My Journey with IIA Singapore
Seven years ago, I was just another “ordinary” internal auditor. Today, as I reflect on my time with IIA Singapore, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary journey I have had - one that elevated not just my career, but also my perspective on the profession I love.
It all started when I volunteered for one of the committees. A year later, I joined the Board of Governors, and from then on, the experience has been a rollercoaster of growth, learning, and connection. On 28 October 2024, at the IIA Singapore Annual General Meeting, I "graduated" from my official roles as Board Secretary and Governor after reaching the term limit of six years. It was a bittersweet moment, but it also felt like the perfect culmination of this incredible journey.
A Journey of Progress
Over the past few years, IIA Singapore has grown in meaningful ways:
2018/2019: IIA Singapore became the first professional body to develop the Professional Conversion Programme for Internal Auditors for the accountancy sector, through which employers received subsidies for hiring mid-career professionals to transition into internal audit roles.
2019/2020: With the rise of digitalisation, IIA Singapore prioritised equipping both our members and the broader profession with skills in data analytics and agile auditing.
2020: As COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill, IIA Singapore was not spared. The Institute quickly adapted by transitioning to remote work and sharing guidance on conducting audits remotely. It also collaborated with the Charities Unit of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to offer free clinics on internal audit and internal controls. Additionally, IIA Singapore established the Young Professional Working Group to better engage younger professionals in the field.
2021: Sustainability took centre stage. IIA Singapore partnered with SGX RegCo to define the role of internal auditors in sustainability reporting and co-hosted the virtual 2021 IIA International Conference. The Institute also launched IIA Singapore Blogs, a dedicated platform for sharing insights and perspectives with the professional community.
2022: ESG initiatives gained momentum, and the Guide to Internal Review of Sustainability Report was introduced to support the profession.
2023: Feedback and comments were gathered from various stakeholders and submitted during the public comment phase of the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).
2024: With the release of GIAS, IIA Singapore supported the community by offering trainings, hosting webinars, and speaking at conferences to help prepare for the new Standards.
Amidst these milestones, IIA Singapore continued to deliver conferences, webinars, training programmes, advocacy initiatives, and even festive gatherings - all with a lean team of fewer than 10 full-time staff.
A Journey of Gratitude
When I first started volunteering, I thought I was giving back to a profession that had given me so much. But in hindsight, I realise I have received far more than I gave.
I have learned from some of the brightest minds in internal audit, in Singapore and beyond.
I have formed friendships with the incredible Secretariat team, whose dedication is nothing short of inspiring.
I have had the honour of contributing to shaping internal audit standards, writing articles for The Business Times, SID Directors Bulletin and IA Magazine, and speaking at events and conferences.
I have mentored budding internal auditors, conducted Quality Assurance Review training, and supported ESG-related initiatives.
This experience has been life-changing, showing me the power of taking a leap of faith and saying “yes” to opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone.
A Call to Action
To anyone reading this who is wondering how to make a meaningful impact on the internal audit profession and your own career, I have one piece of advice: Join IIA Singapore.
Volunteering with IIA Singapore is not just about giving back; it is about stepping into a world of opportunities, connections, and growth. Drop the Secretariat team a note, express your interest, and see where the journey takes you.
Seven years from now, you might find yourself looking back, just like I am, with a smile on your face and a heart full of gratitude. And when that happens, don’t forget to thank me!
Nicodemus Tan is a Partner, Governance, Risk and Sustainability, Baker Tilly Singapore, and a fervent believer that internal audit when done right will provide an immense competitive advantage to the organization.
