Auditing / certification professionals control the company’s accounting and financial management. Sometimes called auditor or internal auditor, they may be employed internally, within the company, or be external service providers (consultants or self-employed professionals).
Robert Half International has observed an unprecedented demand for internal auditors in Canada (2006 Salary Guide). Most of the activity is focused in Toronto, where close to 40% of internal auditors work.
TYPICAL TASKS
- Examine and analyze accounting documents (general ledger, account statements, expenses, income tax returns, ledgers, inventory, financial statements and systems, etc.) to ensure their compliance with generally accepted accounting principles
- Conduct internal audits to control observance of standards, laws and management regulations within the company
- Make recommendations to improve management procedures
- Identify the risks related to the company’s activities and develop control procedures to manage them
EDUCATION AND SKILLS
- University degree in accounting studies
- Proficiency with office software, integrated management software (e.g. PeopleSoft, SAP) and accounting software: ACCPAC, Accountant’s Drill, Acomba, Simply Accounting, ProTaxprep, etc.
- May be required: ◦ Certification from a recognized professional accounting association (CPA, CPA,CA, CPA,CMA, CPA,CGA or CIA)
- Recognition by the Institute of Internal Auditors
QUALITIES
- Excellent organizational skills
- Thoroughness
- Integrity
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills and insight
TYPICAL CAREER PATH
Auditor => Finance manager => Chief financial officer
A professional designation (e.g. CPA, CPA,CA, CPA,CMA, CPA,CGA) facilitates moving up the ladder.
Auditors can also advance in their speciality by becoming auditing managers.
SALARY
Consult Accounting – finance salaries section or use the salary calculator
Visit www.accountingjobs.ca for accounting clerk and technician jobs