7 Internal Audit Leaders share their secrets for accelerating your VP career

1/04/2018 by Andy Winterburgh

As a career minded VP with your eye on the next step to Director, it's a busy time keeping up with regulations, what's going on in the industry and developing your career. So, what do you need to do to accelerate your career?

We recently interviewed some leading Financial Services auditors, many of whom are also champions of diversity, women in audit and Agile working in audit. We asked them what their advice would be to a VP to really supercharge their career.

These are their 7 essential tips to accelerate your career as a VP in Internal Audit.

1. GET OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

"That is when I have learnt the most about my own capabilities" Paul Day, Chief Auditor at Lloyds Bank, told us. If you are only working in your comfort zone, then it is hard to know yourself where your strengths and weaknesses are and where you need to upskill and focus on more. It's this self-knowledge and focus that will enable you to move up to the next level.

2. SPEND TIME REALLY UNDERSTANDING AUDIT

Make sure that you really understand the industry landscape, market standards and regulatory expectations so that you can provide real insights to senior management and demonstrate proficiency in your area of expertise. Valeria Locatelli, Chief Internal Auditor at M&G Investments advises that you 'compare notes with peers in the audit function and in the external market'.

3. NETWORK

Matt Rigby tell us that for VPs the best advice is to 'start building your network within the business in preparation for moving on to Director level where it will help immensely to get things done.' 

4. HONE YOUR SOFT SKILLS

Alison McFayden who is Group Head of Internal Audit at Standard Chartered Bank advises that VPs need to check the soft stuff. Make sure that you are focusing on messaging and persuasion as well as people and culture. 

5. TAKE OWNERSHIP

It is essential to take ownership. Your projects are yours. Don't wait for instruction from the Directors or anyone else. Take charge. Go find things out and make decisions advises Steven Sanders, Managing Partner, Group Internal Audit at Bank of Ireland UK Plc.

6. SEEK OUT NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Demi Agrotis, told us that based on her own experience, at VP level it’s the time to be bold and take on stretching tasks so that you can stand out. Even tasks that others don’t want to get involved in can be an opportunity to drive change, raise your profile and enhance your skillset.

7. THINK BOLDLY AND BROADLY

Sally Clark, had some great career advice for VPs. Your career may not take a direct path (and it doesn't have to) but understand yourself, push for autonomy, develop your own purpose, think broadly and you'll go far.

If you're an Internal Audit professional operating at VP who is looking to take the next step and you'd like to work with a recruiter who understands the market, has lots of experience of helping people make the transition, is well connected and will find the right opportunity for you, get in touch with Hybridge today.

Follow us on LinkedIn to read all the interviews in full, for news and up to date insights on Financial Services Audit recruitment.