Common Auditor Career Paths: What to Expect and How to Get Started

Interested in a career as an auditor? Then you probably know that auditors are responsible for applying regulatory standards, accounting principles, and ethical practices to ensure that financial records are compliant, accurate, and reliable. As an auditor, it’ll be your job to provide objective and impartial evaluations and insights on a company’s financial reporting while evaluating its risk management and other internal controls.

Those are the basics. But how do you break into the auditor world? And once you’re in, what are some of the career paths available to you?

Getting Into Auditing

With a strong foundation that usually involves having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, preferably followed by advanced degrees in finance along with relevant certifications and professional development, auditor candidates generally gain practical experience through internships and entry-level positions.

Individuals often start out as staff auditors handling basic financial reporting and compliance under supervision. As they gain experience and expertise, they advance to midlevel and senior auditor roles, where they mentor junior staff, assist with audits, and form relationships with clients. The next career step is often audit manager, leading strategy and planning on several accounts and teams at once. From there, there’s director of auditing, chief audit executive, and other positions depending on the organization.

Various Auditor Roles

Internal Auditors

Internal auditors work within a company to monitor governance systems, internal controls, and risk management. Financial, compliance, and operational audits come under their purview. They advise management on system and control improvements and may also oversee the implementation of those changes.

External Auditors

External auditors work for accounting or auditing firms as opposed to being in-house at the company they’re auditing. Their neutrality is therefore preserved, so they can better hold a company accountable for its financial statements. Their audits are essential to instilling confidence in creditors, investors, and other stakeholders.

Forensic Auditors

Forensic auditors act as investigators to scrutinize financial documents for fraud or other financial offenses. They step in when expert testimony is needed in a court case, and they avert financial misconduct when it’s suspected.

Government Auditors

Government auditors work for public sector organizations, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and that financial statements are precise. These professionals may be employed by a body like the Government Accountability Office, and they are tasked with making sure taxpayer money is not being wasted.

Environmental Auditors

Environmental auditors evaluate an organization's adherence to environmental regulations, looking closely at ways to enhance environmental performance and verify sustainability. This role is gaining importance as more and more leaders pay attention to establishing eco-friendly operations.

Information Technology Auditors

Information Technology (IT) auditors examine network security, the integrity of electronic information, and a company’s adherence to laws and standards. They are responsible for the precision and accuracy of data and must remain vigilant about cybersecurity.

Explore these options for a stimulating and vital career providing the essential checks and balances that promote ethical, transparent, and accountable business practices!