Skip to content
Career Profile

Auditor

Auditors help organisations maintain trust and compliance by independently reviewing financial information, systems and controls.
Business, Finance and Management
Average weekly salary
$2046
Future demand
Moderate
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does an auditor do?

Ever wonder 'what is auditing and what does an auditor do?'. An auditor ensures that businesses are complying with laws and regulations by conducting assessments of systems, processes and information. Specifically, they might review financial documents, test control measures, and verify finance statements. Auditors always strive to provide an objective assessment, regardless of if they are external or internal to the organisation. Auditing helps businesses to maintain their integrity by providing evidence that they are accurately portraying their services, products and finances. Most auditors will have a specific area of expertise such as financial auditing, IT auditing or process auditing.

Is a career as an auditor right for me?

If you have a keen eye for detail, enjoy analysing information and take pride in upholding standards, a career as an auditor could be a great fit.

Other desirable skills and attributes of an auditor include:

Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Professionalism
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.

How to become an auditor

Typically, becoming an auditor starts with earning a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. This foundational education provides the knowledge and skills required to assess financial systems, ensure compliance, and evaluate risk management processes.

Every journey is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career goals as an auditor. Here is a common pathway to becoming an auditor:

  1. Complete a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, information technology, or a related discipline.
  2. Develop your knowledge of auditing principles, risk management, compliance and regulatory requirements.
  3. Gain practical experience through internships, graduate programs or entry-level accounting and auditing roles.
  4. Pursue professional accreditation, such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ), or the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
  5. Build specialist expertise in areas such as financial, internal, compliance or IT auditing.

Accreditation and qualifications

While certification is not always required to begin a career in auditing, many employers value professional memberships and credentials that demonstrate expertise and commitment to industry standards. UniSQ's Bachelor of Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia and CA ANZ, so graduates meet the educational entry requirements for professional certification with both bodies.

How long does it take to become an auditor?

Most auditors complete a three-year bachelor degree and gain professional experience and accreditation over the following one to three years, meaning it typically takes three to five years to establish a career as an auditor.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Launch your auditing career with a UniSQ accounting and finance degree and gain the analytical, investigative and financial expertise needed to assess risk, ensure compliance and support organisational integrity.

Bachelor of Accounting
Go to degree
Accounting and Finance degrees
Explore options
Need help planning your career journey?
Book a career conversation

Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Reviewing financial statements and accounting records for accuracy and compliance.

Assessing internal controls, systems and business processes.

Identifying financial, operational or compliance risks and recommend improvements.

Gathering and analysing evidence to support audit findings.

Preparing audit reports and presenting recommendations to clients or management.

Meeting with clients, managers and stakeholders to discuss audit outcomes and business performance.

Where you might work

Accounting, consulting and professional services firms

Banks and financial institutions

Government agencies, departments and councils

Mining and resources companies

Manufacturing and industrial companies

Public hospitals and health services

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Law firms

Defence forces and defence contractors

Auditor FAQs

An average auditor’s salary in Australia varies depending on experience, qualifications, and whether the role is in internal or external auditing. Please view the salary information on this page for further details.

Yes, accountants can transition into auditing roles. While both professions involve financial expertise, auditing focuses more on reviewing and verifying financial data, whereas accounting is centred around preparing and managing financial information. To become an auditor, there are additional certifications, such as becoming a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), which can help accountants move into auditing roles.

Most auditor roles require a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. While a degree is essential for entry into the profession, professional certifications, such as the CPA (Certified Public Accountant), further enhance employability and career prospects.

The demand for auditors remains strong in Australia and globally, driven by the need for organisations to maintain financial compliance and transparency. Auditors play a crucial role in identifying risks, improving processes, and ensuring regulatory adherence, making them essential across various industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology.

Related careers

Accountant
Business analyst
Finance manager

Stay in touch

UniSQ is collecting the personal information on this form for support for students and prospective students and for marketing purposes. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UniSQ's marketing privacy statement. Further information concerning privacy is available.

Welcome aboard! We've got your details.

Something doesn't look right. Try that one again.

Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).