Auditor: Career Guide

What does an Auditor do?

As an auditor, you review financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. You identify discrepancies, suggest improvements, and help maintain the financial integrity of a business, ensuring it follows legal and financial guidelines.

Key duties & responsibilities

Auditors in the Accounting field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
• Review company accounts and financial control systems for accuracy, effectiveness, and compliance with proper accounting standards and regulations.
• Identify the areas of financial and business risk within the company and provide recommendations to enhance the company’s risk management.
• Prepare audit findings, write audit reports, and present findings to management in the form of suggestions for increasing efficiency or saving money.
• Conduct follow-ups on audits to monitor management’s interventions.
• Engage in continuous knowledge development regarding sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques, and performance standards.

How to become an Auditor

Launching a career as an Auditor requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) license preferred.
• Proven experience as an auditor, with in-depth understanding of auditing and control practices.
• Updated knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
• Proficient in MS Office and accounting software.

Requirements & skills

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze data and to identify discrepancies.
• Effective communication skills, capable of conducting meetings and presenting audit findings.
• Integrity and reliability, with a strong sense of business ethics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.

Auditor salary guide

Wondering what Auditors earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job	Branch	Avg. US salary
Auditor	Accounting	85,720 USD

The average salary for an Auditor in the U.S. is approximately $85,720 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Auditors may receive a wide range of benefits.

Auditor salary career steps

Level	Experience	Avg. salary per year
Entry Level	0-2 years	$64,290
Mid Level	3-5 years	$77,148
Experienced	6-10 years	$85,720
Senior	11+ years	$94,292
Veteran	20+ years	$107,150

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, expert interviews

How to advance your career

Auditors can advance their career to senior auditor roles, audit manager, or partner in an accounting firm. They may also transition into related financial roles such as financial analyst, controller, or chief financial officer. Continuing education, gaining relevant certifications, and developing expertise in a specific industry can facilitate further career advancement.

Typical work environment

Auditors work in a variety of settings including public accounting firms, government agencies, corporations, and non-profits. While much of the work is performed in an office environment, auditors may travel to client sites to conduct audits and meet with stakeholders. This role often requires working additional hours during financial year-ends or when preparing for audits.