Internal Audit or External Audit: Understanding the Difference and Making the Right Choice

Internal Audit or External Audit: Understanding the Difference and Making the Right Choice

Aug 14, 2025

Discover the differences between internal audit and external audit, their objectives, and why combining them can enhance governance and credibility.

Two Audits, Two Distinct Objectives

The terms "internal audit" and "external audit" are often confused. However, they pursue very different and complementary objectives for the good governance of a company.

Internal Audit: A Tool for Control and Improvement

An internal audit is conducted by an internal department or an external partner commissioned by the company. Its purpose is to evaluate and improve internal processes, risk management, and governance.
It aims to enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate internal risks.

External Audit: A Legal and Independent Control

An external audit is carried out by an independent audit firm. Its main mission is to certify the annual accounts and provide assurance to external stakeholders (shareholders, authorities, financial partners).
In Belgium, the statutory audit of the annual accounts can only be performed by an approved company auditor.

Why Combine Internal and External Audit?

Understanding the complementarity of these two audits can improve management, transparency, and credibility of your company. The internal audit optimizes processes, while the external audit enhances trust from third parties.

 Need a Legal Certification of Your Annual Accounts?

 Contact our company auditors for an independent and certified review of your accounts.



CONTACT US

Do you wish to receive an offer? Are you looking for an auditor for your annual accounts? Do you need an auditor to address your specific questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us!

Do you wish to receive an offer? Are you looking for an auditor for your annual accounts? Do you need an auditor to address your specific questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us!

gab@groupeaudit.eu

+ 32 2 479 68 77

Groupe Audit Belgium

Avenue du Bourgmestre Etienne Demunter 5/10 

1090 Jette

VAT: BE 0434.720.148

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