Auditing Degrees and Programs

Organizations large and small rely on auditors to avoid potentially big problems, including money mismanagement, waste, and fraud. Auditors keep up with financial paperwork and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls for the sake of accurate records and adequate controls. Auditors can specialize in various fields, including:

• Information technology
• Environmental management systems (EMS auditing)
• Tax auditing
• Compliance auditing
• Internal auditing

To be a successful auditor, you should be highly adept at numbers and computer auditing programs. In addition, you should work well with others and hold high standards of integrity.

What to Know About an Auditing Career

Many auditors begin their careers as accountants, often under the supervision of an experienced accountant. This experience can be highly valuable. But before you can reach this point, you'll need to earn required skills. A bachelor's degree in accounting or auditing--the general minimum requirement for auditors--can help you earn these skills. In addition, some employers require masters' degrees in accounting, business management, or a related field. Some college programs offer specialized degrees in internal auditing. Accounting or auditing degrees include courses in mathematics, tax laws, and computer programs. Many degree programs can help prepare you to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams, which employers might require of their auditors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job prospects for auditors should be very good: the BLS predicts that jobs for accountants and auditors should increase by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. Those with CPAs should face best job prospects. In 2009, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $60,340.