Accountants and Auditors are independent specialists who review the accounts of companies and organisations to ensure the validity and legality of their financial records. They can also act in an advisory role to recommend possible risk aversion measures and cost savings that could be made. Auditors work in accounting departments and with independent chartered and certified firms, examining the money going in and out of organisations and making sure it is recorded and processed correctly.

Tasks:

1. Collating, checking and analysing spread sheet data
2. Examining company accounts and financial control systems
3. Gauging levels of financial risk within organisations
4. Checking that financial reports and records are accurate and reliable
5. Ensuring that assets are safeguarded
6. Identifying if and where processes are not working as they should and advising on changes to be made
7. Preparing reports, commentaries and financial statements
8. Liaising with managerial staff and presenting findings and recommendations
9. Ensuring procedures, policies, legislation and regulations are correctly followed and complied with
10. Undertaking reviews of wages

Key skills for Auditor:

• Self-motivation, determination and confidence in your abilities
• Ability to divide your time between work and study
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Numeracy and a strong aptitude for mathematics
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• A keen interest in the financial system
• Ability to work to deadlines, under pressure
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
• Strong IT skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including good presentation and report writing skills

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £29,559 per year
The United States of America: $51,676 per year
Australia: AU$52,513 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Auditors can come from any degree background but an accounting degree will be considered as a strong advantage. After graduating a person can work as an auditing assistant and learn on the job. During this time a person will study towards the accounting qualifications needed to practice as an auditor. Achieving qualifications can take three to five years. Employers often provide financial help with exams and allow time for study leave.