What does an auditor do?
Auditors can help companies understand their financial status by monitoring industry regulations, assembling financial data and completing detailed reports. Some auditors specialize in issues related to a certain industry or organization type. For example, government auditors review agencies’ financial records tied to or funded by the government. Forensic auditors specialize in fraud investigations, while IT auditors analyze an organization’s information technology (IT) systems.
Auditor skills and qualifications
Auditors generally have soft skills and technical abilities, like basic math or data analysis. They can also benefit from having interpersonal and problem-solving skills to collaborate with others.
Beneficial skills and qualifications for an auditor can include:
- In-depth understanding of financial laws, regulations and accounting practices
- Attention to detail to spot discrepancies and potential fraud
- Experience creating comprehensive and detailed reports tailored to the employer’s requests
- Strong communication skills to explain findings via written reports and verbal presentations
- Ability to remain objective and relay accurate findings regardless of external pressure or personal bias
- Problem-solving ability to identify pain points and develop feasible solutions
- Proficiency with key financial and accounting tools, such as audit management software and data analysis programs
Auditor experience requirements
Auditors often need some experience in auditing or general accounting. You may consider hiring a less-experienced candidate who has worked on an auditing team, as they may be familiar with creating reports and analyzing data. Skills-first hiring can give your company an advantage, encouraging quality applicants to apply based on their ability to review financial documents and identify key risks.
Auditor education and training requirements
Auditors generally need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as business administration or finance.
For specialized roles, a degree or significant coursework in IT systems, management, tax law, business law and forensic accounting can be helpful. Consider using skills-first hiring and practical assessments to embrace talented applicants who may have limited formal education but extensive knowledge of financial principles and strong ethical integrity.
Candidates can also demonstrate expertise by obtaining voluntary credentials and certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
Auditor salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an auditor is $71,082 per year. Location, employer size and candidate experience may influence salary offers and expectations.
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