Auditors

High School

Take a strong math and business course load in high school. Auditors must be proficient in arithmetic and basic algebra. Working knowledge of computers and their applications is equally important. Course work in English and communications is also helpful. Be sure to take as many business and accounting classes as possible. Learning a foreign language is also beneficial for future work with clients from other countries.

Postsecondary Training

Postsecondary training in auditing is offered at private business schools, junior colleges, universities, and correspondence schools. A bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, or a related field such as economics, finance, or business administration, is highly recommended by professional associations for those entering the field and is required by all states before taking the licensing exam. Most accounting firms prefer to hire auditors with a master’s degree in accounting, taxation, or business, or those who have earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Auditors also earn master’s degrees in taxation and other specialized fields.

The AACSB International accredits postsecondary accounting and business programs. Visit https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited for a list of accredited programs. Another source for education resources can be found at https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificates in general accounting or accounting and auditing specialties. Additionally, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has created a formal endorsement program for colleges and universities that offer an internal auditing curriculum within a degree program (undergraduate or postgraduate). It reviews and endorses postsecondary programs that meet its standards. At many schools, students who complete the program are ready to conduct basic internal audits immediately upon hire, as well as possess an educational foundation that helps them to prepare for the certified internal auditor examination, which is offered by the IIA. The Department of Accounting at the University of New Orleans offers the IIA Endorsed Internal Auditing Program, which serves as a good example of an IIA-endorsed program. Students must take the following classes: Internal Auditing and Operational Auditing, and then complete one of the following courses: Information Technology Auditing and Advanced Accounting Information Systems, Fraud Examination, or Internship in Internal Auditing. Those who meet these requirements receive a certificate of completion. Visit https://www.theiia.org for more information.

Other Education or Training

All auditors must continue their study of auditing and related areas in their spare time, to keep up with new industry developments and financial rules and regulations. They take formal courses offered by universities and professional associations to specialize in certain areas of auditing, broaden or update their professional skills, and improve their chances for advancement and promotion. Organizations that offer continuing education programs, including webinars, self-study programs, and seminars, include the AICPA, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, among many others. Contact these organizations for more information.