An auditor has the responsibility to check the accuracy and sometimes attest to the accuracy of business records. Those records are usually business records, but could be municipal records also, or any type of financial records. An auditor’s word is sought when records are being challenged for honesty.
Auditors form opinions based on sufficient, competent material that is relevant to the auditor’s aim.
An auditor can be self-employed or with a company, or be on retainer with a company or work for the government.
Auditors can work alone or in a team and report their findings to larger groups. They may also work strictly with individual clients. The hours are typical business hours, but may extend far beyond that because of special projects that occur, or because of certain business or other deadlines that require comprehensive work reports.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required to be an auditor, and a master’s degree in accounting makes one even more desirable in the auditor job market. Obtaining both those degrees would make one eligible for a CPA (certified public accountant) exam, which some employers who are looking for auditors also require.
Auditors must be self-motivated, tenacious, good problem solvers, good communicators, and not mind staying with a particular task for a long time, as it sometimes takes a lot of patience and endurance to piece together various information in order to attest to the accuracy of records.
Auditor Tasks
- Prepare reports related to audit activities.
- Consult with company representatives on improvements to accounting processes and systems.
- Analyze financial data to insure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with relevant laws and standards, as well as to find instances of accounting deficiencies and/or fraud.
- Collaborate with and/or oversees members of auditing team.
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