Auditor Job Description

  
Job Description: Auditor

An auditor quite simply conducts an audit – meaning they go through the books of an individual or organization to determine the effective use of resources. An audit is primarily financial, but can also be in other areas such as energy usage and natural resource management. As an auditor, it’s your job to conduct them.

What you’ll be doing

Your role encompasses going over company expenses and records with a fine tooth comb. You’ll be responsible for analysing the data, and then the findings are then either presented via a written report or presentation, so you should feel comfortable in your communication skills and knowledge. There are jobs available in both the public and private sectors, making the odds finding work as an auditor even in a tough economy high. With numerous and frequent federal policy changes to keep on top of, you’ll be responsible for keeping abreast of updates and keeping clients in the loop. There’s a fair amount of admin involved as well, so you should feel comfortable with this and be deft at using the appropriate software and programs such as Microsoft Excel. 
A lot of what you’ll be doing is determined by whether you’ll be practicing as an internal or external auditor. As an internal auditor, your role will be to examine the company policies, whereas the latter of the two requires going through every invoice and financial statement in impeccable detail, verifying there’s no fraud or mismanagement and mitigating financial risk.

Who is it for?

You should consider being an auditor if you can work under pressure. As organizations are mandated to subject to an annual audit, there is air-tight job security that comes with the role, but this pro is offset by the con of having to be meticulous, accurate and sometimes the bearer of bad news.

Salary

Another pro is the annual salary, the starting point of which is £18,000-£22,000 per annum. You should be mathematically minded and adept at problem solving, with a minimum of two A-levels under your belt and ideally an accountancy qualification and practicing certificate. Being an auditor isn’t for everyone, especially if you consider yourself a people pleaser. Sometimes presenting findings of an audit can leave a boardroom of executives feeling anything but pleased! If you prefer data over drama, this could be the career for you. Candidates interested in being an auditor should boast great organizational skills, strong communication skills and be strong with numbers all round.