How to Become an Auditor

For every major corporation that needs assistance managing finances, there is an auditor involved. An auditor is hired to oversee risk management, go over accounting, and perform auditing to ensure the business is meeting certain guidelines and complying with rules. If you have an eye for detail, a knack for math, and a solid business sense, auditing may be the appropriate career path for you. For followng a career you may enjoy, follow these guidelines for becoming an auditor.

Education
If you’re still in high school, it’s not too early to start your career in auditing. Be sure you take higher level math courses and excel in them. Algebra is a very useful skill set in this occupation. Also take classes in economics, English, and career development. You can also consider dual enrollment at a local community college if your school does not offer the courses you’re seeking. When you reach college, register in a major relating to accounting or business.

Certification
Once you are out of school, it’s advised to become certified as an auditor. Work as an internal auditor for two years. If desired, you may sub out a year of working in internal auditing for a master’s degree. This experience is required by the organizations that oversee certification. Aim for a certificate that relates to what you want to do in the long run. You can receive certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), or Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA). As you apply for these certificates, be sure you send your college transcript and find a previous supervisor who can give you a positive recommendation to fill out a Character Reference Form. Then you’ll be required to pass a certification exam, which is distributed twice a year in several locations across the country. You can prepare for the test by studying curriculum and sample tests provided by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Afterwards, you’ll have to enroll in eighty more hours of continuing education every couple of years.

Positions
As a certified auditor, you are open to a few different positions. You may work as a senior auditor, whose job is to review summaries and working papers to see they comply with policies. After two to five years, you may rise to an audit supervisor. A supervisor manages an audit staff and sees they conform to requirements for client follow-up and testing schedules. After three to five years, you have the option of ascending to audit manager, who looks over a business segment’s reporting and testing activities. Last, you may become an audit director, someone who acts as senior manager to coordinate activities relating to auditing. There are many ways to pursue a career as a Chicago auditor so choose wisely and go by what conforms to your skill set and interests.