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Internal Audit Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Audit Associate - Government

Mankato, MN · Hybrid

$65K - $75K/yr

Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Associate at Abdo, where you'll engage in a variety ... Utilize and develop a functional understanding of firm software and internal workflow/procedures to ...

Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Senior Associate at Abdo, where you'll engage in a ... Utilize and have a high level of understanding of firm software and internal workflow/processes

Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Senior Associate at Abdo, where you'll engage in a ... Utilize and have a high level of understanding of firm software and internal workflow/processes

Salary: Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Senior Associate at Abdo, where you'll ... Utilize and have a high level of understanding of firm software and internal workflow/processes

Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Senior Associate at Abdo, where you'll engage in a ... Utilize and have a high level of understanding of firm software and internal workflow/processes

Step into a dynamic role as a Government Audit Senior Associate at Abdo, where you'll engage in a ... Utilize and have a high level of understanding of firm software and internal workflow/processes

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Internal Audit Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$24.5K

$70.3K

$105.8K

How much do internal audit associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for internal audit associate in Minnesota is $70,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is internal audit high paying?

Internal audit associates typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry and location. Entry-level positions generally have lower pay, but with experience, certifications like CPA or CIA, and advanced skills, salaries can increase significantly, especially in larger organizations or financial hubs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internal Audit Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internal Audit Associate, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, risk assessment, and internal controls, typically supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with audit management software, data analytics tools, and professional certifications such as CIA or CPA is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and present findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for identifying risks, ensuring compliance, and adding value to organizational processes.

What is an internal audit associate?

An internal audit associate is a professional responsible for examining and evaluating a company's internal controls, financial records, and compliance with policies. They often review processes, identify risks, and recommend improvements, typically using audit software and adhering to standards like those from the Institute of Internal Auditors. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

Which is better, CIA or CA?

For an Internal Audit Associate, the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is a globally recognized certification focused on internal audit practices, while the CA (Chartered Accountant) is more finance and accounting oriented. The choice depends on the career path: CIA enhances internal audit skills and credibility, whereas CA provides broader accounting expertise; both can be valuable depending on the company's requirements and the auditor's specialization.

What is the difference between Internal Audit Associate vs External Auditor?

AspectInternal Audit AssociateExternal Auditor
CertificationsCPA, CIA often preferredCPA required, CIA beneficial
Work EnvironmentWithin the organization, ongoing auditsClient sites, external firms, periodic audits
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in corporations and large organizationsUsed by accounting firms and consulting agencies
Primary FocusAssess internal controls, compliance, risk managementVerify financial statements, compliance with regulations

Internal Audit Associates focus on evaluating internal controls and risk within their organization, working continuously to improve processes. External Auditors conduct independent reviews of financial statements for external stakeholders, often working with multiple clients. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, their primary objectives and employer settings differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges Internal Audit Associates face when working with cross-functional teams?

Internal Audit Associates often collaborate with departments like finance, operations, and IT to evaluate processes and controls. A common challenge is navigating varying levels of understanding regarding audit objectives and compliance requirements among different teams. Building rapport and communicating clearly are essential skills, as Associates must often explain audit findings and recommendations in a way that is accessible and actionable. Additionally, balancing independence with teamwork is important to maintain objectivity while fostering cooperation.

What are Internal Audit Associates?

Internal Audit Associates are professionals responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of an organization's internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. They assist in conducting audits of financial and operational processes to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies. Internal Audit Associates work closely with various departments to identify areas of improvement and help mitigate potential risks. This role often serves as an entry point for a career in auditing or risk management within a company.

Will internal audit be replaced by AI?

Internal Audit Associates perform tasks that involve analyzing financial data, assessing internal controls, and evaluating compliance, which require professional judgment and understanding of business context. While AI tools can automate data analysis and identify anomalies, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for human auditors who interpret findings and make strategic recommendations. The role is expected to evolve with technology, emphasizing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and professional ethics.
What are the most commonly searched types of Internal Audit jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Internal Audit jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Internal Audit Associate jobs in Minnesota? For Internal Audit Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internal Audit Associate jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Internal Audit Associate jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Internal Audit Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Internal Audit Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Internal Audit Associate job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,298 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Senior Audit Associate

Mahoney | CPAs and Advisors

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$77K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
At Mahoney, we have a passion for precision by going beyond completing the necessary tasks to deliver financial peace of mind. Our Assurance Solutions Team helps clients stay compliant, avoid surprises, and strengthens their financial reporting through targeted improvements. We perform a wide range of specialized audits, including HUD audits, employee benefit plans, and single audits.
Located just outside downtown St. Paul along the Mississippi River, Mahoney has been recognized multiple times by Accounting Today, the StarTribune, and the Twin Cities Business Magazine as a top workplace. Since 1989, we've provided comprehensive audit, tax, and consulting services for individuals, businesses, real estate developers, and nonprofit organizations.
What You'll Do
As a Senior Associate, you play a critical role in delivering premium engagements by performing detailed fieldwork, preparing financial statements, and completing nonprofit tax returns (990's). You apply and broaden your technical expertise to support in-depth analyses and ensure each engagement meets the firm's standards for accuracy and compliance.
This position continues to refine Microsoft Excel capabilities with essential tools such as shortcuts, formulas, pivot tables, and more complex functions. These skills support financial data analysis, automation of routine tasks such as data entry and report generation, and the creation and management of financial statements and audit reports. As you progress, these growing skills will help you work more efficiently, produce higher-quality work, and contribute more directly to engagement success.
Ownership of key audit components begins to take shape as you coordinate with clients during fieldwork, manage timelines, and review staff workpapers to ensure conclusions are clear, well-supported, and properly documented. These expanding responsibilities position you as a reliable point of contact for clients and help keep engagements moving smoothly from planning through completion.
You play a central role in fortifying client relationships by implementing solutions, offering insights, and working closely with clients and colleagues to deliver meaningful results. As expertise deepens, you identify opportunities to improve processes and elevate service quality. Ongoing development continues through coaching, feedback, and targeted learning that sharpens technical and leadership capabilities.
Additional work hours are required from January through April 15th.
Required Education & Skills
  • Proven ability to perform the core duties outlined above
  • Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related degree
  • Background in public accounting or a client-focused engagement

Preferred Education & Skills
  • Active CPA license or working toward completion
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related degree
  • Experience with Real Estate clients and/or nonprofit organizations
  • Prior experience with Engagement Manager and CCH Axcess

What We Provide
Our leadership embraces a culture of curiosity, adapability, and continuous growth. We firmly believe that this mindset is essential for providing exceptional service to our clients and making a positive impact on our community. We are committed to developing every employee to unlock their true potential, and our close-knit environment fosters teamwork while building strong internal relationships.
Mahoney offers a range of unique benefits to our staff. These include firm contributions to Health Savings Accounts, CPA reimbursement and bonus program, annual in-house CPE training, flexible and hybrid work arrangements, fun firm/team events, free onsite parking, and access to our in-house fitness center.
Our compensation package includes a competitive base salary ranging from $77,000 to $87,000. You will be eligible for annual bonuses and profit-sharing with immediate vesting, based on individual performance and the firm's overall success.
Mahoney does not accept resumes from third-party vendors.