ING Auditor interview questions & guide 2026

The questions below are drawn from real experiences at ING. Use these to understand the patterns of the interview, but remember that the specific focus may shift depending on the seniority of the role and the specific audit team you are joining.

Finance & Accounting

This section tests your foundational knowledge of accounting principles and the specific financial nuances of the banking industry.

• How do you determine materiality in the context of a complex bank audit?
• Can you explain the difference between substantive testing and tests of controls?

Preparation for an Auditor role at ING requires a balanced approach. You must demonstrate both technical mastery of auditing standards and the soft skills required to be a trusted advisor to the business.

Technical Knowledge – You must be comfortable with the core mechanics of audit, including sampling methodologies, control testing, and materiality thresholds. Interviewers will test your ability to apply these concepts to real-world banking scenarios.

Professional Skepticism – This is a core competency. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain independence and objectivity, even when faced with pressure from stakeholders. You should have concrete examples of when you identified a risk that others might have overlooked.

Communication and Conflict Resolution – Auditing involves delivering difficult news. You must demonstrate that you can remain professional, clear, and firm when dealing with client pushback, ensuring that your findings are understood and addressed without damaging the working relationship.

Commercial Awareness – Understand the current challenges facing the banking sector, such as digital transformation, cybersecurity risks, and the regulatory environment. Showing that you understand the "why" behind the controls makes you a much stronger candidate.

The interview process at ING is designed to be professional, transparent, and collaborative. Typically, the process begins with an initial conversation with an HR representative to confirm your background, expectations, and interest in the firm. This is followed by a series of interviews with hiring managers and senior audit professionals.

You should expect a mix of technical deep-dives into your past audit experience and behavioral questions that assess your alignment with ING’s values. The atmosphere is generally described as "friendly and warm," characterized by a genuine desire from the interviewers to get to know you as a professional. The process is thorough, but it is intended to be a two-way dialogue to ensure both you and the firm are a good match.

The timeline above highlights the progression from initial screening to technical and managerial rounds. Use this structure to pace your preparation; ensure you are ready for technical questions early on, while reserving time to refine your behavioral stories for the later, more senior-led interviews.

Audit Methodology & Execution

This area is the backbone of your evaluation. You must demonstrate a clear understanding of the full audit lifecycle, from planning and risk assessment to fieldwork and reporting.

Be ready to go over:

• Audit sampling – Explain your logic for selecting samples and how you ensure they are representative.
• Materiality – Discuss the quantitative and qualitative factors that influence your materiality assessments.

As an Auditor at ING, your responsibilities extend beyond the audit report. You are expected to be an active participant in risk identification, collaborating with various departments to ensure that control frameworks remain robust in an ever-changing financial environment.

You will typically work on multiple engagements simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills. Your day-to-day will involve interviewing process owners, reviewing complex financial data, testing the design and operating effectiveness of controls, and documenting your findings with precision.

Collaboration is key; you will frequently work with IT auditors, risk specialists, and business line managers. You are expected to communicate findings clearly, ensuring that identified risks are not just reported, but understood and remediated by the business. You will also participate in the continuous improvement of the internal audit methodology, keeping the function aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

A strong candidate for an Auditor position at ING combines technical accounting or audit expertise with the interpersonal skills necessary to influence change.

Must-have skills:

• Proficiency in audit standards and internal control frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial or operational data.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• A high level of professional skepticism and integrity.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIA, CISA).
• Experience auditing in the banking or financial services sector.
• Familiarity with cloud computing and IT general controls.

Q: How difficult are the technical portions of the interview? A: The difficulty is generally perceived as average, provided you have a solid grasp of fundamental audit principles. The focus is less on memorizing standards and more on applying your knowledge to practical scenarios.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? A: While it can vary, the process is generally efficient. Expect a few weeks from the initial HR screen to the final decision. The firm values transparency, so you can expect clear communication throughout.

Q: Is there a specific culture I should be aware of? A: ING is known for a collaborative and professional culture. They value individuals who are proactive, curious, and willing to engage in open, honest dialogue.

Q: Should I prepare for a formal case study? A: While formal, sit-down cases are not always part of the loop, you should be prepared to talk through hypothetical audit scenarios in your interviews. Treat these as a conversation rather than a test.

• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions to keep your responses concise and impactful.
• Know the business: Research ING’s recent performance, their focus on digital banking, and their sustainability initiatives. This shows you are engaged with the firm’s broader strategy.
• Prepare your own questions: Always have 2–3 thoughtful questions for the interviewer about their experience, the team's challenges, or the department's priorities. It shows genuine interest.
• Practice your "Why": Be very clear about why you want to be an auditor at ING. Your motivation should be authentic and well-articulated.

The Auditor role at ING is an excellent opportunity to build a career at a leading international bank. By focusing on your technical audit foundations, demonstrating professional skepticism, and honing your communication skills, you will be well-positioned to succeed in your interviews. Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to further sharpen their preparation.

The compensation data provided reflects the competitive landscape for audit professionals in the banking sector. Candidates should interpret these figures as a guideline that varies based on experience, location, and specific team responsibilities. Expect a package that includes a base salary and benefits commensurate with your level of expertise and the regional market standards.