How do I Become an Auditor?

The steps needed to be completed in order to become an auditor can be rather straightforward and simple to complete, but can take a lot of time. The first step is meeting the educational requirements, which will include an advanced degree of some type. The second step is often to get certification. If both things are achieved, the question is not then how to become an auditor but rather what particular field you are interested in.

In most cases, the job of an auditor involves checking financial information and reviewing that information for any inaccuracies or errors of fact. While the most high profile of cases actually involve uncovering cases of fraud, most of the time the job of an auditor is simply checking facts and verifying information. If discrepancies are found, these are likely mistakes, rather than attempts at fraud. Those wanting to become an auditor should have a strong attention to detail, like working with numbers, and be able to offer their findings in an authoritative way.

Most of the time, a person wishing to become an auditor will likely go through college and achieve a degree in accounting. A degree in business, with an emphasis in finance, may be an option for those who want to keep their options open and look at other careers as well. Many students checking into what it takes to become an auditor may decide they would rather have a graduate degree, such as a Master's degree, which will provide some additional authority. When earning a degree, either an undergraduate or graduate degree, there will usually be an opportunity for internships as well.

After graduation, even if the individual has found a job where he or she has become an auditor, certification within a certain time frame may be required. Usually, becoming a certified auditor will take at least two years. A professional could be certified as an internal auditor, certified financial services auditor, or certified government auditing professional. The designation chosen will often depend on the type of career the individual is interested in.

Auditor careers are quite varied. An internal financial auditor will likely work for a company and audit that company's books, or will work for a private firm who is hired to conduct an independent review of the books of the company or organization. A county auditor or state auditor may oversee the books of governmental organizations and approve budgets for the local governments. In some states, both the county auditor's position and state auditor's position are elected. In others, they may be appointed.