How to Become an EHS Auditor?
Steps to Become an Auditor
If you're considering becoming an auditor, you'll need to learn about the education, experience, and skills that will help you succeed in this career. You may also benefit from exploring new auditor job openings to find out more about your options. Becoming an auditor is an excellent choice for people who have great attention to detail and math skills. Auditors check the financial records of companies and individuals, and they can work for governments or private businesses. In this article, we provide four steps for becoming an auditor.Get an education.
Auditors usually have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, math, or a related field. Some auditors also have a master's degree in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting. You'll need to take courses in accounting technology, tax law, business communication, business law, and similar subjects. Some universities offer specialized undergraduate and graduate auditing degrees. In some states, you'll need college credits beyond a bachelor's degree to become a Certified Public Accountant or CPA. A graduate degree isn't required, but it can make you more appealing to employers and increase your pay rate.
What type of degree should you pursue to become an Auditor?
88% of people working as an Auditor earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be an Auditor?
- Audit
- Coding
- Written Communication
- Microsoft EXCEL
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CISA
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Calculations
Gain some experience.
Auditors usually participate in on-the-job training with a more experienced professional. This training period can last for more than a year, where new hires learn more about the responsibilities of the position and gain practical experience. Many master's degree programs require you to participate in an internship where you can get even more experience. People often participate in more than one internship or job shadowing program before they become auditors.
While you're a new hire or an intern, expand your professional network by getting to know your coworkers. Ask for advice from more experienced auditors, and stay in touch even after you move to another position. This may help you learn about new opportunities in your field, and you can ask for letters of recommendation if needed.
Earn certifications.
The right certifications can help you refine your skills and stand out to potential employers. The CPA certification from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is most common, and many businesses and individuals look specifically for an auditor with a CPA. It requires a four-part exam and 150 semester hours of college coursework. Some states will let you substitute experience for education.
Additionally, the Institute of Internal Auditors offers the Certified Internal Auditor or CIA certification for people with an associate degree or higher from an accredited university. It requires a four-part exam and a year of work experience for professionals with a master's degree. Those with a bachelor's degree need two years of experience, and those with an associate degree need five years of experience.
Improve your skills.
Improving your skills can help you stand out to employers and improve your chances of obtaining a job. Auditors should be familiar with using computers and accounting software. They also need excellent communication skills to explain the results of audits. As you obtain education and experience, work on these skills to ensure you're ready for your role as an auditor.
EHS Auditor Career Path
Auditor
Senior Auditor
Lead Auditor
Total Pay Trajectory
EHS Auditor Career Path
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