This month, the IIA has been promoting May as International Internal Audit Awareness Month.
I’m conflicted, because as an internal auditor, I favour people being aware that my job exists. On the other hand, it has always seemed a little silly, or maybe crass even.
Another word that comes to mind is tone-deaf. Don’t we generally recognize awareness months for diseases or good causes or peoples’ heritages?
For instance, Wikipedia helpfully lists diseases or causes that are competing with internal audit for your awareness this month. Just a few:
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Asthma
- Lyme Disease
- Guide Dogs
In Canada, various groups are trying to raise awareness for:
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Hepatitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Food Allergies
Maybe some might consider being audited akin to having a disease, but should the IIA be inviting the comparison?
There’s a hashtag, #IIAMay. On top of that, there’s a logo which proclaims to all: Proud to be an Internal Auditor. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Look, I get it. Internal audit isn’t as well known as practitioners would like. They’re building a business here, the IIA, and trying to grow demand for the services of their members, and their influence in management circles. But that’s the type of thing that’s best accomplished within organizations, by bringing your A game consistently and effectively as an auditor and a function.
Happy End of Internal Audit Awareness Month everyone!