The Complete List of the Best Internal Audit Management Software

Key Takeaways

• Overview of internal audit basics
• How to choose the right internal audit software
• Best practices from real audit teams
• Top 10 audit platforms for 2025
• What different industries really need
• Where automation helps (and where it doesn’t)

What is an Internal Audit?

An internal audit is an independent, objective evaluation of your organization’s performance. It ensures that your processes and controls are functioning as they should and helps identify areas for improvement.

Internal audits are typically scheduled regularly as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain strong internal controls and compliance with industry regulations. For example, a financial audit might uncover discrepancies in reporting or gaps in internal controls that could lead to errors or fraud if not addressed.

Internal audits are often used as a preparatory step before an external audit. By conducting an internal audit first, a company can identify and rectify any issues, ensuring that when the external auditors arrive, they find a company that is well-prepared and compliant with all relevant regulations. 

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The Purpose of Internal Audits

The primary purpose of an internal audit is to ensure that an organization’s risk management, governance, and internal control software processes are operating effectively. Internal audits assess various aspects of the business, including financial statements, operational processes, compliance with laws and regulations, and the effectiveness of internal controls.

The Growing Importance of Internal Audits in Security

As cyber threats and regulatory pressures increase, the role of internal audits has expanded to include a strong focus on security. Modern internal audits often cover data protection, cybersecurity, and IT governance.

Cybersecurity Audits

With the rise of digital transformation, organizations are more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever. Cybersecurity internal audits that focus on cybersecurity assess the effectiveness of an organization’s defenses against these threats. This includes evaluating the security of IT systems, the adequacy of data protection measures, and the organization’s ability to respond to cyber incidents.

Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

Internal audits also play a vital role in ensuring compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These audits examine how personal data is collected, stored, and processed, ensuring that the organization meets all legal requirements.

How to Choose the Right Internal Audit Management Software

When it comes to selecting internal auditing software, don’t get distracted by shiny features. Here’s what really matters:

• Ease of Use: If the software isn’t user-friendly, your auditors will spend more time fighting the tool than performing the audit.
• Customization: You need software that can be tailored to your specific needs. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to audits.
• Integration Capabilities: Your software should seamlessly integrate with other systems within your organization, including financial software, ERP systems, and compliance tools. If it doesn’t, it’ll quickly become another silo.
• Scalability: As your organization grows, your audit needs will also grow in proportion. Pick software that won’t become obsolete in a few years.
• Vendor Support: Software isn’t perfect. Make sure the vendor offers solid support and regular updates so you’re not left in the lurch when things go wrong.

Best Practices for Using Internal Audit Software

Buying the software seems like a big headache, but it’s really one of the easiest parts of the process. Making it work for your audit team takes time and requires some lessons (with a few lessons learned the hard way). Let’s go through some tips we think can help you.

1. Build Around the Real Workflow, Not the Ideal One

Audit software is full of features that look great in demos, but real audit teams don’t operate as smoothly as a demo. Start by mapping your current audit lifecycle: how fieldwork is conducted, how issues are escalated, and how evidence is gathered. Then customize your workflows and forms to reflect how people actually work. 

2. Let Automation Handle the Tedium

The automated audit process should take repetitive tasks off your plate, but should stop short of making decisions on your behalf. Automate reminders, evidence collection, audit plan scheduling, and follow-up assignments. But resist the urge to automate control assessments or issue ratings without human oversight. 

3. Get Buy-In from IT Early

This one comes up again and again: audit software loses half its value if you can’t integrate it with systems like your ERP, GRC, ticketing, or risk register. Internal IT teams often aren’t looped in early enough to verify that the integrations are correct. Bring them in from the start to plan for data flows, APIs, and user provisioning.

4. Teach by Use Case, Not by Manual

Training fails when it’s too theoretical. A good idea would be to demonstrate to your team how to complete a full audit in the software, from kickoff to reporting. Use your most common audit type (say, an internal SOX control test) and walk through it live.

The Complete List of the Best Internal Audit Management Software

Now, it’s time to delve into the specific tools available to help you achieve these goals. Below is a comprehensive list of the best internal audit solutions, each offering unique features tailored to different organizational needs.

1. Centraleyes

Overview: Centraleyes is a premier audit management solution that offers so much more than compliance and audit tracking. It features a first-party and third-party module, giving organizations the tools to manage audits and overall risk. The first-party module assesses your organization’s internal controls, compliance, and risk posture, ensuring you’re fully audit-ready. The third-party module focuses on third-party risk management.

Key Features:

• Unified Risk, Audit, and Compliance Management: Centraleyes offers an all-in-one platform where audit, risk, and compliance efforts intersect. This holistic view helps organizations proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities rather than just ticking boxes to meet audit requirements.
• Built-in Risk Management Tools: Centraleyes prioritizes continuous risk management, allowing organizations to monitor risks dynamically, assess their impact, and adjust strategies as needed—ensuring risk mitigation is a proactive, ongoing process.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among audit and risk management teams with real-time data sharing and communication tools that keep everyone aligned.
• Customizable Reports: Tailor dashboards and reports to meet your organization’s specific needs, ensuring that audit and risk insights are delivered in a way that makes sense for your business.
• Seamless Integration: Centraleyes integrates smoothly with your existing systems, providing a unified platform where audit and risk data flow seamlessly across departments.
• Comprehensive Audit Trails: Ensure transparency and accountability with detailed audit trails for all actions, supporting compliance and risk monitoring efforts.
• Scalability: As your business grows, Centraleyes scales with you, accommodating increasing audit, risk, and compliance demands without compromising performance.

Why Choose Centraleyes? Centraleyes goes beyond the basics. It offers an integrated approach to audit and risk management. While other platforms focus on checking compliance boxes, Centraleyes equips you to manage risk actively and strategically. This makes it the optimal choice for organizations that want to not only pass audits but also stay ahead of risks and challenges in a rapidly changing landscape.

2. AuditBoard

Overview: AuditBoard is a leading audit management software solutions, designed to simplify the entire audit process from planning to execution. It’s particularly popular among larger enterprises due to its scalability and robust features.

Key Features:

• Integrated Risk Management: Combines risk management, compliance, and audit functionalities into a single platform.
• Automated Workflows: Streamlines the audit process with automated workflows, reducing manual effort and errors.
• Customizable Reporting: Offers customizable dashboards and reporting features to meet specific audit requirements.

Why Choose AuditBoard?
AuditBoard stands out for its comprehensive approach to internal audits, risk management, and compliance. It’s a great choice for organizations looking for an all-in-one solution that can scale as they grow.

3. MetricStream

Overview: MetricStream is a powerful internal audit software that emphasizes risk management and compliance. It’s particularly suited for organizations in highly regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare.

Key Features:

• Advanced Risk Analytics: Provides deep insights into risk with advanced analytics and reporting tools.
• Regulatory Compliance Tracking: Keeps track of compliance with industry regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
• Audit Trails: Ensures transparency with comprehensive audit trails for all activities.
• Mobile Access: Offers mobile access, allowing auditors to perform tasks on-the-go.

Why Choose MetricStream?
MetricStream is ideal for organizations that must strictly comply with industry regulations. Its advanced risk analytics and comprehensive audit trails make it a top choice for risk-conscious businesses.

4. Galvanize (formerly ACL)

Overview: Galvanize, formerly known as ACL, offers a suite of tools designed to manage audits, risk, and compliance. Its focus on data-driven insights sets it apart from other internal audit solutions.

Key Features:

• Data Analytics: Leverages data analytics to provide actionable insights into audit findings.
• Continuous Auditing: Supports continuous auditing, allowing organizations to monitor controls and risks in real-time.
• Cloud-Based: A cloud-based solution that provides flexibility and scalability.
• Customizable Audit Programs: Allows organizations to create and customize audit programs to meet specific needs.

Why Choose Galvanize?
Galvanize is a strong choice for organizations that prioritize data-driven decision-making. Its continuous auditing and data analytics features make it ideal for businesses looking to maintain ongoing oversight of their  internal controls.

5. HighBond by Diligent

Overview: HighBond by Diligent is an internal audit management software that integrates governance, risk management, and compliance into a single platform. It’s designed to help organizations streamline their internal audits and enhance overall governance.

Key Features:

• Audit Planning and Execution: Simplifies the audit planning and execution process with automated workflows.
• Risk Management Integration: Integrates risk management into the audit process, ensuring that audits are aligned with organizational risk priorities.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Offers detailed reporting and analytics to help organizations make informed decisions.
• User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use.

Why Choose HighBond?

HighBond is ideal for organizations looking for an integrated approach to audit, risk management, and compliance. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting make it a top choice for businesses of all sizes.

6. Onspring

Overview: Onspring is a flexible internal controls  management software that allows organizations to tailor the platform to their needs. It’s known for its adaptability and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Customizable Workflows: Offers highly customizable workflows that can be adapted to fit any audit process.
• Real-Time Dashboards: Provides real-time dashboards that offer visibility into audit status and findings.
• Audit Issue Tracking: Tracks audit issues from identification through resolution, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
• Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with other systems, such as ERP and financial software.

Why Choose Onspring?

Onspring is perfect for organizations that need a flexible and customizable audit management solution. Its integration capabilities and real-time dashboards make it valuable for maintaining oversight and control.

7. Resolver

Overview: Resolver is an internal audit software that focuses on risk management and incident tracking. It’s designed to help organizations manage risks proactively while streamlining the audit process.

Key Features:

• Risk Assessment Tools: Provides tools for assessing and prioritizing risks within the organization.
• Incident Management: Tracks incidents and links them to audit findings, providing a comprehensive view of organizational risks.
• Automated Workflows: Automates audit workflows, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
• Compliance Management: Helps organizations stay compliant with industry regulations by tracking compliance activities.

Why Choose Resolver?

Resolver is a great choice for organizations that want to integrate risk management and incident tracking into their audit processes. Its focus on proactive risk management makes it a valuable asset for businesses in risk-sensitive industries.

8. TeamMate+ (by Wolters Kluwer)

Overview: TeamMate+ is one of the most established internal audit management solutions on the market. Developed by Wolters Kluwer, it’s purpose-built for auditors and used by audit departments worldwide, including government entities and major accounting firms.

Key Features:

• Audit Lifecycle Support: Covers planning, scheduling, fieldwork, review, and issue tracking in one platform.
• Compliance with IIA Standards: Designed to align with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) frameworks and professional audit practices.
• Global Audit Visibility: Enables multi-location audits and oversight across subsidiaries or divisions.
• Reporting & Dashboards: Built-in tools for generating standardized reports and executive summaries.
• Custom Workflows: Allows organizations to tailor audit workflows to match their internal processes.

Why Choose TeamMate+?
TeamMate+ is the gold standard for organizations seeking an auditor-led platform that aligns with professional audit practices. Its widespread adoption by global firms and public-sector agencies makes it a reliable choice for mature audit functions.

9. Workiva

Overview: Workiva is a cloud-based platform trusted by enterprises for internal audit, SOX compliance, and financial reporting. Known for its connected data environment and collaborative tools, Workiva simplifies the audit process from documentation through reporting.

Key Features:

• Connected Reporting: Links audit workpapers, risk controls, and reports, so changes in one area update across the platform.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on audit activities simultaneously, ensuring version control and reducing bottlenecks.
  Control Testing & Evidence Management: Streamlines SOX testing and documentation with audit trails.
• Custom Templates & Frameworks: Prebuilt templates for SOX, ISO, COSO, and more.
  Integration with ERP & GRC Tools: Easily connects with existing systems such as Oracle, SAP, and ServiceNow.

Why Choose Workiva?
Workiva is ideal for enterprise audit teams seeking real-time collaboration, automation, and audit readiness across various regulatory frameworks. Its strong reputation with Big Four firms makes it a top-tier choice for compliance-heavy environments.

10. CERRIX

Overview: CERRIX is a governance, risk, and compliance platform based in the Netherlands that has experienced rapid growth in Europe. It offers a strong internal audit module with deep integration between risks, controls, and audit plans.

Key Features:

• Integrated Audit Universe: Create and maintain a structured audit universe linked to risk categories.
• Workflow-Driven Audits: Automates planning, execution, and follow-up through configurable workflows.
• Multilingual Support: Ideal for global teams operating in multiple regions or languages.
• Role-Based Access Control: Secure access and data segregation by role or department.
  Version Control & Change Management: Tracks changes in audit files, work programs, and findings.
  

Why Choose CERRIX?
CERRIX is a great option for mid-sized to large organizations seeking a structured audit environment with strong ties to enterprise risk. Its responsive team and focus on regulatory alignment make it especially attractive to European firms and global businesses.

What Different Organizations Need from Internal Audit Software

Not all audit functions are built the same. Based on real discussions from audit professionals across sectors, here’s what we see matters to different kinds of organizations:

Startups and High-Growth Tech Companies

Pain Point: Limited headcount, fast-moving operations, and compliance pressure (SOC 2, ISO 27001).

What They Look For:

• A clean, user-friendly interface (no audit jargon overload)
  
• Automated task management
  
• Out-of-the-box templates for security audits or SOC 2
  
• Integration with tools like Jira, Slack, and Google Drive

Financial Institutions & Insurance Companies

Pain Point: Regulatory complexity (SOX, Basel, FFIEC), data integrity, and long audit trails.

What They Look For:

• Deep reporting features
  
• Role-based access controls
  
• Long-term evidence storage
  
• Risk/control mapping and workflows
  
• Software that’s already trusted by big firms like Deloitte or PwC

Higher Education & Nonprofits

Pain Point: Budget constraints, siloed operations, and board-level transparency.

What They Look For:

• Simplicity and affordability
  
• Built-in issue tracking
  
• Centralized document repository
  
• Exportable reports for board presentations

Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities

Pain Point: Operational risk, supply chain audits, and certification readiness (ISO, OSHA, NERC).

What They Look For:

• Mobile-friendly audits for field teams
  
• Built-in audit scheduling
  
• Support for layered frameworks like ISO 9001, ISO 45001
  
• Visual dashboards for compliance reporting
  

Centraleyes for Audit Management

Internal audits are the IT version of a reality check. They strip away assumptions and give you the unvarnished truth.

A well-conducted internal audit highlights the gaps before they become gaping holes. It shows you whether your processes are genuinely effective or merely appear effective on paper. It uncovers the weaknesses that could lead to financial discrepancies, security breaches, or regulatory penalties if left unchecked.

But here’s the real value: internal audits are your chance to course-correct. They provide actionable insights that help you strengthen controls, tighten security, and enhance overall performance. 

Tools like Centraleyes take the effectiveness of internal audits to the next level. Centraleyes streamlines the entire audit process, providing a comprehensive platform that simplifies planning, execution, and reporting. 

FAQs on Internal Audit Management Software

Q1: Our team is still using Excel and shared folders. Do we really need audit software?

A: Only if you’re tired of chasing links, losing track of evidence, and rebuilding reports every quarter. Spreadsheets work until one version goes rogue or someone overwrites your controls tab. Most teams upgrade after a near-miss or failed audit. 

Q2: Everyone says ‘automate your audit,’ but what should you not automate?

A: Anything that requires judgment. Automate the grunt work like reminders, scheduling, evidence requests. But don’t let your system auto-score control effectiveness or close findings. Human context still matters, especially in high-risk or subjective areas.

Q3: How long does it actually take to implement audit software?

A: Realistically, 6–10 weeks. The tool itself might be ready in days, but aligning workflows, importing legacy data, and getting everyone on board takes time. 

Q4: What’s the most common mistake after buying audit software?

A: Trying to customize everything before using anything. Start small—run a full audit end-to-end in the platform, then refine. Overengineering from day one usually leads to abandonment or rebuilds six months later.

Q5: What’s something nobody tells you about audit software until it’s too late?

A: You’ll need your IT team more than you think. Integrations, user permissions, API configs all run through them. Bring them in early.