External Auditor Job Description Template

Use this External Auditor job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Job Brief

We are looking for an External Auditor to scrutinize the financial statements of organizations and report on their financial positions. Shareholders will depend on your evaluations to make informed decisions.

To succeed in this role, you should be an exceptional communicator with an analytical mind, attention to detail and sound judgement. We want someone who’s objective and speaks their mind boldly.

Your goal will be to provide useful insight and unearth problematic situations regarding the finances and processes of organizations.

Responsibilities

  • Plan effective auditing processes
  • Audit financial statements and assess accounts for accuracy and regulatory compliance
  • Inspect internal systems and controls
  • Assess risk management tactics
  • Perform audits of non-financial areas, like Health & Safety and IT
  • Report systematic errors or fraud indicators
  • Investigate specific issues regulatory bodies bring forward
  • Explain audit findings and recommend solutions

Requirements

  • Proven experience as an External Auditor
  • Experience in data analysis and financial reporting
  • Knowledge of external auditing practices and relevant regulations (e.g. Sarbanes-Oxley Act)
  • Knowledge of accounting standards (e.g. GAAP, IFRS)
  • Familiar with ERP software (e.g. JD Edwards)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Sound judgement and decision-making ability
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Keen attention to detail
  • CPA license; BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance or relevant field

What does External Auditor do?

An external auditor is responsible for reviewing and assessing the financial records and practices of an organization to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency. On a day-to-day basis, an external auditor typically performs the following tasks:

  1. Planning: The auditor plans the scope of the audit by understanding the client's business operations, identifying areas of financial risk, and determining the audit approach.

  2. Collecting information: The auditor gathers relevant financial data, such as invoices, receipts, bank statements, and other supporting documents, to evaluate the organization's financial transactions.

  3. Conducting fieldwork: The auditor performs various tests and procedures to analyze the organization's financial records, including conducting interviews, reconciling accounts, analyzing financial statements, and reviewing internal controls.

  4. Identifying risks and control weaknesses: The auditor identifies potential risks, fraud, errors, and control weaknesses within the organization's financial processes and systems.

  5. Documentation: The auditor maintains detailed working papers and documentations that describe the results of the audit procedures conducted, findings, and recommendations.

  6. Evaluating internal controls: The auditor assesses the effectiveness of the organization's internal control systems to ensure that they adequately safeguard assets, detect and prevent errors or fraud, and comply with relevant regulations.

  7. Analyzing financial statements: The auditor evaluates the accuracy and completeness of the organization's financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

  8. Conducting discussions and reporting: The auditor communicates findings and recommendations to the management and discusses any significant issues or concerns identified during the audit. They also prepare audit reports summarizing the results of the audit procedures performed.

  9. Follow-up and monitoring: The auditor may follow up on the implementation of recommendations or corrective measures proposed in previous audits to ensure sustainable improvements.

  10. Continuing education and professional development: External auditors are required to stay updated with changes in auditing standards, regulations, and industry practices through continuous education and training programs.

Overall, the responsibilities of an external auditor revolve around providing an independent and objective opinion on the financial statements and internal controls of an organization, ensuring accuracy and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.