Nature of work
Auditor is independent specialist who reviews the accounts of companies and organisations to ensure the validity and legality of their financial records.They essentially carry out a financial health check on the client company. They can also act in an advisory role to recommend possible risk aversion measures and cost savings that could be made.
Auditors work in accounting departments and with independent chartered and certified firms, examining the money going in and out of organisations and making sure it is recorded and processed correctly.
Key activities of his/her job include:
Collating, checking and analysing spreadsheet data.
Examining company accounts and financial control systems..
Checking that financial reports and records are accurate and reliable.
Ensuring that assets are safeguarded.
Identifying if and where processes are not working as they should, and advising on changes to be made.
Preparing reports, commentaries and financial statements.
Liaising with managerial staff and presenting findings and recommendations.
Ensuring procedures, policies, legislation and regulations are correctly followed and complied with.Undertaking reviews of wages.
Environment of work
Auditor works typical office hours from 8.30am to 3.30pm.. He/she may need to work extra hours or during the weekend to meet deadlines, particularly during tax audits. Auditor sometimes travels to meet clients and visits factory or warehouse locations in order to make stock and equipment checks. Professional life
Auditor can be either internal or external.Internal auditor:
• Works for professional firms outsourced by client companies.
• Works in-house as part of an organisation’s accounting team.
• Works for large private companies, organisations and charities.
• Internal auditor works largely in the private sector to improve the efficiency of businesses and identifies where processes are not working as they should.
External auditor:
• Works with firms of chartered and certified accountants, such as the «The National Office for Auditing & Inspecting ».
• Carries out obligatory audits of the public sector and governmental bodies.
• May be called to examine the finances of private businesses, especially those working in association with gouvernemental bodies.External auditors play a vital role in ensuring that money raised by taxes is used effectively and efficiently to pay for the services.Salaries can vary between organisations, a new starters can expect to earn xxxxxx.
Getting the job
Most auditor positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field such as commerce. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master's degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting.Certification provides an advantage in the job market because it shows professional competence in a specialized field of accounting and auditing. Accountants and auditors seek certifications from a variety of professional societies.
The Accounting Certifications are :
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Certified Financial Consultant (CFC)
Skills
High level of self-motivation, determination and confidence in his/her abilities. Ability to juggle multiple tasks and divide his/her time between work and study.
Paying attention to detail.
Numeracy and a strong aptitude for mathematics.
Excellent problem-solving skills and clear logical thinking.
A keen interest in the financial system combined with excellent commercial awareness.
Ability to work to deadlines, under pressure, and the willingness to put in the extra hours when needed.
Ability to work on his/her own initiative and as part of a team.
Strong IT skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, including good presentation and report writing skills
Sources and references
www.investopedia.com targetjobs.co.uk
-Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization