How to Become an Auditor

How to Become an Auditor

How to Become an Auditor
Saru Niraula

A degree in business, accounting, or finance opens up many job prospects on every continent. "Auditing" is one such occupation in the commerce stream that is also included among the highest paying careers for commerce majors. 

It is a specialist area of accounting where an auditor prepares, examines, and evaluates all of an organization's financial records to guarantee its efficient and lawful operation throughout the current fiscal year and future fiscal years. They are the ones who examine and assess the accountant's financial statements, determine the degree of financial risk, compile a cash flow statement, and write a report for the organization.

Because of the constantly expanding corporate world and the emergence of new enterprises regularly, the work of an auditor has the greatest projected growth rate. You are exactly where you need to be if your goal is to advance onto the corporate ladder. We're here to give you the information you need to become an auditor through our article.

Who is an Auditor?

An auditor is qualified to examine financial documents, confirm their accuracy, and ensure businesses follow tax regulations. They guard companies against fraud, call attention to inconsistencies in accounting procedures, and occasionally operate as consultants, assisting firms in identifying ways to improve operational efficiency. Within various industries, auditors serve in a variety of roles.

Auditors examine the financial records of businesses and other organisations to make sure they are accurate and compliant with the law. They may be auditing their own or another organisation's financial records and may also serve in an advisory capacity by suggesting cost- and risk-cutting initiatives.

What are the role and responsibilities of an Auditor?

  • An auditor's primary responsibility is to assess whether financial statements adhere to generally accepted accounting rules.
  • Putting together, verifying, and analysing spreadsheet data.
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires all publicly traded firms to follow official auditing procedures while conducting routine external audits.
  • Examining the financial records and control systems of the organisation
  • Determining the financial risk levels in organisations
  • Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of financial data and reports
  • Preparing financial statements, reports, and commentary
  • Communicating with the management team and providing the results and recommendations
  • Ensuring that laws, rules, policies, and procedures are adhered to correctly
  • Doing wage analyses
  • Safeguarding the safety of assets
  • There are various kinds of auditors, including those employed by businesses as in-house auditors and those who work for independent audit firms.
  • An audit report's ultimate verdict may be qualified or unqualified.
  • Determining whether and where procedures are not performing as they should and recommending adjustments.

How to Become an Audit Manager?

Qualities to become an Auditor

Ability to analyse

Auditors must pinpoint problems with documentation while offering appropriate and efficient fixes. To detect issues that could result in liabilities and offer areas for improvement, the professional must study the documentation and analyse the business's operations.

 Organisation

Auditors must have excellent organisational abilities because they frequently handle a variety of financial documents for numerous clients. Keeping papers and documents organised is crucial to maintaining accuracy and effectiveness when working.

Communication

Since auditors frequently interact with their clients, and they must be proficient communicators. Auditors must pay close attention to what clients, management, and other stakeholders have to say about the facts and their concerns. These experts also need to discuss their work's outcomes in meetings and written reports.

Mathematics / Financial Skills 

Auditors must be able to examine, compare, and understand data even though advanced arithmetic skills are not required. Accounting and statistics understanding is necessary for this.

Observation of details

To help clients avoid fines and understand potential obligations, auditors must be accurate in their work and paperwork. Because of this, auditors must be meticulous and detail-oriented when gathering and reviewing supporting materials and other financial statements.

Other Skills

  • Meticulousness in the details.
  • A prodigious ability in math.
  • Excellent ability to solve problems.
  • An intense fascination with the financial system.
  • Ability to work under duress and to deadlines.
  • Ability to operate independently and collaboratively.
  • Solid IT abilities.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities and effective report and presentation skills.

Steps to Become a successful Auditor

Academic Requirements 

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related discipline is necessary for most auditing positions. A master's degree in accounting or business administration with a focus on accounting is preferred by some businesses. Financial accounting, accounting technology, taxation, auditing, business communication, and business law are some examples of relevant education. Additionally, some colleges offer distinct undergraduate and graduate degree programs in auditing.

Acquire higher degrees

While a graduation degree is not necessary for auditors, several states demand that candidates for  the Certified Public Accountant certification complete additional college coursework beyond a bachelor's degree. Professionals might become competitive candidates for senior jobs or promotions within their company by earning a graduate degree. External auditors must first receive chartered accountant certification from a recognised accounting authority. For more information on achieving this, see our job description for an accountant. You can also obtain a degree from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy to work as an auditor in the public sector. You can earn a professional accounting degree while working for the National Audit Office, which provides a three-year graduate program. Both university graduates and school dropouts can find their way into a profession in audit, albeit the paths vary depending on whether you want to work in internal or external audit.

Experience (work and related fields)

You will need a lot of work experience for this role, and companies usually want a professional degree. The most common route entails accumulating several years of administrative work experience before beginning formal training for auditor work. Examples of related experience include work in the areas of financial administration, credit control, insurance, office management, pensions, and personnel purchasing.

While some graduates decide to participate in full-time diploma programs that lead to full or partial accreditation, others may consider being certified as accountants or lawyers to become auditors. Find out more about the many job openings and internships available.

Training (job or related fields)

All newly recruited auditors must undergo a training phase where a qualified and experienced expert guides them. The auditing company will pair up the new hire with a skilled worker so they may become familiar with the position's duties while also receiving advice and direction from an expert in the field. Depending on the situation and the company, this training time may span a year or longer.

Some auditors work toward their college degrees while pursuing an internship. They acquire real-world experience in auditing or accounting while completing training. Additionally, they can network with industry experts who might help them obtain jobs following graduation. Some master's programs may stipulate that completing an internship is required for graduation.

How to become an Auditor: Career and Job scope

Auditors are used by many different businesses to oversee policies and procedures and guarantee correct financial reporting. To effectively communicate findings and suggestions to customers, one must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and accounting and auditing expertise. One of the main responsibilities is examining current financial records, information management systems, and processes. Furthermore, following a study of this nature, suggestions for better procedures, effective financial management, and regulatory compliance are made. The following career profiles offer illustrations of auditing positions at various employment levels.

Employment areas  

  • Government
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Public sector
  • Accounting
  • Tax Preparation
  • Management consultancy
  • Accounting supervisor
  • An accountant and a business analyst.
  • Chartered Accountant
  • CPA
  • Accounting manager
  • Accountant for projects
  • Employee accountant
  • Cost-benefit analyst

Job titles

  • Revenue tax specialist
  • Audit partner
  • Financial auditor
  • Internal auditor
  • Assurance senior
  • Assurance manager
  • Internal audit director
  • Audit manager
  • Auditor-in-charge

How to become an Auditor: Salary of an Auditor

Let us see the average annual salary of an Auditor in some popular countries.

Country

Annual Average Salary of an Auditor

Australia

$115,745 (AUD)/yr

Argentina

$ 1.734.744 (ARS)/yr

Belgium

68.371 € (EUR)/yr

Brazil

R$121.449 (BRL)/yr

Canada

$94,653 (CAD)/yr

China

$26.122.271 (CLP)/yr

Costa Rica

₡16 399 172 (CRC)/yr

Denmark

590.776 kr. (DKK)/yr

Egypt

181,811 ج.م.‏ (EGP)/yr

Finland

62 716 € (EUR)/yr

France

60 576 € (EUR)/yr

Germany

69.083 € (EUR)/yr

Hong Kong SAR

HK$550,699 (HKD)/yr

India

₹10,04,951 (INR)/yr

Italy

52.992 € (EUR)/yr

Japan

¥7,764,740 (JPY)/yr

Malaysia

RM108,571 (MYR)/yr

Mexico

$377,410 (MXN)/yr

Netherlands

€ 66.869 (EUR)/yr

New Zealand

$104,657 (NZD)/yr

Poland

121 848 zł (PLN)/yr

Portugal

38 515 € (EUR)/yr

Russian Federation

1 241 328 ₽ (RUB)/yr

Switzerland

CHF 99'281 (CHF)/yr

Spain

48.349 € (EUR)/yr

Thailand

฿740,350 (THB)/yr

UK

£50,528 (GBP)/yr

Ukraine

429 046 ₴ (UAH)/yr

United Arab Emirates

258,804 د.إ.‏ (AED)/yr

United States

$88,781 (USD)/yr

Vietnam

447.772.399 ₫ (VND)/yr

How to become an Auditor: Training Course for an Auditor

Let us talk about some degrees to become a successful Auditor.

Level

Program

Diploma

Diploma in Accounting

Diploma in Management

Diploma in Economies

Diploma in Banking and Finance

Bachelors

Bachelor B.COM

Bachelor of Business Management

Bachelor of Business Administration.

Bachelor of Business Science.

Bachelor of Economics.

Business school.

PHD in Business Administration

PHD

PHD in Business Science

Master of business commerce (computer applications)

Masters

Master of business commerce (accountancy)

Master of business commerce (accounting and finance)

Master of business commerce (marketing)

Master of business commerce (banking and finance)

Master of business commerce (business management)

Master of business commerce (financial management)

Pros and Cons of Becoming an Auditor 

Advantages of becoming an Auditor

  • You can engage in a variety of undertakings.
  • Auditors may serve a variety of clientele.
  • You can create a powerful network.
  • Auditors can make a respectable living.
  • Substantial job security
  • It can be done remotely.
  • Suitable escape routes
  • You can work in groups of enthusiastic individuals.
  • Auditors can develop their analytical skills.
  • You gain knowledge on how to handle challenging clients.
  • It would be best if you left your comfort zone.
  • Auditors frequently travel.

Disadvantages of becoming an Auditor

  • The busy season can be demanding.
  • It's common for auditors to put in longer hours.
  • Work-life balance is just moderately good.
  • For comparable work, other jobs pay more.
  • You must pursue a college education.
  • Student loan debt is rather typical.
  • Auditing can be monotonous.
  • For handling statistics, you need to have a specific talent level.
  • Senior auditors may be held personally accountable for errors.
  • Growing distrust against auditing firms
  • Often, auditors are not completely impartial
  • It's challenging to start your auditing firm
  • You might spend a lot of time away from home.
  • A small number of powerful parties dominate the market.
  • You spend the entire day in front of a computer.
  • Lack of imagination
  • You might feel like a machine.
  • Auditors must adjust nearly every year's new regulations.

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How to Become an Auditor: FAQs

What does an auditor do?

Auditors make ensuring that a company's reports correspond to its actual operations. They are frequently called in to evaluate financial paperwork when anomalies develop. They examine financial data and ensure that the company complies with accounting rules.

Is auditing a good career?

Auditing gives professional flexibility and prospects for progress and is in demand across many industries. IT-related specialisations are

Possible for auditors.

What credentials are required to become an auditor?

At the very least, auditors normally possess a bachelor's degree; however, many organisations want a master's degree. Credentials as a certified public accountant (CPA) also assist auditors in finding a job.

How much does an auditor get paid?

According to Pascale, auditors make an average of $56,731 a year. However, earning potential differs by field, region, level of education, and experience. Auditors make an average salary of $64,329 after five years of experience.

What distinguishes an internal auditor from an external auditor?

Internal auditors are employed by a single company, monitoring financial activity and ensuring the business complies with regulatory standards. External auditors might work for accounting firms or on their own. When a financial audit is required, they provide services to outside clients.

How can I prepare for the audit?

The departments that are being evaluated should be ready to present all pertinent policies and to go over the internal procedures. Before the audit starts, the management will meet with you to review expectations.

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