To become an external auditor, there are several qualifications and certifications that are generally required or highly preferred. Some of the most common qualifications include:
- Education: Most external auditors have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree in accounting or a related field.
- Professional certifications: A common certification for external auditors is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which is granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Other certifications, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), may be required or preferred by some employers.
- Work experience: Most external auditors have several years of experience in accounting or a related field. This experience can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or working in a related field such as financial analysis or consulting.
- Strong analytical and communication skills: External auditors must be able to analyze complex financial information and communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner to both clients and management.
- Ethics and integrity: External auditors must have a strong sense of ethics and integrity, as they are responsible for ensuring that companies are following proper financial reporting standards and regulations.
Note that requirements may vary by employer, so it’s best to check the specific qualifications required for a job opening before applying.