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Auditor

Auditors examine the financial statements of companies or organisations and provide an opinion on whether the statements give a true and fair view of their financial performance and position. Auditors also review the accounting systems and control procedures of companies and organisations, and make recommendations for improvements to these procedures.

 

Tasks & duties

Auditors may do some or all of the following:

  • study the accounting methods of business clients
  • liaise with the staff of business clients
  • decide if the company financial reports give an accurate view of the business
  • gather and study business and legal documents
  • write detailed reports
  • check that funds are used wisely and within the law, especially if working for a government department or agency
  • ensure that financial statements are in compliance with professional accounting standards in New Zealand
  • advise clients on ways to improve their accounting systems
  • oversee the stocktake of a business to ensure staff are following accounting procedures correctly

 

Specialisations

Some organisations employ specialist computer auditors who monitor information technology (IT) systems in different businesses. A specialist computer auditor makes sure that a company's data is accurately represented through the computer technology the business is using. 

Other names for this role are:

  • IT auditor
  • IS (information systems auditor
  • Information systems auditor specialist

IT auditors can often command higher salaries as there is a global skills shortage of IT experts.

 

Skills & knowledge

Auditors need to have:

  • an understanding of the principles of finance and accounting
  • knowledge of accounting systems and practices
  • the ability to analyse and interpret data
  • knowledge of business management for advising clients on practical solutions to problems
  • organisational and time management skills
  • excellent communication and literacy skills
  • the ability to solve problems

 

Entry requirements

To become an auditor you need to complete a commerce degree, preferably in accounting.

A degree in information systems or other related subjects may be useful for someone wanting to become an IT auditor.

Many employers prefer to hire auditors who are members of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. An A or B Bursary, or NCEA equivalent, is preferred. Useful subjects include accounting, English, maths with statistics and/or calculus, and economics.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job through internal and external courses. Ongoing professional development is mandatory for members of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for auditors includes work in:

  • an office
  • research
  • accounting
  • communications

 

Related courses

Accounting
Banking and Finance

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

 

Sponsors include

Ashton Wheelans & Hegan

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