5 Skills Every Internal Auditor Should Focus on in 2025

Internal auditing isn’t just about crunching numbers and checking compliance boxes anymore—it’s advancing fast, and auditors need to keep up. In 2025, staying relevant means embracing new technology, sharpening analytical skills, and mastering the fine art of communication (yes, really). If auditors don’t adapt, they risk getting left in the dust. Here are five must-have skills that will keep them ahead of the game.

1. Data Analytics: Finding the Needle in the Haystack

Data is everywhere, and auditors who know how to harness it have a serious advantage. Gone are the days of gut-feeling audits—today, it’s all about leveraging tools like Tableau, Power BI, ACL Analytics, and even Python to sift through mountains of information and pinpoint risks before they explode into full-blown disasters. Predictive analytics isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessary tool.

How to Build This Skill:

• Take some of our courses in data analytics for auditors.

• Get comfy with visualization and automation tools.

• Check out certifications like Certified Data Analytics Auditor (CDAA).

2. Cybersecurity Awareness: Because Hackers Don’t Take Coffee Breaks

Modern cyber threats are a lot more sophisticated than just a bad phishing email, and internal auditors need to keep up. Knowing how to assess an organization’s cybersecurity defenses is a must. From ransomware to third-party risks, auditors should be asking the tough questions: How strong are our security controls? Are employees trained to spot cyber threats? What’s our incident response plan when (not if) an attack happens?

How to Build This Skill:

• Take courses about cybersecurity for auditors. ACI Learning’s Cybersecurity Audit School is the perfect starting point.

• Stay in the loop on emerging threats (because hackers sure are).

• Work with IT and security teams to understand real-world risks.

3. Soft Skills: Communicate or Get Ignored

Let’s face it: the best audit findings in the world don’t matter if no one understands or acts on them. Auditors need to translate complex risks into plain English (or whatever language their execs speak). That means polishing communication, storytelling, and negotiation skills—because a well-phrased audit report can mean the difference between action and a polite nod before being forgotten.

How to Build This Skill:

• Take business communication workshops- ACI Learning has courses on communication skills and even “marketing” audits for auditors.

• Learn to frame audit insights as compelling stories.

• Network and build relationships—people listen to those they trust.

4. Regulatory Knowledge: The Ever-Changing Rulebook

Just when you think you’ve got compliance figured out, new regulations roll in to shake things up. ESG reporting, financial compliance, and data privacy laws are constantly being updated, and auditors need to stay ahead of the curve. Keeping up with SOX, GDPR, and the latest ESG mandates isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about making the business resilient in a world of shifting expectations.

How to Build This Skill:

• Subscribe to industry updates (The IIA, SEC reports, regulatory blogs).

• Attend workshops and take courses to keep your CPEs up to date- we broke down our courses into smaller modules to make CPEs easier to manage.

• Join discussions with other pros facing the same challenges.

5. Adaptability to Technology: The Robots Are (Kind Of) Taking Over

Audit tools are getting smarter, and auditors who embrace them will have a serious edge. AI-driven platforms like AuditPro, Teammate+, and real-time risk assessment tools can automate tedious tasks, flag anomalies, and give auditors time to focus on what really matters. Those who resist the tech wave? Well, they might find themselves drowning in outdated processes.

How to Build This Skill:

• Get hands-on experience with new audit technologies.

• Explore training in AI, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and automation. Our course about the risks involved with AI and machine learning is a great introduction.

• Stay curious—tech is changing fast, and adaptability is key.

The Bottom Line: Keep Learning or Get Left Behind

The best auditors aren’t just number crunchers—they’re strategic thinkers, risk navigators, and tech-savvy communicators. In 2025, the auditors who thrive will be the ones who keep learning, embrace technology, and communicate their insights in a way that actually gets heard.

Ready to deepen your knowledge and skillset for your internal audit career but not sure where to start? Our tailored learning paths for internal auditors are designed to help you build a diverse, cutting-edge skill set. ACI Learning's NASBA-accredited CPE courses are crafted to empower internal auditors with essential knowledge