• Auditors help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately, and taxes paid properly and on time.
• They analyze and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and governments.
• Beyond carrying out the fundamental tasks of the occupation, many auditors also offer budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services.
• They audit clients' financial statements and inform investors and authorities that the statements have been correctly prepared and reported. These auditors are also referred to as external auditors.
• Internal auditors verify the effectiveness of their organization's internal controls and check for mismanagement, waste, or fraud.
• They examine and evaluate their firms' financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to ensure that records are accurate and controls are adequate.
• They also review company operations, evaluating their efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with corporate policies and government regulations. Because computer systems commonly automate transactions and make information readily available, internal auditors may also help management evaluate the effectiveness of their controls based on real-time data, rather than personal observation.
• They may recommend and review controls for their organization's computer systems, to ensure their reliability and integrity of the data.
• Internal auditors may also have specialty titles, such as information technology auditors, environmental auditors, and compliance auditors.
• Technology is rapidly changing the nature of the work of most auditors. With the aid of special software packages.
• These accounting packages greatly reduce the tedious work associated with data management and recordkeeping.
• Computers enable auditors to be more mobile and to use their clients' computer systems to extract information from databases and the Internet.
• As a result, a growing number of auditors with extensive computer skills specialize in correcting problems with software or in developing software to meet unique data management and analytical needs.

• Auditors who have a professional certification, especially CPAs, should have the best prospects.
• An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization's stakeholders will drive job growth.
• As the economy grows, the number of business establishments will increase, requiring more auditors.
• As these businesses grow, the volume and complexity of information reviewed by auditors regarding costs, expenditures, taxes, and internal controls will expand as well.
• An increased need for auditors also will arise from a greater emphasis on accountability, transparency, and controls in financial reporting. I
• Increased scrutiny of company finances and accounting procedures will create opportunities for auditors.
• Internal auditors increasingly will be needed to discover and eliminate fraud before audits, and ensure that important processes and procedures are documented accurately and thoroughly.
• Auditors who have earned professional recognition through certification or other designation, especially a CPA, should have the best job prospects.
• Applicants with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration also may have an advantage.
• Individuals who are proficient in auditing computer software and information systems or have expertise in specialized areas—such as international business, international financial reporting standards, or current legislation—may have an advantage in getting some auditing jobs.
• In addition, employers increasingly seek applicants with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Regardless of qualifications, however, competition will remain keen for the most prestigious jobs in major accounting and business firms.

Accountants and auditors design internal control systems and analyze financial data. Others for whom training in accounting is valuable include Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks; Budget analyst; Cost estimators; Financial Analysts; Loan Officers; Personal financial advisors; Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents.

• BA in Business Administration or Accounting
• MBA
• Certified Public Accountant is a plus