Financial auditor: Job details and average salary

The financial auditor title is often used interchangeably with the accountant position, but the two careers have notable differences. A financial auditor ensures that a company's financial statements are in good order and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Financial auditors and accountants perform similar tasks in terms of the review of financial data, but auditors are more focused on discovering fraud or error in corporate financial documents.

A financial auditor reviews a company's financial statements, documents, data and accounting entries. Financial auditors gather information from a company's financial reporting systems, account balances, cash flow statements, income statements, balance sheets, tax returns and internal control systems. The information is then reviewed and used to present all financial data relating to a specific organization in an accurate, fair manner, ensuring that no fraud or gross errors are present in the company.

Financial auditors speak with multiple departments, including low- and high-level management teams, accounting and finance personnel, and company executives in their pursuit of analytical data. These discussions focus on gaining understanding of the company's purpose, its operations, its financial reporting systems, and known or perceived errors in organizational systems. Financial auditors conduct interviews of key personnel to comprehend what accounting and finance tasks are taking place, and which tasks, policies or procedures may need to be established or implemented more efficiently.

On a day-to-day basis, financial auditors use analytical skills to assess accounting and financial reports by testing the documentation of transactions that the company has provided. Analysis also includes observation of inventory and the processes used for managing inventory counts. Additionally, financial auditors review accounts receivable, invoices, vendor payments and billing procedures to ensure compliance with accounting guidelines.

The information gathered from a financial auditor's analysis is used to develop recommendations and specific action items for the organization where an audit was performed. Financial auditors often suggest changes to internal controls and financial reporting procedures to enhance the company's efficiency, cost effectiveness and overall performance. In some instances, they must attest to the information presented through the audit. This attestation represents a stamp of approval for the company's accounting procedures and financial reporting systems. However, financial auditors do not take responsibility for the company's accounting practices or discovered errors.

Unlike corporate or management accountants, financial auditors do not reconcile accounts, nor do they make accounting entries for an organization. Instead, they provide the information necessary to correct errors and accounting fraud to accounting or other finance personnel. They also do not implement changes to accounting or finance policies or procedures in a company.

A financial auditor position often requires at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, although some companies desire a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on finance or accounting. Practical experience in accounting of finance fields is also a requirement of most companies hiring financial auditors. Experience in the field may be gained from in-school internships, industry volunteering, or in entry-level accounting or finance positions with a focus on research analysis.

In addition to education and experience requirements, a financial auditor must often hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Earning a CPA designation involves extensive study of accounting practices and reporting standards, in addition to passing a rigorous four-part examination. After successfully completing the exam, individuals must meet continuing education requirements as laid out by their state of residence or licensing.

The CPA designation is not the only credential financial auditors can earn to enhance their career trajectory. Financial auditors with practical work experience can qualify to take the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) or Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) exams. Each of these designations has its own education, experience and continuing education requirements.

A financial auditor must possess certain skills. For example, he or she must identify issues with financial documentation with accuracy and speed, and should feel comfortable presenting recommendations to company executives and accounting personnel based on their findings. Additionally, a financial auditor must analyze information from a wide range of financial statements.

Another handy attribute is advanced communication skills, as a financial auditor must gather most of his or her information from company employees and executives. A financial auditor must pay close attention to detail when auditing information and should have a high proficiency in mathematics. Finally, a financial auditor is most successful when he possesses advanced organizational skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median average annual wage for financial auditors in 2016 was $68,150; however, this figure includes median salary information for accountants, as well. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an auditor was about the same at $68,277, with a low end of $44,000 and a high end of $81,000, but those with senior-level financial auditor positions with management responsibilities or those who observe auditing, accounting or finance departments in a company could earn salaries into the six figures. 

The environment where a financial auditor works has a direct impact on his annual salary. Smaller, boutique companies that employ financial auditors do not pay as much as larger, corporate organizations. Financial auditors who work independently on a consulting basis or as sole proprietors may earn more than auditors employed with a company, since they often do not qualify for fringe benefits.