30 years of leading thoughts for professional modern internal auditing: science, craft, art, and advisor

Purpose Corporate governance and sustainability reporting have evolved globally for more than past 30 years. The paper positions internal auditing as a multifaceted discipline encompassing science, craft, art and advisory roles. This holistic perspective emphasises the complexity of the profession and aligns it with broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, governance and sustainability concerns. This paper aims to explore how the modern internal audit philosophy, which originated in the 1970s, has evolved and should continue to evolve into an internal audit profession fit for the 21st century. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on research publications on internal auditing and the author’s own professional internal auditing experience, this viewpoint paper demonstrates how professionalism of internal auditing should continue contributing to the achievement of good governance and sustainability reporting practices globally. Findings Firstly, professional auditing is a recognised researched science based on a developing global researched knowledge. Secondly, it is a craft of skill levels of continuous training using systematic and analytical methodologies. Thirdly, as an art, it is creative and innovative in its approach to each engagement it performs considering a global context of technology, sustainability and societal concerns. Lastly, it is an advisor during each part of the audit process in the achievement of good governance. Originality/value The paper develops insight and foresight in leading thoughts and suggests propositions for future of internal auditing as a profession.