How Do I Become an Auditor?

How Do I Become an Auditor?

Feb 17, 2015 | 11:00 am

Becoming an auditor is a process that will take a few years. It can be rather straightforward and simple to complete, but generally it can take a lot of time. The first step is meeting with your educational requirements, which will include a bachelor’s degree. The second step is to be certified from a well- established institute. If both of these goals are fulfilled, the question is not how to become an auditor, but rather what particular field you are interested in that can chart your career course.

What is the job like for Auditors

As we all know, the function of auditors involves checking financial information, a systematic and independent examination of data, statements, records, operations and performances and reviewing that information for any inaccuracies or errors of fact. The most high profile cases involve financial records to check for evidence of fraud, and to ensure that individuals, companies and government agencies are in compliance with tax laws. It works internally in private companies and as employees corresponds with the government and investigating and examining the organizations’ financial records. These professionals can work in a variety of industries, including finance, manufacturing, and management.

Skills Required for This Job

Communication, interpretation, problem solving, management, organization, analytical, the ability to work independent as well as a team, and computer skills are highly recommended.

Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree is the minimum requirement suggested to auditors to begin their careers. However, some employers may prefer a graduate degree. Most of the time, many people will likely go through college and achieve a degree in accounting. A degree in business, with an emphasis in finance, may be an option for those who want to keep their door open and look at other careers.

To earn a business degree, you’re required to take a certain number of classes in a variety of disciplines, such as economics and finance. However, you have to be careful about the classes you take, and justify the expense with the valuable material you get. You can’t sit for an exam until you have completed all the required course work. Some of that will include:

Bachelor’s Degree: A candidate must show a strong attitude and the persistence to finish a bachelor’s degree level commitment. As we know, this field provides a number of career options with different educational paths.

You can start your career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and there are also some other degree programs available that help students get specialize early in their academic career, which prepares them to begin entry-level work later. Students can expect to cover topics like risk management, government loans and investment analysis.

In addition, you still need to have a good grasp of basic math. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and using fractions and percentages are requirements as far as proficiency for this career. A basic understanding of algebraic principles is important in this field.

Master’s Degree: While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to become an auditor at some organizations, some employers may prefer a Master’s Degree, such as the Master of Business Administration or Master of Science in Accounting. Some colleges and universities offer accounting programs with a concentration in internal auditing. These programs may be designed for students who have some prior experience in the accounting or auditing field.

Certification: After holding the Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, you need to become certified from a well-reputed institution. Sometimes certifications may or may not be required by an employer, but they guarantee a certain level of competency. Certifications help you specialize in particular areas, so it is important that auditors choose the certification that best fits their career path. Doing extensive research is imperative before choosing a certification exam to take. After you satisfy all the educational requirements, you’re ready to take the CPA exam.