The Finance Professional in 2020 Synopsis This prediction of the financial professional in 2020 also has messages for internal auditing.

Its challenges and opportunities pattern many of the current predictions for the internal auditor

– ‘enhanced globalization, changing demographics and significantly increased business complexity’. It recognizes a future scenario of worldwide competition on ‘   the basis of knowledge and innovation’. It sees evolving roles for the finance professional driving as key

‘The ability to exercise professional judgement based on a foundation of ethics, broad but deep technical excellence plus strategic awareness and communication’: all attributes for cutting edge internal auditing resources and practices.

Contributed with permission from the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. The full report Insights Series the Finance Professional in 2020 (2007) can be downloaded from its website www.accaglobal.com

After Reading the Case Study Consider:
1. Do you see any of the predictions in this research applying to internal auditing professional staff in your organization?
2. Are your internal auditing professionals contributing to development of ‘   new and innovative means of measurement and reporting   ’ in your organization?
3. Which of the predicted roles for the finance professional would you expect to be seen evolving in your future internal auditing – navigator, centurion, entrepreneur, technical specialist, t-shaped professional and technician – any or possibly all?
4. Is the key ‘   ability to exercise professional judgement based on a foundation of ethics, broad but deep technical excellence plus strategic awareness and communication’ being encouraged and developed in internal auditing in your organization?
5. Is your internal auditing focused ‘   highly on knowledge   ’?