what is an auditor?

An auditor is a professional authorised to review, assess and guarantee the accuracy of an organisation’s financial accounts. You also examine compliance with tax legislation and validate business activities to ensure the organisation operates soundly from a financial perspective. 

With your analytical and investigative approach, you identify cost-saving measures and methods that strengthen the organisation’s position. As a financial specialist, you assess the financial health of an organisation and provide recommendations to increase revenue and minimise expenditure.

All organisations require either an internal or external auditor to assess financial status and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Auditors also work for government bodies and public organisations, where they monitor whether public funds are managed appropriately and, where necessary, expose inefficient or improper financial structures.

In the private sector, auditors act as advisers, ensuring that financial data accurately reflects the organisation’s position. You provide impartial assessments and recommend ways to improve current business practices and processes. 

In general, your goal as an auditor is to help organisations improve operational productivity, reduce risk and ensure compliance. As part of an organisation’s finance or accounting function, you can work not only in banking and financial services, but also in service-based organisations or manufacturing companies.

Does working as an auditor suit your analytical skills? Discover the competencies and qualifications you need to succeed as an auditor. 

auditor jobs
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auditor salary.

The average salary for an auditor in Flanders is €2,777 gross per month. This figure represents a broad average, and your salary can increase rapidly as you gain experience. In addition to base pay, auditors often receive a range of additional benefits.

Your salary also depends partly on the region in which you work. In major cities, salaries are typically higher than in smaller centres. However, the cost of living is also higher, and compensation packages often reflect this difference. An employer in Brussels, for example, may offer a higher salary to offset the increased cost of living and working in the capital.

The sector you work in also influences your earning potential. Auditors working in the public sector or for government bodies generally earn less than those in the private sector.

Multinational organisations often require additional experience and qualifications and are willing to pay more for candidates who meet these criteria. Professional certifications and further training can significantly enhance your earning potential. Demand for auditors remains strong, allowing you to focus on opportunities that best match your career goals.

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types of auditors.

As an auditor, you can specialise in a number of different areas throughout your career. Some of the most common types of auditors include:

  • Internal auditors: as an internal auditor, your employer defines your responsibilities and daily activities. Your role is to assess processes and ensure that financial records comply with company standards and accounting systems. You also conduct risk assessments and support management in making sound business decisions.
  • External auditors: as an external auditor, you carry out mandatory statutory or financial audits to verify the accuracy of financial records. You are responsible for ensuring that financial statements present a true and fair view of an organisation’s financial position. Your audit report provides independent evidence of an organisation’s integrity to its stakeholders.
  • Forensic auditors: in forensic auditing, your role is to investigate illegal activities and fraud within an organisation. You may also help organisations design safeguards to prevent misappropriation of funds and fraudulent activity.
  • Tax auditors: as a tax auditor, you review the accuracy and integrity of an organisation’s tax returns and assess whether tax obligations have been correctly calculated.
Close up - Smiling female looking away
Close up - Smiling female looking away
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working as an auditor.

Auditing offers a varied and engaging career with diverse responsibilities and working environments. Read on to learn what a typical workday looks like and whether this role might be right for you.

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education and skills.

To become an auditor, a broad finance-focused education is highly beneficial. You can further enhance your prospects by completing additional training programmes.

One recommended qualification is training in a quality management system, with ISO 9001 being the most widely recognised. Such training provides in-depth knowledge of audit principles required to perform the role effectively and is relevant for anyone involved in an organisation’s quality management system.

In addition to ISO 9001, various institutions offer specialised courses that support auditors and professionals working in governance and control functions. 

auditor competencies and attributes.

If you can combine formal qualifications with both technical and interpersonal skills, you are well positioned for a successful auditing career. Key skills include:

  • Analytical skills: your role involves identifying issues within documentation and developing effective solutions. Strong analytical ability is essential for evaluating financial records and analysing business processes.
  • Organisational skills: auditors work with large volumes of financial documentation, sometimes across multiple clients. Strong organisational skills help you manage records efficiently and deliver accurate results.
  • Communication skills: you work closely with clients and senior management, making effective communication essential. You must understand client needs and concerns and be able to present findings clearly, whether through reports or presentations.
  • Numerical skills: auditing involves analysing figures and interpreting data throughout the day. Combining numerical ability with data analysis and accounting expertise supports long-term success.
  • Attention to detail: errors in audits can have serious consequences, including fines or legal action. Close attention to detail is therefore critical when reviewing financial records.
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FAQs.

Below are some frequently asked questions about working as an auditor.

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