This category emphasizes the need for a change mindset that's crucial for enhancing internal audit effectiveness and protecting organizational value.

Examples in this category demonstrate remarkable achievements in improving audit efficiency, effectiveness and overall impact through strategic transformation efforts. Interpretation of innovation in audit strategy and transformation may include but is not limited to:

• Adoption of adaptive audit methodologies
• Transformative risk assessment frameworks
• Strategic audit planning and vision
• Real-time audit reporting
• Innovative stakeholder engagement

This category underscores the importance of leveraging technology and data to advance internal auditing, enabling more sophisticated analyses and deeper insights, ultimately enhancing evaluation accuracy and effectiveness.

Examples in this category demonstrate significant achievements in integrating cutting-edge tools, harnessing data and utilizing technology to transform audit practices.

Interpretation of ways in which innovation of harnessing the power of technology tools and analytics may be demonstrated include but are not limited to the following:

• Strategic use of advanced analytics
• Process automation in auditing / GRC
• AI-powered audit tools
• Real-time continuous monitoring
• Technology-driven stakeholder reporting and visualization

This category reinforces the importance that creating a culture of innovation and continuous learning is essential to shaping the future-driven auditor – one committed to unlocking the full potential of audit teams and driving sustainable impact.

Examples in this category showcase outstanding achievements in strengthening audit team culture, enhancing talent capabilities and embedding people-first strategies into audit operations.

Interpretation of ways in which innovation in people and culture may be demonstrated include but are not limited to the following:

• Structured upskilling and mentorship programs
• Behavioral change campaigns to shift audit mindsets
• Community-building efforts across audit functions
• Leadership pipeline development and succession planning

The Audit Innovator Award program is structured to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional accomplishments within the field of internal audit. It invites applications from internal audit professionals based in the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are leading change in various roles. This includes Chief Audit Executives (CAEs), Directors or Vice Presidents of Internal Audit, Directors of Technology or IT Audit, Internal Audit Managers and other representatives of internal audit functions or teams.

To maintain a clear focus on professionals actively involved in internal audit roles within organizations, applicants must satisfy the following criteria for eligibility:

• Applicants must be currently employed in internal audit roles at private or public corporations, government entities, nonprofit organizations or educational institutions.
• Their primary responsibilities should center around auditing, risk management, compliance or internal controls and show a direct contribution to the internal audit function.

Significant contributions may reflect innovative approaches that strengthen the internal audit function’s strategic impact, technological advancement or team culture. These may include efforts that enhance audit effectiveness, introduce forward-thinking solutions or foster environments of collaboration and continuous learning. Contributions should demonstrate meaningful impact on both the organization and its internal audit practices.

Please note that individuals employed by external audit/advisory firms or consulting firms that offer internal audit services do not qualify for this award. Similarly, professionals working for technology companies or vendors providing governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) solutions or other related audit technologies are also ineligible.

Protiviti Inc. is the sponsor (“Sponsor") of this Award. Protiviti Inc. employees (and their immediate family members) of Sponsor, its subsidiaries or affiliates are not eligible.

Applicants must create an account on the Award website to access the application portal and complete their application. By applying, applicants agree to the following terms in addition to those listed in the privacy notice terms:

• Eligibility Confirmation: Confirm that they have thoroughly reviewed their application submission and it meets all required eligibility criteria for the Award Program.
• Relevance to Award Categories: Application submissions must align with the designated award category: Audit Strategy & Transformation, Enabling Technology or People & Culture. Responses should demonstrate:
  • Innovation and Ingenuity: Highlight forward-thinking and creative problem-solving in internal audit, using novel strategies, methodologies or technologies.
  • Impact: Showcase significant achievements in enhancing audit processes, efficiency and effectiveness through innovative efforts, such as automation, advanced data analytics, or robust risk assessment mechanisms.

When submitting your application, please refrain from including or sharing any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as social security numbers, financial information or other sensitive data. Please also refrain from submitting information that includes any confidential information of your organization or of any third party.

Protiviti takes your privacy seriously and will not request such information through our application process.

All submissions will only be utilized for evaluation purposes.

’By continuing on to the online application, you understand that you are now going to a third party hosted site with its own Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Additional details
Protiviti Inc. is the sponsor (“Sponsor“) of this Award. Protiviti Inc. employees (and their immediate family members) of Sponsor, its subsidiaries or affiliates are not eligible. Applicants and individuals who share or forward the Award page with applicants agree that the Sponsor may contact you regarding future employment, marketing and human resources information. The winner of the Award grants the Sponsor the right and permission (but not the obligation) to use his or her name and/or picture in advertising and sales promotional materials or in any advertising media without further compensation to the winner. The Sponsor is located at 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025. The Sponsor is not liable for any injury, loss or damages arising out of submitting oneself, or forwarding the Award materials, for a chance to win the Award. The Sponsor's decisions in all decisions regarding the Award are final. The Sponsor reserves the right to alter or terminate the Award program at its sole discretion for any reason, or no reason, in the event of extreme, unusual or unexpected circumstances.