Internal Auditor Jobs

The primary responsibility of people with an internal auditor job focuses on analyzing business practices and providing solutions regarding the best way to achieve company goals or increase efficiency. Although the nature of this occupation includes a wide range of activities, internal auditors are often expected to assess internal control practices – the means by which an organization will channel, measure, and monitor their physical and intellectual resources. Common duties of an internal auditor include the examination of operation effectiveness, financial-reporting, fraud investigation, asset protection, conformity to laws and, frequently, determining the level of compliance with practices and policies of the company as well as with governmental regulations. It is important to understand that while those with an internal auditor job do advise businesses on how to better their practices, they are ultimately not responsible for the actual execution of these activities.

While a minimum of a bachelor's degree in either accounting or a similar area is a requirement for the majority of internal auditor job positions, those who have a master's degree have a greater chance of finding employment. It is also helpful if the applicant is properly certified and has exemplary skills in using computer software for accounting or auditing. It is common for new entrants into the auditing field to work with experienced individuals prior to becoming more independent. Those interested in applying for an internal auditor job should be able to examine and compare mathematical figures rapidly, easily, and accurately. The ability to effectively communicate these results to others is another necessity, as is the ability to work with computers and business systems. Those who choose to obtain licensure as a certified public accountant will have an edge on the competition because the majority of people interested in an internal auditor job do not achieve this status. In addition to this type of certification, there are also several more types of licenses that can be acquired after a person has experience in the field and passes an examination.

When collating information for an internal auditor job resume, it is important that contact information, a summary of personal skills, and the schools attended are all included. It is also helpful to specify courses that have been completed, and would be of particular interest to the employer. Details of previous employment and employers, as well as accounts of experience in the field will allow an employer to assess your level of expertise. It is imperative that any licenses or certifications be included, as these will have a considerable impact upon an employer's decision. A sizeable population of 1.3 million employees had held either an internal auditor job or an accountant position in 2006 – many of them through the government or a private firm. For the upcoming years, there is an expected increase in the number of auditor and accountant jobs available. A portion of this increase can be attributed to legislation changes requiring all public businesses to preserve properly functioning internal control groups. There is an anticipated 18% increase in jobs in this sector, which is faster than the average growth for all occupations. Those with a college degree and additional certification, especially a CPA, will have the best opportunities.