Auditor Jobs in the United States

Auditor Jobs Overview

Do you have a curious and persistent spirit? Are you detail-oriented? Perhaps you’re also into math. Sounds like you would do very well in auditor jobs. Auditors examine and check the accuracy of companies’ financial documents. They are crucial in identifying fraud and various errors, as well as advising on better procedures.

They can conduct internal audits in-house for one firm or work as external consultants for different clients. It’s a standard nine to five role, but overtime is not uncommon at the end of the financial year.

In auditing jobs, you’ll be responsible for:

• reviewing accounts and financial papers
• ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• assessing the organization’s financial situation
• preparing presentations and reports about the findings
• proposing actions to reduce costs and improve profits

Salaries for Auditor Jobs

The salary for an auditor ranges between $32,688 and $90,602 on average per year, with $65,088 as a median. When contemplating a new job, however, consider that your earnings depend on your industry, experience, and location as well.

For instance, people in auditor jobs earn the most in the following industries:

• media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers: $144,780 per year
• drinking places (alcoholic beverages): $134,270 per year
• computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing: $124,180 per year
• web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services: $121,930 per year
• software publishers: $115,400 per year

Looking at location, the top-paying states for auditing jobs by annual mean wage are:

• District of Columbia: $110,750
• New Jersey: $110,320
• New York: $102,040
• California: $96,210
• Massachusetts: $95,830

Wondering how that compares to your city? Check out Monster’s Salary Calculator. This tool will also help you understand what areas offer the best opportunities and what skills you should work on to improve your career prospects.

How to Find the Best Auditor Jobs

Not sure how to filter suitable auditor jobs out? Here are some factors to help you identify the best openings for you:

• Determine your strengths and interests. Assess your strengths in auditing. For instance, do you feel more confident in financial analysis or compliance? Then, narrow down what interests you the most in your sector. Do you like tax auditing, internal controls, or something else?
• Analyze job openings. Start by carefully reading the job descriptions. Do you meet most of the requirements and necessary skills? Next, are the responsibilities clearly outlined? Pay particular attention to the language the firm uses to describe the ideal candidate. It can give away important clues about the company’s work environment.
• Research the company. Spend some time digging deeper into the company you’re interested in. Read their website and social media to find out what their mission and values are, and what previous employees think.

How to Apply to Auditor Jobs

Not sure how to make your expertise shine on your resume and cover letter? Check out our recommended best practices.

Update Your Resume for Auditing Jobs

When it’s time to prepare your resume, demonstrate precision - a crucial skill for an auditor. Do this by using a simple but effective resume layout.

Divide your content into five crucial resume sections and follow a reverse-chronological order. You can also download our auditor resume sample and tailor it to your needs.

Remember that you must slightly adapt your resume to every job offer. Look for relevant keywords in the job opening and place them in your document to help it pass any applicant tracking systems (ATS). Some popular keywords for auditor jobs are:

• risk assessment and management
• accounting software proficiency, particularly SAP, Oracle, and QuickBooks
• problem-solving
• financial reporting
• analytical thinking
• attention to detail
• time management
• flexibility
• regulatory compliance

When it comes to describing your experiences, put the focus on your accomplishments by using industry KPIs. They are powerful tools to prove what you’re capable of. Here are some of the most used ones:

• number of audits completed
• hours spent per audit
• client satisfaction scores
• audit efficiency ratio
• audit quality ratings

For more help, reach out to Monster’s Resume Writing Services. One of our expert writers will craft you an effective resume that targets your dream role.

Cover Letter Tips for Auditing Jobs

Always pair your resume with a well-written cover letter to increase your chances of selection. If you don’t know where to start, read our cover letter tips for finance professionals. Then follow our easy step-to-step cover letter guide below:

1. Address the right contact. Find the name of the recruiter or hiring manager in the job opening, company website or by calling and asking.
2. Write a powerful opening. Begin with a compelling statement that grabs the reader’s attention right away.
3. Focus on relevant experience. Emphasize your experience in auditing, including specific types of audits and industries you’ve worked for.
4. Highlight technical skills. Mention your proficiency in audit software and data analytics tools and how you achieve it.
5. Stress common values. Talk about what part of the company’s culture and values align with your own.
6. Close professionally. End with a call to action to read your attached resume and thank the recruiter for their attention.

Then, upload your resume and cover letter to your free Monster candidate profile. Applying to any future listings will be a breeze. Plus, by activating the alerts, you’ll be the first to know when a job matching your criteria is online.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

Wait at least a week to reach out to companies after applying for their auditing jobs. Make sure you also check your SPAM folder just in case you’ve missed their replies. Then, send a short follow-up email to:

• Express your continued interest in the position.
• Reiterate your broad qualifications and most relevant skills, referencing your attached resume.
• Inquire about the status of your application.
• Show appreciation for the recruiter’s time and consideration.

Finally, keep the message short and professional, and showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Interviewing Tips for Auditor Jobs

Before a job interview for an auditor position, make sure you understand what the recruitment process could be like in that company. This means learning about the different types of job interviews and how each one differs from the other. For instance, a panel interview requires more preparation than a phone screening.

Next, get ready for the most common interview questions. This will help you arrive more relaxed on the big day with the confidence to face anything. You may be asked:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you apply for this position?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your strengths?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?

Ace industry questions by reviewing processes and technical knowledge. Expect inquiries along the lines of:

• How do you stay updated with the latest auditing standards?
• Can you explain your approach to ensuring you comply with internal controls?
• What steps do you take to ensure compliance with ethical standards and maintain independence as an auditor?
• How do you handle tight deadlines with multiple audits simultaneously?

Finally, make sure to learn how to tackle situational and other behavioral questions with the STAR method. These questions often start with “Tell me about a time when…” and ask you to describe how you did or would react in certain situations. Here are some examples:

• Tell me about a time when you identified a significant audit issue and how you handled it.
• Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders?
• Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult client or colleague during an audit. What did you do?

What to Do When You Get an Offer

After receiving a job offer for an auditor role, follow these steps to close the recruitment process like a pro:

• Acknowledge receipt. Answer the email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity right away.
• Set a timeline. Ask for a reasonable time period to review the offer. This will also give you more time if you’re waiting for other employer’s offers.
• Evaluate the offer. Review the entire compensation package, besides the salary. Bonuses, PTO, retirement plans and other perks can really make a difference.
• Consider the fit. Assess whether the role aligns with your career goals and your values with the company’s ones.
• Ask for clarification or negotiate. Seek extra details or start a negotiation if the offer doesn’t meet your expectations.

Auditor Job Career Paths

Auditor jobs open doors to many career advancement options, depending on your interests and aspirations. Four of the most common are:

• Senior auditor: Once you gain experience in the role, as a senior auditor you can handle complex audit assignments, supervise junior team members, and play a key role in the planning of the audits.
• Audit manager: In this role, you’d lead the audit team and manage client relationships. You’d be responsible for the overall execution and success of the audit projects.
• Internal audit manager: As a manager, you’ll oversee an organization’s internal audit function, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Compliance officer: Another great career advancement option if you’re a natural problem-solver is the role of compliance officer. You’d ensure your company adheres to relevant laws and regulations. Plus, you’d help maintain legal and ethical standards.

Similar Occupations

Thinking about switching to similar roles? Check out these popular options:

• accounting jobs
• internal auditor jobs
• tax accountant jobs