Internal auditors are auditors who work within the organization. They are responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of an organization's internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. Internal auditors provide independent and objective assurance to management and the board of directors on the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization's systems and processes.

Internal auditors perform a range of activities to fulfill their role. These activities include:

1. Conducting Risk Assessments: Internal auditors identify and assess risks that may impact the achievement of organizational objectives. They evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls and make recommendations for improvement.

2. Reviewing Internal Controls: Internal auditors evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls within the organization. They assess whether these controls are operating as intended and identify any weaknesses or deficiencies.

3. Conducting Audits: Internal auditors perform audits of various processes and activities within the organization. This may include financial audits, operational audits, compliance audits, or information technology audits. They follow a systematic approach to gather evidence, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvement.

4. Monitoring Compliance: Internal auditors ensure that the organization complies with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. They review processes and procedures to identify any non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.

5. Providing Advisory Services: Internal auditors provide advice and guidance to management on improving processes, enhancing controls, and managing risks. They assist in the development of policies and procedures to ensure effective governance and control.

Internal auditors play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within organizations. They provide valuable insights and recommendations to management and the board of directors, helping them make informed decisions and improve the overall performance of the organization.

In contrast, external auditors are independent professionals who are not employed by the organization. They are engaged by the organization to provide an unbiased opinion on the fairness and reliability of the financial statements. External auditors perform audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and issue an audit report expressing their opinion on the financial statements.

Overall, internal auditors work within the organization and focus on evaluating and improving internal controls, risk management, and governance processes, while external auditors provide an independent opinion on the organization's financial statements.