Women in the internal audit profession still perceive themselves as lacking in core competencies and technical specialities despite making great advances in the profession, according to the Global Internal Audit Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) practitioner survey conducted by the Internal Audit Foundation, the research arm of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Women in Internal Auditing: Perspectives from Around the World is based on the survey of 5,400 female participants and found that women represent 33% of directors or senior managers, 34% of managers, and 44% of internal audit staff. 

Men continue to dominate internal auditing globally, accounting for 69% of chief audit executives (CAEs) at publicly held companies.

The report attributes the trend to women leaving the workforce to pursue other interests.