A career as an auditor usually begins with a degree in forensic accounting. Forensic accountants are responsible for reviewing financial records to ensure that organizations and people are adhering to financial regulations enacted by state, federal, or private authorities. When they discover discrepancies in accounting records, they’re able to investigate and determine if a crime has been committed and if so, what the crime was.
Auditors have different functions depending on what agency employees them. No matter what agency employs auditors, though, they’re responsible for analyzing financial records and making sure that no evidence exists that an organization or person has falsified the records. They analyze, interpret, and double check facts and figures to ensure that all financial records are legitimate and legal.
Types of auditors include internal auditors, senior manager auditor, and night auditor at a hotel. These many variations require different levels of expertise in forensic accounting and some may require certification and licensure. Higher ranking auditors that oversee larger operations will need to have a greater degree of experience and education than entry level auditors.
Auditing careers usually begin at about $43,000 per year. A median salary goes as high as $59,461, and auditors for more lucrative businesses tend to make even more money than that. Salary is unimportant to some people, but for those people that want to choose a career based on salary, an auditor is a good degree to earn.
To be a forensic accountant, a person must earn a CPA license. That means that someone must complete 150 hours of college level courses, pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountants exam, and have two years of experience as an accountant. With a bachelors or master’s degree in forensic accounting, the path to becoming an auditor becomes clear, leaving people free to enter the career with enough knowledge to do a great job.
A career as an auditor is an important one. It keeps organizations from taking advantage of their clients and keeps people from taking advantage on their taxes. It’s one of the most important financial careers possible, enabling accountants to apply their knowledge of financial records in a crime solving capacity that is both challenging and rewarding.