Becoming an Auditor starts with applicant requirements of at least a high school diploma for most entry-level jobs in this professional sphere. However, candidates with a college or university degree in Economics, Business, or Mathematics will benefit from more opportunities, especially those that higher-paying.  
 
Competition for entry-level jobs can be rough as this is one of the most popular entries into finance. In addition, previous work experience in areas such as retail management can add to the possibilities of an applicant getting hired by a firm or a company.   
     
Employment for aspiring Auditors is usually found within large companies or in specialized Accounting firms. Most employers offer in-house training for their new members and encourage them to pursue their Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) if they're not already working towards obtaining it. Professional Auditors should pursue the CPA certification if they'd like to continue working on public company audits. Those obtaining the certificate should note that there is an exam consisting of four parts and covers topics such as financial accounting, regulation, and business concepts. Although the CPA is not always required, there is an incentive to complete it for an opportunity to increase your earning potential throughout your career.   
 
Larger cities can often provide more job opportunities for Auditors. Their work is often office-based and tends to be during standard office hours. However, extra hours of work are not unheard of, especially during the beginning and end of fiscal years.   

What Can Help You Become an Auditor
The typical career path for Auditors might look like the one described here, but we've also taken the liberty of providing some more important must-haves for Auditor candidates. Check them out below.  

• Excellent communication skills. 
• The ability to perform audits and explain procedures clearly and concisely, simplifying technical language when necessary.  
• Asking the right questions and being able to write detailed reports based on findings.  
• Outstanding analytical and detail-oriented observation skills.  
• Being able to read and understand long and complex spreadsheets, as well as to identify and solve issues and errors discovered. 
• Possessing a systematic approach to data analysis and finding ways to increase efficiency.  
• Exceptional numeric and mathematical skills.   
• The ability to perform both complex and straightforward calculations.  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.  
• Showing the ability to work with several departments and clients at the same time while also meeting deadlines. 
• Exceptional computer skills, especially for comparing data and preparing report presentations.  
• Proficiency with automated computer software for balance sheets and income statements.  
• Being knowledgeable in all available specialized programs.  
• High levels of motivation and initiative.  
• Keeping up with regulations and laws governing their practice.   
• Staying up-to-date with new methods of bookkeeping and balancing.  
• Possessing high levels of integrity and honesty.