What's the difference between internal and external audit? While the internal and external audit functions are complementary and may need to work closely together, their purposes and areas of focus differ. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) emphasizes that the two functions do not compete or conflict; rather, they both contribute to effective governance. Internal auditors take a holistic view of their organizationâs governance, risk, and control systems (in other words, primarily non-financial information),…