Auditor
Controller Job Description
Auditors help businesses increase the accuracy, efficiency, or quality of some aspect of their operations. While many auditors work in finance, these professionals may have expertise in a variety of industries and their job titles may vary to reflect their areas of focus. In a nutshell, an auditor is someone who looks to see how honest a company’s financial records are by determining the level of accuracy and clarity that a company has accounted for. In addition to examining and preparing financial documentation and written reports, auditors must explain their findings. This includes face-to-face meetings with organization managers and individual clients. Internal auditors and audit managers identify financial and business risks and assess compliance with government regulations. They evaluate existing internal controls, identify areas for improvement, and may coordinate the implementation of internal improvement efforts.
Communication skills can help auditors convey their industry knowledge to business leaders and shareholders. Critical thinking is using logical reasoning to find solutions. Auditors can think critically as they review a company’s records to deliver the best suggestions to management. You can show your initiative in your auditing careers by continuing to learn and grow through professional development. An audit can be a stressful experience for a business manager and other employees. Auditors can help reassure managers by developing empathy skills. Analytical skills can help you form stronger conclusions while auditing a company’s processes. Industry knowledge can help you work better as an auditor, as it can give you insight into common problems and their potential solutions. You may perform an audit with a team of other financial professionals, so collaboration is a helpful skill for auditors. Technology skills are also an asset for auditors. Knowing how to use common financial software is a great auditing skill to have. Auditors need organizational skills to help them arrange their financial documents. Organization skills can also be helpful for time management, which can help auditors meet their deadlines. Whether you’re working with a team of other auditors or performing an audit by yourself, leadership skills can help you speak with authority when you’re talking to business executives.
A person who applies for the role of an Auditor should at least have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or an equivalent. Candidates with a master’s degree in accounting or equivalent may be preferred. The ideal candidate should be a certified public accountant (CPA) or certified internal auditor (CIA).
Typical duties of a Controller
• Examines financial statements for accuracy
• Examines financial statements for compliance with laws and regulations
• Computes taxes owed, prepares tax returns
• Make sure taxes are paid properly and on time
• Inspects account books and accounting systems for efficiency
• Organizes and maintains financial records
• Makes best-practices recommendations to management
• Suggests ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits
Skills:
• In-depth industry knowledge regarding best practices, policies, current regulations, and technology.
• Exceptional research, planning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and math skills.
• Excellent presentation, collaboration, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers, especially bookkeeping or financial software and MS Office.
• High level of efficiency, accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as accounting, finance, computer science, or business; 2 years of experience in a relevant field is generally required; Additional distinctions or certifications may be preferred or required.