You may have heard the term auditor in discussions about tax preparation. Being the subject of a tax audit is a common concern among taxpayers. These finance professionals are skilled at examining financial records and determining their accuracy. If auditors find an error in a tax document, there is a chance the taxpayer owes more tax, or they may be due for a refund.
If you are a fair-minded person with an interest in financial matters, you may enjoy a career as an auditor. Apply to our accelerated online degree completion program to earn a B.S. in Accounting at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Choose
from seven bachelor completion degree programs
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Applied Psychology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
B.S. in Healthcare Management
B.S. in Human Resource Management
B.S. in Information Technology
How to Become an Auditor
Accountants and auditors are related professions. All auditors must begin their careers with a strong knowledge of accounting practices and experience in the field. This is an area of finance that attracts people who are very detail-oriented and enjoy unveiling a whole financial story out of spreadsheets, invoices, tax documents, and other records generated by business or personal finances.
Most auditors have spent time gaining experience in the field as accountants, often specializing in specific areas of business. They may become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This professional certification is governed by state boards of accountancy. They must pass a national examination, as well as meet specific state requirements. All CPAs must have completed 150 semester hours of college coursework, which is more than most four-year degree programs require. Along with earning additional college credits, CPAs usually must pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA examination within a set timeframe.
Depending on the business field of interest, accountants and auditors can pursue a variety of certifications that qualify them for working as auditors for government offices, information systems, financial services, and risk management.
Auditor Duties and Responsibilities
If you enjoy preparing financial paperwork, tracking expenses, and making plans or projections, you may be well suited for a career as an accountant or auditor. These finance professionals pay close attention to details as they ensure the accuracy of financial statements. Auditors inspect account books and accounting systems, monitoring them for errors or malfunctions. Businesses and nonprofit organizations undergo regularly scheduled audits.
Here are some of the general duties and responsibilities of auditors:
- Plan and execute financial investigations of individuals and enterprises
- Report on findings to the organization and relevant officials
- Examine internal control accounting policies
- Detect fraud, errors, and misrepresentations
- Review compliance regulations that pertain to financial investigations
- Make recommendations for security and reduction of waste
If auditors are interested in advancing their work roles, they may become top executives or financial managers. They also may become independent business owners, hiring their services to companies and government departments. There also is room in this occupation for movement between types of accounting practices, economic sectors, and other specializations. The average salary for accountants or auditors is $78,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Degree Completion Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has designed the B.S. in Accounting degree program to meet the needs of students who are currently in the workforce. Our bachelor’s completion programs are offered solely online and can be completed in as little as one year. We recognize the knowledge and skills that adult learners have gained through work experience and educational programs. That’s why we accept all prior college credits, including those from technical colleges, without a time limit. Our online degree completion programs also accept work experience and military service.
Submit your transcripts and experience when you apply for admission, and a counselor will create a personalized degree program that takes transferred credits into consideration. We allow the transfer of up to 90 credits in our B.S. in Accounting degree completion program. That is 75% of the Bachelor of Science degree requirement. Your counselor can also discuss tuition and fees, and assist with financial aid for eligible students.
After completing your online bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, it’s time to gain experience in the field of accounting. There are many types of workplaces and accounting procedures from which to develop a strong base for advancement to the auditor job role.
Start New Accounting Career Paths With Online Degree Programs
If you already work in the financial sector and want to advance your career, completing the B.S. in Accounting online with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a smart next move. Our online degree programs are designed to help working people get the education they need to succeed in their chosen profession. In addition to this accelerated bachelor’s degree program, we offer a traditional undergraduate program at the Winona campus. Discover whether your future career includes working as an auditor. For more information, contact us today. Or you can apply online.