The introduction may include:
1. An introduction to the topic of the paper.
Auditing major is a program that equips accountants and other individuals with the skills
to conduct internal and external appraisal on operations and finances of an organization to
promote resource allocation and planning, safeguard assets, and ensure adherence to laws and
regulations. With auditing skills, an accountant will have advanced knowledge in sampling, risk
and control, audit tools and techniques, environmental auditing, audit tools and techniques, audit
function and planning, ethical and professional standards, and information technology.
2. A good definition of the career.
An auditor ensures that organizations maintain financial records that are accurate and
honest. They protect against fraud in businesses by verifying records and statements to identify
discrepancies and to ensure that proper accounting methods were used. Auditors work for the
state governments, the IRS, private organizations and accountings. When working as employees
or contractors, they are regarded as internal auditors. Those that work for or with government
agencies are external auditors. It is mandatory for publicly traded companies to be reviewed by
external auditors or independent auditors. Auditors have a crucial role in the success of an
organization where potential investors receive assurance of a company’s financial representation
and worth for them to make informed decisions.
The body paragraphs may include:
1. The most important features of the career.
Auditing career is largely defined by whether one is an internal or external auditor.
Internal auditors work as in-house employees within accounting departments of companies and
charity organizations. They also work for auditing firms that are contracted by client
organizations. When working in private sector, auditors help identify ineffective processes and
enhance business efficiency. Besides focusing on the books of accounts, internal auditors review
the growth, environmental sustainability, ethics, and reputation of a company. On the other hand,
external auditors work in National Audit Office or in private accounting firms such as Delloite
and KPMG. Their role is to conduct audits in government institutions as well as public
companies. They may also be involving is auditing of private organization that do business with
government institutions. The role of external auditors is crucial in ascertaining efficiency and
effectiveness in use of public funds.
2. The nature of the job and a list of the responsibilities.
The job of an auditor is primarily that of ensuring the financial information of companies
is valid and legal. The job may also entail advisory roles on cost efficiencies and risk
minimization that a company can adopt. Within the accounting departments, an auditors job is to
ensure accurate processing and recording of the money moving in and out of the organization.
Some of the key responsibilities of an auditor include:
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Preparation of financial statements, commentaries and reports
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Collection, examination, and analysis of spreadsheet data
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Ensuring compliance with policies, legislations, and procedures on financial practices
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Evaluation of financial and accounting control systems of an organization
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Identifying and ineffective processes and recommending changes that will improve those
processes
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Determination of a company’s financial risk levels
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Coordinating with a company’s management and providing findings and
recommendations
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Ascertaining the accuracy and reliability of the financial records and reports
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Guaranteeing the safety of a firm’s assets
3. The minimum qualification required for the purpose.
The qualifications that must be attained for one to be an auditor vary depending on the
whether one serves as an internal or external auditor. To be an external auditor, one has to be
identified by a professional accounting body as a chartered accountant. When qualified by the
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), one can also work also work as
an external auditor. There is a three-year scheme for graduates working for the National Audit
Office which gives one professional accounting qualification to work as an external auditor. In
most cases, one can achieve qualification in three to five years of work and study facilitated by
employers. Conversely, internal auditors do not require such qualifications as accountants to
practice. With degrees in economics, Information Technology, and accountancy, graduates can
work as internal auditors. Even individuals with degrees in other disciplines can work as internal
auditors. The path to a professional auditing career can be pursued variedly by both university
graduates as well as school levers depending on whether the aim is to be internal or external
auditors. On-the-job training of school levers can also culminate in a professional auditor.
4. The challenges involved in pursuing the career.
Pursuit of an auditing career often faces a number of challenges. One of the challenges is
the registration process. There are several lengthy phases involved in the registration of an
auditor meant to ensure best professional qualities. This is presents a challenge that often
discourages most people interested in joining the profession. The increased pressure for
compliance has negated the need for audit quality and professional judgment. Over emphasis on
the audit process than the outcome makes it difficult for auditors to conduct auditing objectively.
The other challenge with the career is work-life balance given the demanding nature of the job.
With most young professionals placing significant value on social and personal achievements, it
becomes increasingly difficult to achieve career growth without compromising on work-life
balance.
5. A discussion of how easy or how difficult it is to find placement in the sector.
At 11 percent, the growth in employment of accountants and auditors between 2014 and
2024 is higher than the collective average of all occupations. The increasing demand for auditors
is occasioned by the economic growth, changing in regulations, complexity of tax environments,
and increased globalization. Stricter regulations in the financial sector, demand for accounting
As the economy grows and more companies go public, the job prospects of auditors will be
continue to get better. Professional qualifications such as Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
and master’s degree in auditing make it easier to find placement. Although it is easier for entrylevel auditors to find placement, there is bound to be stiff competition in large prestigious firms.
6. The amount of hours you will need to dedicate and the salary you can expect.
Auditors usually work fulltime for over 40 hours a week. It is the typical 9 to 5 hours
office hours from Monday to Friday. Overtime are expected at certain times of the year such as
the end of a financial year when most tax audits are done. As per the median pay of 2016, an
auditor earns $32.76 per hours which is $68,150 per year (bls.gov).
7. The possibilities for growth in the career sector.
There are significant possibilities of auditing career advancement. A public accountant
who is just beginning will take 1 to 2 years progress to other positions of more responsibilities.
Senior positions would be reached in a few years. One may become a supervisor or manager;
take internal auditing or executive positions in private organizations; or open a public accounting
firm.
Junior internal auditors can also advance to be management accountants, chief cost
accountants, financial vice presidents, controllers, or even corporation presidents. Internal
auditors, management accountants, and public accountants can also switch between different
aspects of accounting and auditing. Internal auditors may switch to management accounting,
management accountants may switch to internal auditing, and public accountants may switch
internal auditing or management accounting. Switching to public accounting is however very
uncommon among internal auditors and management accountants.
8. An explanation of why that particular career looks more appealing to you than the rest.
A career in auditing is more attractive than other professions because of its good job
prospects and the potential for future industry growth. There are also several roles I can play
with an auditing degree ranging from internal auditing, public auditing, and management
accounts. There are also possibilities advancing my career up the corporate ladder. Besides these
beneficial aspects of the profession, I have always had an interest oversight and quality assurance
occupations.
9. Your skills which complement the career responsibilities.
Besides the necessary professional qualifications, there are skills that complement the
auditing career. I have nurtured several skills that I believe will enhance my capacity to deliver
auditing responsibilities. Some of these skills include:
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Self-motivation, self-belief and resolve
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Ability to balance between work and study
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Keen attention to details
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Exceptional analytical skills
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Strong math aptitude
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Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
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Ability to work as part of a team and individually
10. Your shortcomings which might come in the way of your career and how you plan to
tackle those situations.
There are other skills that are crucial for success in the auditing career that I yet to
develop fully. I will need to grow my communication and interpersonal skills. To achieve this, I
will take up classes such as Toastmaster that will help improve my presentation skills and other
business communication skills like report writing. I will also need to increase my prowess in IT.
Accounting practices are increasingly computer-based, which requires similar approaches during
auditing.
The conclusion may include:
1. A summary of the most relevant points.
2. A reinstatement of the thesis stated in the introduction.
3. A concluding statement which effectively winds up the discussion.
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