Associated Organizations

IIA Global

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is a global professional association. Founded in 1941, the IIA is headquartered in Florida, USA, and is the global voice for the internal audit profession, while being the principal educator, recognized leader, head advocate, and voice of authority. Our members practice within the fields of internal auditing, risk management, internal control, education, security, governance, information technology audit, and risk management.

The development of the profession occurred within the 19th and 20th centuries when corporate business grew exponentially. Systems control within companies became a demand. 1941 saw Victor Z. Brink author the first fundamental book on internal auditing, while John B. Thurston—the North American Company in New York's internal auditor—contemplated establishing an official organization for internal auditors. Together with Robert B. Milne, subcommittee internal auditing member of the Edison Electric Institute and the American Gas Association, the three men gathered upon mutual interests in furthering the internal auditing role and formed an organizing committee that saw fundamental growth in the organization. The IIA's certificate of incorporation was filed on the 17th of November 1941 and Thurston became the first president of the IIA. By 1957, the membership had grown to 3 700, of which 20 percent were situated outside of the USA. Over 70 years later, it has become a global organization with more than 200 000 members.