What does an Audit Intern do?

Audit Interns contribute to the company’s long-term stability and growth while gaining valuable industry experience. They can support an organization’s auditing team, financial integrity and overall success by examining financial records, compliance with accounting regulations and errors in the recordkeeping process.

Your Audit Intern job description may also include visiting clients in the field to obtain information and conduct audits. These duties can support an organization’s commitment to ethical and transparent financial practices.

Audit Intern skills and qualifications

Candidates who have or are working toward certifications in taxation law, accounting or business may be strong candidates for open Audit Intern positions.

A successful candidate may have the following qualifications:

• Proficiency in accounting software, spreadsheet applications and general data entry skills
• Familiarity with Oracle and structured query language (SQL) databases
• Understanding of the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) framework
• Ability to handle confidential records responsibly
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Basic understanding of financial reporting and analysis

Audit Intern experience requirements

Applicants often don’t need relevant work experience for an Audit Intern position. However, depending on your organization’s needs, you might look for applicants using the skills-first hiring method. For example, you may request familiarity with certain programs and applications such as Microsoft Excel and auditing tools.

Audit Intern education and training requirements

Qualified Audit Interns may be pursuing or already hold an undergraduate degree in accounting, economics, business administration or finance. However, some employers may require applicants to have completed foundational courses in their degree, such as auditing, financial management or business law, or establish minimum GPA requirements.

While Audit Interns don’t generally need certifications, a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential may be beneficial.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the role of an Audit Intern doesn’t fit your organization’s needs, consider these job description samples for similar roles:

• Internal Auditor
• Auditor
• IT Auditor
• Night Auditor

Audit Intern job description FAQs

What’s the difference between an Audit Intern and an Internal Auditor?

Audit Interns focus on learning and assisting with basic tasks under the supervision of experienced Auditors. These tasks may include supporting an organization’s auditing team through data collection, analysis and report preparation. While some Audit Interns are hired after the program’s completion, the position itself is temporary.

An Internal Auditor works in a permanent role. Like the Audit Intern, they’re responsible for evaluating financial statements and investment reports, identifying financial risks and determining ways to enhance profitability.

How long do audit internships last?

Audit Interns typically stay in this position for at least eight weeks, depending on the specific program and company. If your Intern is attending a university, these internships may span the individual’s summer break, take place during a semester or act as part of a cooperative education program.

Can Audit Interns secure a full-time position with the company?

After completing the internship program, many Audit Interns secure a permanent position with the company. Many companies use internships as an extended interview process and to assess potential employees. An Audit Intern’s eligibility for permanent hire typically depends on available job openings within the organization and performance.

Do Audit Interns have different responsibilities in different industries?

The role of an Audit Intern may differ depending on the industry. For example, an Audit Intern working with a forensics team may spend their time identifying and looking for ways to prevent financial fraud, while those working in healthcare may work on auditing patient billing systems.