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How to Become An Auditor

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What is a Auditor

An auditor checks the financial records and systems of businesses to make sure everything is correct and above board. It is a career for people who love problem-solving, numbers, and getting to the bottom of things. Auditors work in almost every industry, from big banks to government bodies.

Your day will involve looking at financial data, testing controls, and writing up your findings. You will work with teams across the business and show your results to managers and boards. No two audits are the same, which keeps the role interesting.

Common tasks include assessing risk, reviewing accounting systems, and spotting where processes can improve. Some auditors focus on internal audit, checking their own business’s systems. Others work in external audit, reviewing the records of many different clients.

Auditing is in steady demand across Australia. As more businesses face pressure to show financial openness, skilled auditors are needed across every sector. With the right qualifications, you can build a rewarding career with clear steps to the top.

Career Outlook for Auditor

Auditing is a stable career with steady demand across Australia. Around 6,000 people work as internal auditors in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The field spans financial services, government, and specialist firms. The median age is 39, and 57% of the workforce is female.

Most auditors work full-time. About 85% are in full-time roles, averaging around 41 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The average salary is between $75,000 and $95,000 a year (SEEK, 2026). Senior and specialist roles can pay over $100,000. Future demand is rated moderate by the Australian Government (Your Career, 2025).

For young professionals, auditing offers real depth and variety. As businesses face more pressure to show transparency and manage risk, skilled auditors are needed across every industry. The career has a clear path from junior auditor to senior, manager, and partner.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Auditor

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in Accounting or Finance

Enrol in a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) or Bachelor of Accounting at an Australian university. This takes 3 years full-time and covers financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business law. Look for programs accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ. Accreditation gives you credit towards the formal certification you need later.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience in Audit or Accounting

Apply for a graduate role at an accounting firm or in a corporate finance team. Both the CPA Program and CA Program require at least 3 years of supervised, relevant work experience. Starting as a junior auditor or accounts assistant gives you hands-on exposure to audit processes, financial reports, and compliance duties.

Step 3: Complete a Formal Accounting Certification

Enrol in either the CPA Program (CPA Australia) or the CA Program (Chartered Accountants ANZ). Both take around 2 to 3 years of part-time study alongside full-time work. Each requires passing a series of assessments and meeting a supervised experience requirement. These certifications are widely recognised by employers and often required for senior audit roles.

Step 4: Register with ASIC as a Company Auditor (for External Audit)

To audit public companies, you must register with ASIC as a registered company auditor (RCA). You need a relevant degree and at least 3 years of audit experience in the last 5 years. You must also meet the rules under the Corporations Act 2001. Registration is ongoing and requires annual renewal.

Step 5: Build a Specialisation and Join a Professional Body

Consider specialising in internal audit, IT audit, forensic accounting, or government audit. Joining IIA Australia gives you access to training, networking, and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. Ongoing study is required to maintain your CPA, CA, or CIA status. This keeps your skills current as audit rules and tools change.

What does an Auditor do?

An auditor’s day centres on checking financial records and processes for accuracy and legal compliance. They collect and analyse data, test controls, run audits, and write up findings for management and boards. Auditors also assess risks and suggest ways to strengthen financial systems. The work blends desk research with direct engagement across teams. No two audits are alike, making this a varied and rewarding role for anyone who loves data and problem-solving.

Tasks

Auditors play a key role in the financial health of any business. They dig into records, test systems, and flag anything that is not working as it should. Here are the core tasks you can expect in this role.

  • Equity and Debt: helps manage equity, debt, securities, and tax planning issues.
  • Financial Analysis: collects, analyses, and reads data on financial standing, cost structures, and trading results.
  • Budgetary Control: designs and sets up cost control and accounting systems, including computer-based systems.
  • Conducting Audits: conducts audits and checks, and prepares financial reports for management and governing bodies.
  • Cost and Risk Review: checks the cost-value and risks of work processes, activities, policies, and systems.
  • Audit Methods: sets audit goals and designs audit processes and reporting criteria.

Skills for Success

To do well as an auditor, you need strong data skills and a sharp eye for detail. The job involves reading complex financial data and spotting anything that looks off. You also need to know accounting rules and the laws that cover financial reporting in Australia.

Good communication is a must. You will present findings to senior managers and boards. You need to explain technical issues in plain terms. Teamwork matters too, as you will work with finance, legal, and operations teams throughout each audit.

Integrity is at the core of this role. You will handle confidential data and must always act with honesty and care. Staying up to date with rules and audit tools keeps your skills sharp. This also keeps your career on track.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Clear Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Knowledge of Accounting Principles
  • Understanding of Australian Regulatory Standards
  • Proficiency in Data Analysis Tools
  • Ethical Judgement and Integrity
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Report Writing
  • Project Management
  • Technical Proficiency in Accounting Software

Average Salaries

Auditors in Australia earn between $75,000 and $95,000 a year on average (SEEK, 2026). Starting pay is around $60,000. Senior roles can reach $115,000 or more. Pay rises with experience and formal qualifications.

min $60 K

max $115 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.