In a climate of heightened regulatory pressure, evolving risk and increasing ESG scrutiny, demand for internal audit professionals continues to grow. But which industries are leading the charge in audit recruitment, and why?
As a specialist recruitment agency placing internal audit talent across a range of sectors, we’ve observed distinct patterns as we hit the halfway point of 2025. Here's a closer look at the industries hiring most actively, and the trends driving that demand.
1. Aerospace & Defense
The aerospace and defense (A&D) sector has seen a notable uptick in internal audit recruitment in recent months. With the emphasis on ethical compliance and anti-corruption amid sensitive international procurement deals intensifying, internal audit teams within this industry vertical are playing a more strategic role in managing enterprise risk and ensuring compliance across global operations.
Hiring trends:
- Demand for auditors with government contracting experience (especially in US or UK MoD contexts).
- Preference for candidates with security clearance or familiarity with controlled environments.
- Growing need for cyber audit and IT risk specialists within internal audit functions.
- Movement towards embedding audit in transformation programs - particularly around digitisation, automation, and operational resilience.
2. Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals
Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving science and innovation and intense regulatory scrutiny, life sciences firms are investing in sophisticated internal audit functions. There’s strong demand for auditors who understand GxP, clinical compliance and ESG-linked risks.
Hiring trends:
- Roles requiring international audit experience or multi-jurisdictional knowledge
- Auditors with backgrounds in both finance and operational risk
- Greater involvement in enterprise risk management
3. Manufacturing & Industrial
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate ethical sourcing, carbon accountability and robust cyber/IT controls. As a result, internal audit is evolving from a back-office function into a strategic enabler.
Hiring trends:
- Growth in roles focused on ESG assurance and human rights due diligence
- Auditors who understand production systems and digital controls
- Increasing need for multilingual professionals for global audit coverage
4. Retail & Consumer Goods
With narrow margins and high exposure to fraud, internal audit in retail is critical. As omni-channel models evolve, so do the risks around payments, inventory and digital infrastructure.
Hiring trends:
- Rise in internal audit roles that overlap with cybersecurity and e-commerce risk
- Growth in third-party and supply chain audit functions
- Temporary spikes in hiring driven by M&A or restructuring
5. Technology
From AI startups to SaaS giants, tech firms are scaling fast: and so is their need for strong internal governance. Investors and boards increasingly expect internal audit to be embedded early.
Hiring trends:
- Roles often combine audit with risk, compliance, or SOX readiness
- High demand for auditors with cloud, data privacy, and ITGC expertise
- Firms seeking agile auditors who can handle rapid change
To discuss your internal audit recruitment needs, please get in touch with Adam Bond for a friendly chat.
