What are the options for a B.Com graduate after completing the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam?

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam

Commerce graduates are often on the lookout for a career in auditing but get overwhelmed by the numerous options. Moreover, even internal auditor certification programs are flooding the employment market, and B.Com graduates find it hard to align their interests and invest in the ideal course. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is one of the highly revered and globally recognized credentials awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It exposes the B.Com graduate to the world of internal auditing and significantly improves their employment opportunities as well as their pay scale after graduation. Moreover, as the CIA designation is highly in demand, it opens the doors to diverse opportunities in the internal auditor vertical globally. 

Here are some employment options for a B.Com graduate after they complete their CIA certification. 

• Internal Auditor: Commerce graduates who hold a CIA certification are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for an internal auditor role in different industry verticals. They become responsible for conducting regular audits to assess the effectiveness of organizational controls, detect risk areas proactively, ensure compliance, and have risk prevention methods implemented. 
• Compliance Officer: B.Com graduates who complete their certified internal auditor certification are eligible to apply for compliance officer positions. This role enables professionals to ensure an organization’s adherence to industry standards, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical practices. CIA certified B.Com graduates monitor the organization’s compliance with internal and external regulations to reduce the financial impact and increase the trust of their stakeholders. 
• Forensic Accountant: A CIA certification holder with a prior B.Com degree is best suited to become a forensic accountant in different industry verticals. This is especially applied to organizations that place the prevention of financial fraud as a priority. Commerce graduates with a CIA certification gain an upper hand in identifying misconduct, analyzing financial data, and providing expert testimony.
• Risk Manager: A B.Com graduate with CIA certification acquires the knowledge and skills to identify, control, and prevent risk elements. They can also implement ethical risk management practices under the risk manager designation to minimize an organization’s risk exposure, thus keeping their position in demand in the evolving business landscape. 
• Financial Analyst: B.Com graduates with Certified Internal Auditor certification are open to pursuing a career as a financial analyst. This position enables the professional to analyze sensitive financial data, prepare reports, provide insights, and understand the areas of risk vulnerability. This can be well accomplished through the knowledge and skills earned during CIA exam preparation and real-world scenarios, which gives an edge to professionals to support decision-making across the organization. 
• Management Consultant: B.Com graduates after completing their certified internal auditor exam and earning the certification can leverage their skills and expertise to become management consultants. This position gives professionals the freedom to start their careers individually or work with an organization and advise them on operational efficiency improvement, present internal controls & how to improve them and scale their operational efficiency. They also provide strategic guidance to organizations of every scale and help them achieve their objectives. 

While the list of career opportunities for a B.Com graduate who has completed the Certified Internal Auditor exam is endless, their valuable skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired during the CIA exam preparation help them scale their career to great heights on the global platform with a high pay package and great prospects.