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What does an Accounting Auditor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An accounting auditor is someone who reviews an organization's financial records to ensure they are accurate and compliant with generally accepted accounting principles. They may also provide recommendations for improving the organization's financial reporting.

Accounting Auditor job duties include:

  • Examine financial statements and other reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations
  • Plan and conduct audits of businesses or individuals to assess financial operations and compliance with laws
  • Identify irregularities and areas of improvement in accounting practices or internal controls
  • Communicate audit findings to clients and make recommendations for corrective action
  • Keep abreast of developments in the auditing field to maintain professional competence
  • Develop audit programs or plans to assess risk and identify potential areas of non-compliance
  • Perform testing of internal controls to ensure their effectiveness
  • Evaluate business processes to identify risks and control weaknesses
  • Supervise or train junior auditors

Accounting Auditor Job Requirements

Most accounting auditors have a bachelor's degree in accounting, although some have a master's degree. Many accounting auditors are certified public accountants (CPAs). Some firms require CPAs for all their auditors, while others may accept candidates who are not CPAs but who have passed one or more of the exams administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In addition to education and certification, most accounting auditors have several years of experience working in accounting or auditing.

Accounting Auditor Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Computer skills
  • Auditing
  • Accounting

Related: Top Accounting Auditor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Accounting Auditor

Becoming an accounting auditor is not as difficult as it may seem. There are many schools that offer accounting programs and many employers who are always in need of qualified auditors. The most important thing for someone looking to become an auditor is to have a strong understanding of accounting principles and be able to apply them in a real world setting.

There are many different types of accounting audits, but the most common is the financial statement audit. This is where an auditor will examine a company's financial statements and make sure they are accurate and free of any fraud or misrepresentation. Financial statement audits can be very complex, so it is important that anyone looking to become an auditor has a strong foundation in accounting.

There are many different ways to become an auditor. Some people start their careers as entry-level accountants and then move into auditing after gaining some experience. Others may start out working in auditing firms and then move into corporate accounting. There is no one right path to becoming an auditor, but the most important thing is to get started in the field and gain some experience.

Related: Accounting Auditor Resume Example

Related: Accounting Auditor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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