Title: What is an External Auditor? - Top Accounting Degrees
Headings: What is an External Auditor?
What is an External Auditor?
What External Auditors Do
Where External Auditors Work
How to Become an External Auditor

Content: Obtaining at least two years of professional accounting experience is recommended. It’s common for external auditors to begin as accounting clerks, bookkeepers, and junior auditors. Heading to graduate school for a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or MBA could facilitate faster promotion. Any auditors filing SEC reports must fulfill the 150-hour requirement for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Passing the exam to become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is also wise for external auditors, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Related Resource: Internal Auditor
Overall, external auditors work independently to thoroughly inspect a company’s accounting records for costly mistakes. External auditors are highly trained to spot potential fraud risks and gather material evidence of misstatement, similar to detectives in criminal investigations. Working as an external auditor is financially and intrinsically rewarding. Not only do external auditors earn an annual mean wage of $73,670, but they also hold organizations accountable for following ethical guidelines.