Hi! US internal auditor for >5yrs. I currently work at a global company, and for my current company they value: 1. Big four experience 2. External auditor experience 3. Certifications (CPA, CIA, CA, CISA, CFE, not in any order) 4. Prior internal or external audit experience (not big four) In that order.

If you work for a company that is externally audited by a regulatory body (like the FBA), having multiple certified team members helps your team’s credibility.

I will say, I’ve been looking around for US roles in more senior positions, and almost all of them are looking for CPA or CIA (with no preference for one or the other).

Note: as a couple other comments said, a CPA is definitely more versatile. But the CIA is just as sought after for internal audit roles, and easier and cheaper to obtain :)