Overview

What does it take to excel as an internal auditor? This interactive on-line session explores the human side of auditing: the traits and mindset of outstanding auditors, the psychology behind auditee reactions such as defensiveness and resistance, and the role of self-awareness in influencing others.  

Through self-reflection, group case studies and peer exchange, participants gain practical tools for building rapport, adapting to different personalities and strengthening their resilience. Audit leaders also learn how to select, support and retain psychologically strong auditors and how to create a psychologically safe team culture. 

• You will learn which character traits and mindset (curiosity, integrity, courage, adaptability) make internal auditors effective 

• You will find out your personality and communication style and learn how to adapt your approach to different personalities, power dynamics and auditee reactions 

• As internal auditor, you will learn how to manage stress, build resilience and prevent burnout 

• If you are a CAE, you will learn how to select, support and retain psychologically strong auditors and create a psychologically safe team culture 

Who should attend? 

Internal auditors at all career stages, from staff and senior auditors to audit managers and Chief Audit Executives. No prior knowledge of psychology is required. 

Course description 

1. Psychological Traits of Effective Internal Auditors 

Key characteristics: curiosity, integrity, courage, adaptability 

Recruitment insights: selecting for mindset, not just skillset 

2. Understanding Human Behavior in the Audit Process 

Psychological reactions of auditees: defensiveness, fear, resistance 

Using psychology to increase the success and credibility of your audit team 

3. Know Yourself to Influence Others 

Personality and communication style self-reflection 

Adapting your approach to different personalities and power dynamics 

4. Building Resilience in Internal Audit 

Tools to manage stress, increase mental agility and prevent burnout 

Creating a psychologically safe team culture 

Trainer bio

Sanja Suman, M.Sc. CIA, CFE, CRMA, qAC+,  has more than 25 years of professional experience, including over 15 years in internal auditing, six of them as Chief Audit Executive. She built her career in the financial industry, working for three international banks and one Croatian bank, where she progressed to senior management roles as Risk Controlling Director and Chief Audit Executive. As an independent consultant, she has managed or contributed to numerous projects for financial institutions, large pharmaceutical companies and retail chains, including the establishment and enhancement of internal audit functions, external assessments and co-sourcing. Her expertise also covers risk management, internal controls, regulatory compliance and fraud prevention, detection and investigation, with a particular focus on internal fraud. She designs and delivers training for CAEs, audit committees and audit staff, and speaks at international conferences and in-house events on topics such as corporate culture, ethics, fraud, critical thinking and the whole process of internal auditing in line with GIAS and topical requirements. 

Sanja holds an MSc in Accounting, Auditing and Finance, Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb, and a BA in Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb. Next to her professional certifications she is also Certified Internal Auditor for Financial Institutions (Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts) and holds a Behavioural Forensic Certificate (CBI Valentis, Behavioural Research Center, Serbia).