“Look to AI technology enablement as a catalyst to empower CAEs and their teams to deliver stronger strategic oversight and value-added input for the business.”
While this call to action from our latest white paper, The next phase: AI and human collaboration powering internal audit transformation, rightfully puts the spotlight on AI, we also see broader technology enablement as an imperative for leading internal audit functions to partner successfully with the business.
As we found in the many high-quality applications for our inaugural Audit Innovator Award program that launched last year, many internal audit groups are making great strides in advancing their technology enablement agendas. From AI-driven approaches proven by practical use cases to data analytics tools and enterprisewide collaboration, we’re seeing a transformative shift in internal audit practices through the integration of advanced technologies.
And there are tangible benefits. According to data and insights provided by the applicants, internal audit functions that have streamlined audit processes have achieved, on average, a 30% increase in audit speed and 20% improvement in accuracy. Further, innovative solutions have reduced manual efforts by 50%, enabling internal audit teams to focus more on high-value activities and deliver more impactful results.
Our Audit Innovator Award program stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of internal audit, dedicated to advancing and recognizing ingenuity within the profession. We are proud of our 2024 winners, yet we learned much from all of the applications we received in two categories: Audit Strategy and Transformation, and Technology Enablement. In the second of our two-part series (read part one here), we take a look – with the help of Protiviti’s proprietary AI tools with which we analyzed all of the submissions – at best practices being employed under Technology Enablement.
Integration of advanced technologies
The increasing reliance on technologies like AI, machine learning and robotic process automation signifies a pivotal change in the auditing landscape. Leading internal audit functions are moving away from traditional methods toward more sophisticated, technology-driven approaches that not only enhance efficiency but also improve accuracy. This integration allows for greater automation of mundane tasks, enabling auditors to increase their focus on higher-value activities such as strategic decision-making and risk assessment.
It’s important to note that the successful adoption of these technologies requires a cultural shift within internal audit functions. Audit teams must embrace a mindset that values innovation and adaptability. It’s essential to cultivate an environment where team members feel empowered to experiment with new tools and methodologies, understanding that while every effort won’t be successful, the long-term benefits will be significant.
Data analytics and automation
The use of data analytics tools is critical for deriving actionable insights from vast amounts of data. By automating data collection and analysis, leading internal audit functions enhance the accuracy of their audits while substantially reducing the time spent on manual processes. The challenge, though, lies in ensuring data quality and integrity. Internal audit functions must partner with other groups and leaders to invest in robust data governance frameworks, which will help ensure that the insights generated are reliable and meaningful. In addition, it’s vital for internal auditors to be able to interpret data effectively; training them to be data literate is imperative.
Proactive risk management
It’s more important than ever for internal audit functions to help the enterprise anticipate risks rather than merely responding to them. Leading internal audit functions use predictive analytics to identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions by the organization. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also fosters a culture of accountability and foresight within the organization. Internal audit functions can further establish themselves as strategic partners by aligning their objectives for proactive risk management with broader business goals, thus contributing to overall organizational resilience (more on this below).
Enhanced collaboration
Leading internal audit groups know that their collaboration across departments is essential for implementing enabling technologies successfully. Engaging with IT, compliance and operational teams ensures that internal audit functions are integrated into business processes throughout the enterprise. Building cross-functional teams facilitates knowledge sharing and innovation. Accomplishing this also requires that internal audit professionals develop strong interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate effectively with non-audit stakeholders, which helps raise awareness of the value internal audit delivers.
Training and upskilling
Leading internal audit functions invest in training to ensure they are equipped to leverage new technologies effectively. Continuous learning initiatives help internal auditors stay updated on the latest trends and tools in the industry. Increasingly, leading internal audit teams are prioritizing hands-on training with AI-powered audit tools, machine learning platforms and automation solutions to build practical expertise. Upskilling initiatives now include workshops on prompt engineering, data fundamentals and ethical AI use, ensuring auditors can confidently leverage advanced technologies in their daily work. By embedding AI literacy and digital fluency into professional development, internal audit functions position themselves to drive innovation and deliver greater strategic value. Furthermore, fostering a culture of continuous improvement encourages internal auditors to take ownership of their professional development.
Impactful reporting and communication
High-performing internal audit functions leverage dashboards and visual analytics to deliver clear, actionable insights that drive swift decision-making. They use AI-powered reporting tools to automate data visualization and tailor communications for diverse stakeholder groups. By blending narrative and interpersonal skills with AI tools and other advanced technologies, these innovators contextualize complex audit findings and ensure their messages resonate across the enterprise—demonstrating how technology enablement elevates both the clarity and strategic impact of internal audit communications.
Encouraging innovation paired with governance
Leading internal audit functions support the entrepreneurial spirit of their teams, encouraging them to take initiative in developing their own technological solutions. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and innovation that frequently results in creative problem-solving and tailored solutions that fit specific internal audit and enterprise needs. At the same time, these teams maintain appropriate oversight and governance to ensure these initiatives align with organizational standards and objectives. Establishing frameworks for collaboration and support helps harness this creativity in a productive manner.
Alignment with business goals
Leading internal audit functions align technology initiatives—such as deploying AI-driven risk assessment tools and automated controls testing—with broader business objectives. These teams have demonstrated how integrating predictive analytics into audit planning enables them to address strategic risks identified by leadership, while automated dashboards help tailor reporting to business priorities. This technology-enabled alignment ensures audits deliver insights that directly support organizational performance and resilience.
Continuous improvement
Leading internal audit functions have established feedback loops using real-time analytics dashboards and automated survey tools to capture stakeholder input on audit processes. Many teams iterate on their AI models and automation scripts based on lessons learned from pilot audits, refining methodologies to address emerging risks and improve efficiency. This commitment to technology-driven continuous improvement helps internal audit functions remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the business.
Final thoughts
The integration and advancement of enabling technologies represent a significant evolution in the role of internal audit. We’re operating in a new world. As we noted in our earlier blog, internal audit functions will soon look and operate very differently than they do today. By embracing advanced tools such as AI (including agentic AI), fostering collaboration and prioritizing continuous learning, internal audit groups can transform their functions into strategic partners for the enterprise that drive value and support business objectives. As technology continues to advance, it’s vital for internal audit functions to remain agile, innovative, and aligned with the ever-changing landscape of business risks and opportunities.
Learn more here about our 2025 Audit Innovator Award program. Stay tuned for exciting news regarding the applications received and the announcement of this year’s winners in March 2026.
