What Does an Auditor Do?
An auditor is a financial professional responsible for reviewing and evaluating an organization’s financial records, internal controls, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. They play a key role in identifying risks, preventing fraud, and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting. Auditors may work internally within an organization or externally through an accounting or audit firm.
Through detailed analysis and documentation, auditors provide independent assessments of financial processes and suggest improvements to strengthen accuracy and compliance. They often work with accounting teams, management, and regulatory bodies to confirm that records align with legal requirements and organizational policies.
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Auditor Core Responsibilities
- Review and verify financial statements, transactions, and accounting records
- Conduct risk assessments and evaluate internal controls
- Develop audit plans and sampling strategies based on scope and objectives
- Analyze financial data for accuracy, consistency, and compliance
- Prepare detailed audit reports and communicate findings to stakeholders
- Recommend improvements in policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and regulatory standards
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external regulatory bodies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards
- Proficiency in accounting software and audit tools (e.g., ACL, IDEA, SAP)
- Strong data analysis and financial reporting capabilities
- Ability to evaluate internal controls and risk mitigation processes
Soft skills
- High level of integrity and ethical judgment
- Analytical thinking and investigative mindset
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
Certifications
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) are often required or preferred, depending on the role
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of experience in auditing or accounting
- Experience working in public accounting or audit firms
- Knowledge of industry-specific regulations (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, FISMA)
- Familiarity with data analytics, forensic accounting, or IT audit
- Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration
National Average Salary
Auditor salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Auditor is:
$89,633
Sample Job Description Templates for Auditors
Junior/Staff Auditor
Position Overview
A junior or staff auditor supports audit engagements by performing testing procedures, documenting findings, and verifying financial transactions. This entry-level role provides foundational experience in audit methodology, compliance, and financial review.
Junior/Staff Auditor Responsibilities
- Perform audit fieldwork, including testing and sampling
- Assist in verifying financial statements and account balances
- Prepare audit workpapers and document findings
- Conduct walkthroughs and test of controls
- Support senior auditors with audit documentation and report drafting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with GAAP and audit standards
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software
- Basic understanding of internal controls and risk assessments
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical thinking
- Eager to learn and accept feedback
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA eligibility preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or up to 1 year of experience in accounting or audit
- Familiarity with audit software (e.g., CaseWare, IDEA)
- Exposure to public accounting environments
Senior Auditor
Position Overview
A senior auditor leads audit engagements and oversees junior staff while ensuring financial compliance and risk assessment accuracy. They coordinate planning, fieldwork, and reporting across multiple audit projects.
Senior Auditor Responsibilities
- Plan and lead audit engagements across departments or clients
- Evaluate internal controls and perform detailed substantive testing
- Supervise and mentor audit staff and interns
- Prepare audit reports and communicate findings to leadership
- Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced understanding of GAAP and audit practices
- Strong skills in data analysis, sampling, and financial reporting
- Experience with ERP systems and audit tools
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching abilities
- Excellent communication and report writing
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
Certifications
- CPA or CIA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of audit experience in public or internal audit
- Experience managing engagements or cross-functional audits
- Familiarity with risk management frameworks (COSO, SOX)
Contract/Consulting Auditor
Position Overview
A contract or consulting auditor provides audit services on a project or short-term basis. This role requires adaptability, technical proficiency, and the ability to meet deadlines in diverse client or organizational settings.
Contract / Consulting Auditor Responsibilities
- Conduct independent audits or support audit teams during peak seasons
- Evaluate financial records, transactions, and compliance processes
- Document findings and assist with remediation strategies
- Deliver audit reports on time and according to scope
- Work across industries or departments with minimal supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Broad understanding of financial audits and compliance standards
- Proficiency in accounting platforms and audit software
- Ability to work independently in new environments
Soft skills
- Strong adaptability and problem-solving
- Clear and efficient communicator
- Organized and capable of remote or hybrid work
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
Certifications
- CPA, CIA, or CISA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of audit experience
- Exposure to multiple industries or audit frameworks
- Prior consulting or freelance audit engagements
Internal Auditor
Position Overview
An internal auditor evaluates an organization’s operations, internal controls, and risk management systems. Their work strengthens process integrity, improves compliance, and supports operational efficiency.
Internal Auditor Responsibilities
- Conduct audits on financial, operational, and compliance controls
- Perform risk assessments and internal control evaluations
- Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements
- Draft internal audit reports and follow up on corrective actions
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on audits and policy reviews
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of internal control frameworks (COSO)
- Knowledge of risk management and compliance auditing
- Experience with internal audit software or ERP systems
Soft skills
- Confidential and ethical judgment
- Analytical mindset and root cause thinking
- Ability to work across departments and present findings diplomatically
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business
Certifications
- CIA preferred; CPA also valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of internal audit or compliance experience
- Experience in regulated industries (e.g., banking, healthcare)
- Familiarity with SOX audits or ISO standards
External Auditor
Position Overview
An external auditor provides independent assurance on the accuracy of financial statements, typically on behalf of an accounting firm. This role ensures that financial reports are free of material misstatements and conform to regulatory standards.
External Auditor Responsibilities
- Plan and execute financial audits for assigned clients
- Review financial records, controls, and procedures for accuracy
- Conduct fieldwork and prepare audit documentation
- Report findings and communicate risks to clients
- Stay updated on changing GAAP and PCAOB standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in financial reporting and external audit methodology
- Experience working with audit software (e.g., CaseWare, AuditBoard)
- Understanding of industry-specific financial regulations
Soft skills
- Professional client communication and presentation skills
- Meticulous attention to audit standards and documentation
- Ability to meet tight filing and reporting deadlines
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years with a public accounting firm
- Experience with SEC clients or PCAOB-regulated audits
- Background in complex consolidations or multinational clients
Financial Auditor
Position Overview
A financial auditor specializes in reviewing an organization’s financial transactions and records for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance. They play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and detecting financial discrepancies.
Financial Auditor Responsibilities
- Audit balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow data
- Verify accuracy of journal entries, reconciliations, and accounting methods
- Analyze financial statements for errors, fraud, or inconsistencies
- Evaluate compliance with GAAP and internal financial policies
- Prepare audit summaries and assist with financial disclosures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong foundation in financial statement auditing and GAAP
- Proficiency with Excel and financial data tools
- Knowledge of internal controls and variance analysis
Soft skills
- High integrity and objectivity
- Analytical thinking and investigative curiosity
- Effective communication with finance and accounting teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Certifications
- CPA or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in financial or external audit
- Experience with complex financial transactions or consolidations
- Background in specific sectors like government, healthcare, or financial services