HINTS TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AS AN AUDITOR; A PRATICAL APPROACH

Discussing the pathway to a successful career as an auditor will be inconclusive without explaining what an audit is and the duty of an auditor.

An audit is an independent review of the financial statement of an entity to ascertain its accuracy, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness while an auditor carries out the function of an audit by giving a true and a fair view on findings.

Audit involves frequent checks and review of all financial operation of an organization. However, audit goes beyond examining just the financial transaction of an organization. An in-depth audit incorporates examining business decisions, human resource management, staff welfare and motivation, operational policies, etc., which are managed by proper internal controls that should be reviewed from time to time. In view of the fact that an auditor must form an independent opinion on his findings, it is necessary that the following must be taken into consideration in the discharge of his duties to be a successful auditor;

Have a superior back-up;

As a matter of fact, to succeed in life, everyone needs a motivator and a strong personality to fall back on when the going gets though. This is equally applicable in the audit field. Making findings and writing report of findings are not enough. When you audit, you will definitely step on toes. Though you are on the right path, the job is not completed until your report yields the desired result which is made faster and easier when a superior officer supports and backs you because those who will be adversely affected by your report will do everything to rubbish it.

Guard yourselves with rules, laws and guidelines that govern the audit environment you are at any point in time; Ignorance they say is not an excuse. As an auditor, you are not supposed to feign ignorance of any law or rules guiding the environment or sector you are auditing. It is appropriate

Update your skills and knowledge regularly and keep up with trends: this is important as it prepares better with more confidence when going for an audit exercise. It also guards you against witty maneuvers that are new on the field.

Don’t be too strict or rather too relaxed, be considerate and maintain your integrity and professionalism. Try to be reasonable and realistic with your judgement on issues associated purchase, valuation and other expenses. But always maintain a strong stand on proper and authentic documentation.

Lastly, avoid anything that can impair your true and fair judgement; the basic things that can pose a threat to accomplishing a successful career as an auditor includes taking bribes and gratification.

Every accountant must have integrity as their watchword in all they do because the world sees them as the custodian of wealth.