There are several different kinds of auditors. Some auditors work for the government where they audit the records of private businesses and individuals for the purposes of taxation. Internal auditors look at the overall financial health of a business and check for mismanagement, fraud and wasteful practices. This can lead auditors into every aspect of a business and its practices. Areas examined include how a business operates, how efficient it is and how well it is complying with its own corporate policies, as well as government policies.

 

The computer age has dramatically changed the work of the auditor. Computer systems have increased the technical know-how that the average auditor must have considerably, but on the flip side computers have given the average auditor a powerful new tool. It is not uncommon for internal auditors to have special titles, such as “compliance auditor” or “information technology auditor.” This is an indicator of how the career of auditor has become even more high profile over recent years.

 

Technology has had a large impact on accounting and auditing. Computers have made record keeping much easier to access and evaluate. Since so much of the auditor’s job centers upon evaluation, computers have been of great use to the average auditor. Many auditors, as a result, have considerable computer skills and savvy.

 

The majority of auditors will find themselves in what is commonly thought of as the traditional office workspace. But it is not uncommon for auditors to find themselves working long hours when larger projects arise.

There are about 1.3 million accountants and auditors in the United States, and this number is expected to grow to about 1.5 million by 2016. This marks a healthy eighteen percent growth during the time period.

Most auditors, regardless of what kind of institution they are working in, spend most of the days “crunching numbers” and “checking the books.” Usually they are in office settings and spend a great deal of time with data and numbers.

With such a high level of on the job training and often advanced degrees, it is no surprise that auditors as well as accounts have relatively high earnings. In 2006, the average auditor and accountant earned about $54,000, with the top ten-percent earning as much as $94,000. It is possible for directors of accounting and internal auditing to earn up to $208,000 a year.

A degree in accounting is usually required. The field also requires additional certification as well.