internal Audit, Directors of Technology or IT Audit, Internal Audit Managers, and other representatives of internal audit functions or teams. 

To maintain a clear focus on professionals actively involved in internal audit roles within organizations, applicants must satisfy the following criteria for eligibility: 

• Applicants must be currently employed in internal audit roles at private or public corporations, government entities, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. 
• Their primary responsibilities should center around auditing, risk management, compliance, or internal controls and show a direct contribution to the internal audit function.  

Significant contributions may include but are not limited to advancements in audit practices, leadership roles in complex audits, integration of innovative technology, or enhancements in audit quality and effectiveness. Contributions could also entail developing methodologies, tools, or frameworks that have had a positive impact on both the organization and its internal audit processes. 

Please note that individuals employed by external audit/advisory firms or consulting firms that offer internal audit services do not qualify for this award. Similarly, professionals working for technology companies or vendors providing governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) solutions or other related audit technologies are also ineligible. 

Protiviti Inc. is the sponsor (“Sponsor”) of this Award.  Protiviti Inc. employees (and their immediate family members) of Sponsor, its subsidiaries or affiliates are not eligible.    

Applicants must create an account on the Award website* to access the application portal and complete their application. By applying, applicants agree to the following terms in addition to those listed in the privacy notice terms:

• Eligibility Confirmation: Confirm that they have thoroughly reviewed their application submission and it meets all required eligibility criteria for the Award Program.
• Relevance to Award Categories: Application submissions must align with the designated award category: Audit Strategy & Transformation or Enabling Technology. Responses should demonstrate:
  • Innovation and Ingenuity: Highlight forward-thinking and creative problem-solving in internal audit, using novel strategies, methodologies, or technologies. 
  • Impact: Showcase significant achievements in enhancing audit processes, efficiency, and effectiveness through innovative efforts, such as automation, advanced data analytics, or robust risk assessment mechanisms.

When submitting your application, please refrain from including or sharing any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as social security numbers, financial information, or other sensitive data. Protiviti takes your privacy seriously and will not request such information through our application process.

All submissions will only be utilized for evaluation purposes.

*By continuing on to the online application, you understand that you are now going to a third party hosted site with its own Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 

Additional details

Protiviti Inc. is the sponsor (“Sponsor”) of this Award.  Protiviti Inc. employees (and their immediate family members) of Sponsor, its subsidiaries or affiliates are not eligible.  Applicants and individuals who share or forward the Award page with applicants agree that the Sponsor may contact you regarding future employment, marketing and human resources information. The winner of the Award grants the Sponsor the right and permission (but not the obligation) to use his or her name and/or picture in advertising and sales promotional materials or in any advertising media without further compensation to the winner.  The Sponsor is located at 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025.  The Sponsor is not liable for any injury, loss or damages arising out of submitting oneself, or forwarding the Award materials, for a chance to win the Award. The Sponsor’s decisions in all decisions regarding the Award are final.  The Sponsor reserves the right to alter or terminate the Award program at its sole discretion for any reason, or no reason, in the event of extreme, unusual, or unexpected circumstances.   

The Audit Innovator Award program aims to drive the future of internal audit towards visionary leadership and transformative solutions by serving as a beacon of excellence, recognizing and advancing innovation within the profession.  It embodies a strong commitment to inspiring innovation and emphasizes the critical role of creative problem-solving in developing new, effective, and technology-enabled solutions. With its dual focus on Audit Strategy & Transformation and Enabling Technology, it highlights the importance of evolving practices and integration of advanced tools. The aim is to recognize those who are pioneering new ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit process while fostering a culture of ingenuity and forward-thinking.

The application period for the Audit Innovator Award program was October 15th, 2024, thru November 15th, 2024.

The judging process for the Audit Innovator Award program is conducted by leading representatives from the internal audit profession. These esteemed professionals from Protiviti, Institute of Internal Auditors, and AuditBoard bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure a thorough review of all applications. The selection process is designed to recognize individuals who have made significant, measurable impacts through their innovative contributions.

The winners of the Audit Innovator Award program will be announced at the IIA Great Audit Minds Conference, which will take place from March 10 – 12, 2025 in Kissimmee, FL. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the innovative contributions and accomplishments of our award winners.

The recipients of the Audit Innovator Award will be honored with prestigious recognition for their significant contributions to the field of internal audit. The winners will receive public recognition highlighting their contributions (including  press releases, social media, and features in industry publications), along with a physical award and collection of perks designed to further enable their innovation and best practices.