An auditor is an individual that provides and independent third-party perspective and review of a company’s policies, financial statements, or effectiveness at following regulations. As the level of regulations continue to increase, auditors will only become more in demand, which will make them highly sought after by companies or third-party auditing firms. Those that are looking to become an auditor often consider getting a degree in finance, or even masters in finance. While that could be a good path to becoming an auditor, there are other education paths as well that could lead to a great career as an auditor.
Accounting
One of the best educational tracks to go down to become an auditor is to get a bachelors degree, or even a master’s degree, in accounting. One of the biggest reasons that companies hire auditors is for them to review and check financial statements. Since the auditor will need to have a strong understanding of how financial statements are prepared and what GAAP requirements are, accounting is a great education path to follow. In most cases, auditors can be hired with simply a four-year bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, those that want to have more careers potential and more job opportunities should consider getting masters in accountancy or even pursue a CPA.
Economics
Another educational field or degree path that you should consider is getting a degree in economics. Economics is the study of the economy. Many auditors are hired to audit the financial markets, and this requires having a strong understanding of how the markets work and what the laws are that need to be followed by those in the industry. Economics undergraduates will receive the basic understanding of both economic principles and law, which makes them great candidates to become auditors in that field. Similar to those that pursue degrees in accounting, getting a higher level of education in economics will open up more and more job opportunities.
Technology
One of the fastest growing fields of auditing is technology. IT auditors are brought in to audit a company’s technology security and procedures. Those that are looking to pursue a degree in IT audit should consider getting a degree in information technology or even computer science.
Specialty Fields
While accounting, finance, and economics are three of the most obvious degree paths to follow, there are a wide range of other fields that could lead to a career in auditing. Auditors are hired in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, retail, hospitality, law enforcement, and any other regulated industry. If you have a particularly strong interest in any of these industries, then pursuing a relevant degree could be a good idea. For example, if you want to audit the processes and procedures that hospital and nursing homes have to follow, then it would be a good idea to pursue a degree in hospital administration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of auditing is a great career path as regulations are continuing to increase, which will require companies to hire more and more auditors. While a masters in finance is one educational track that could lead to a career as an auditor, there are other career paths as well that ouch help someone land a great job as an auditor and set them on a great career path.
Here is a look at the “Top 10 Online Finance Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)“.
