Auditors
Overview
Introduction
Auditors examine and verify financial records to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and in compliance with federal laws. They use various types of financial software in their work, including accounting, analytical, compliance, and enterprise resource planning software. There are more than 1.5 million accountants and auditors employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Accountants and auditors had median annual earnings of $79,880 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The lowest 10 percent earned $50,440 or less, and the highest 10 percent earned $137,280 or more. The DOL reports the following mean annual salaries for accountants and auditors by employer: oil and gas extraction, $104,220; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and p...
Work Environment
Most auditors work standard 40-hour workweeks. Some work more than 40 hours a week, however, especially when deadlines are near for filing financial reports, such as during tax periods and ends of quarters. Auditors work alone and also in teams with accountants. They work in offices and also from home, using computers, laptops, and smartphones. Self-employed auditors and those working for small...
Outlook
Employment of auditors is expected to grow by about 4 percent, as fast as the average for all occupations, through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Companies will continue to need audit services due to changing tax and finance laws and increased regulation of financial practices across businesses. Notable scandals in the accounting industry in recent years account for much of th...