Auditor: role, salary, skills and training

The auditor is an expert in management, administration, and accounting. Their main task is to analyze the regularity of a company's accounts based on accounting data. They assess financial statements to ensure compliance with international auditing standards and provide an opinion on the financial health of the organization. This involves a comprehensive review of financial records, accounting practices, and internal controls.

In most cases, the auditor is an external consultant hired by companies on an as-needed basis or due to legal obligations. In this case, this professional is part of an audit firm that examines the "health" of the company and, if necessary, defines corrective measures. External auditors work independently to maintain objectivity and offer assurance on the financial statement of public companies and other organizations. They are critical in ensuring that financial data is accurate and complete.

In practice, the auditor evaluates the general and specific situation of a company and checks its accounts (investments, depreciation, salaries). This expert often works as part of a team and must adhere to a schedule and a precise set of specifications. They work closely with management to make their diagnosis and recommendations. The auditor also plays a pivotal role in assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, which helps in mitigating risk and preventing fraud within the organization.

The main task of an auditor is to collect, study, and analyze documents and information related to the functioning of one or more departments of a company. They must also ensure that the company adheres to legal and regulatory requirements, and they provide guidance on best practices in financial management.

Here are their main activities:

• Developing and implementing an audit plan in accordance with regulatory standards,
• Promoting and participating in the risk management process, including identifying potential areas of risk,
• Training and supervising external management controllers to enhance compliance with auditing procedures,
• Monitoring audit recommendations to ensure they are effectively implemented,
• Conducting advisory meetings with management to discuss findings and improvement strategies,
• Reporting on operations to provide a comprehensive audit report that includes an opinion paragraph outlining the auditor's conclusions.

Here are the skills of an auditor:

• Mastery of audit methodology and internal control to ensure thorough evaluations,
• Knowledge of professional standards for internal auditing (NPAI) and understanding of the institute of internal auditors (IIA) guidelines, which are crucial for maintaining auditing standards,
• Conducting diagnostics to identify areas for improvement,
• Implementing control and monitoring procedures to maintain accuracy in financial reporting,

On a personal level, the auditor should be able to:

• Argue their decisions to convince company executives and board members of their findings,
• Demonstrate diplomacy in interactions with various stakeholders,
• Organize and work in a team to ensure the efficiency of auditing operations,
• Be responsive to changes in regulatory requirements and organizational needs.

The Master in Management - Grande Ecole (MiM program) at emlyon business school enables students to acquire the hard skills essential for the role of an auditor. This includes training in auditing standards, risk management, and compliance procedures.

It is characterized by its academic excellence, with an emphasis on professional experience and international openness. Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and engage in internships that provide real-world insights into the auditing processes.

To access an auditor position after a bachelor's degree, the Master in Finance offered by emlyon business school allows you to develop a solid and in-depth expertise that will enable you to fully understand the challenges and demands of finance. This program offers a common core followed by a specialization in corporate finance or market finance, giving you a comprehensive view of financial aspects. Students can also pursue certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) to enhance their qualifications.

The starting salary for an auditor is between €2,500 and €3,300 gross per month. For experienced auditors, this salary can reach up to €4,500 gross per month. Initial training, the nature and size of the company, and the complexity of the work can all influence the salary. Public auditors, due to their expertise and responsibility, may command higher salaries and have opportunities to work with various companies and government agencies.

An external auditor who works for a company can be hired as an employee by that company. This professional can then advance to a financial manager or an executive position. They can also remain within the audit firm they work for and progress in terms of responsibility (senior auditor, partner, etc.). A career in auditing offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement, particularly for those who obtain additional certifications and demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills.

emlyon business school is one of the top business schools in France, ranked in the top 4. Founded in 1872, the school offers high-quality education that meets the needs of today's businesses. These programs are delivered by highly qualified professors and researchers from various disciplinary fields. emlyon business school's pedagogy is based on action learning, which emphasizes experimentation and practical application of theoretical knowledge. This approach prepares students to become proficient auditors who can contribute significantly to their organizations and the wider industry. By providing a strong foundation in both theory and practice, emlyon business school equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the demanding field of auditing and financial management. The school’s emphasis on international exposure and regulatory compliance ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in diverse industries and global markets.