The position of auditor falls within the accountancy sector, but is specific to the verification of company accounts by examining, checking and analysing all financial records and linking them with the company’s financial situation. An auditor may work for a particular company as its internal auditor or may be contracted independently or through employment at an external auditing company. Many companies call in external auditors annually to check their books and government agencies may employ external auditors in cases of suspected fraud or money-laundering.
Auditors are expected to have majored in accounting, with professional courses in computing, economics and communications as well as master’s degrees in business administration and law regarded favourably. A strict attitude to detail and investigative skills are paramount in this job. Many successful auditors begin their professional careers as accountants in dedicated practices, giving them a solid background in external corporate accounting.
Salaries within auditing partnerships begin at around C
$60,000, with bonuses and profit-sharing options adding around C
$50,000, but can hit healthy heights once experience, knowledge and a strong reputation kick in. Trading banks are a source of high salaries and bonuses in this field.