In the heart of the questand reliability of companies, the financial auditor is an expert who plays an essential role in monitoring and verifying financial activities.èinternes. Financial auditing calls for an in-depth set of skills, ranging from a mastery of accounting standards to data analysis capabilities, as well as sharp interpersonal skills.es. If you have a passion for figures, a keen analytical mind and the desire to make an active contribution to the company’s success, we’d like to hear from you.èthe financial success of a company, join our team now Master Audit et Contrôle de Gestion.
What is the role of a financial auditor in a company?
The role of a financial auditor in a company is to verify and assess its financial health by independently and objectively examining its financial statements, accounting processes and internal systems. Financial auditors play a crucial role in ensuring the transparency and reliability of the financial information provided by an organization, which is essential for boosting the confidence of investors, creditors, shareholders and the general public. This is generally referred to as an accounting and financial audit, as the auditor checks and verifies all the company’s accounts (accounting, investments and cash flow).
The financial auditor working within the company is an internal auditor, and should not be confused with the external auditor. The latter belongs to an external audit firm and has no direct organizational links with the company it audits. Its main role is to review the company’s financial statements impartially and objectively, to express an independent opinion on their compliance with applicable accounting principles, and to provide assurance on their reliability. It seeks to provide external stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulators, etc.) with the assurance that the company’s financial statements are accurate and reliable.
What kind of work does a financial auditor do?
Mission 1: Audit of financial statements
The financial auditor examines the company’s financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement, to ensure their accuracy, completeness and compliance with current accounting standards.
Mission 2: Internal control
Financial auditors assess the internal controls put in place by the company to protect its assets, prevent fraud and guarantee the reliability of financial reporting.
Mission 3: Regulatory compliance
Financial auditors must verify that the company complies with all applicable national and international laws, regulations and accounting standards.
Mission 4 : Risk assessment
Financial auditors identify the financial risks facing the company and assess the effectiveness of the measures taken to manage them.
Mission 5 : The audit report
Once the audit is complete, the financial auditor produces an audit report describing his findings, recommendations and opinion on the quality of the company’s financial statements.
Mission 6: Advice and recommendations
In addition to their evaluation role, financial auditors can also provide advice and recommendations to improve internal processes, strengthen financial controls and optimize risk management.
Mission 7: Responsibility to stakeholders
Financial auditors are accountable to corporate stakeholders, including shareholders, boards of directors, regulatory bodies and the general public.
What skills do you need to become an accounting and financial auditor?
An accounting and financial auditor must possess a number of technical, analytical, interpersonal and ethical skills.
Skill 1: In-depth knowledge of accounting
An accounting and financial auditor needs to master accounting principles, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or national accounting standards in force, as well as the rules governing the presentation of financial statements.
Competency 2: Analytical skills
Auditors must be able to analyze and interpret complex financial data, and detect anomalies, trends and irregularities in financial statements.
Competency 3: An understanding of risks and internal controls
In-depth knowledge of financial, operational and compliance risks is essential. Auditors also need to understand and assess the internal controls put in place by the company to minimize risk.
Skill 4: Good command of technology
The ability to work with accounting software, data analysis tools and information systems has become essential to effectively manage voluminous financial data.
Competency 5: Integrity and ethics
Professional integrity is crucial for an auditor, as he or she must maintain independence and objectivity throughout the audit process.
Competency 6: Adaptability
Accounting and financial auditing can involve challenges and unforeseen situations. An ability to adapt to change and new situations is essential.
What is the average salary of an accounting and financial auditor?
In France, the average salary for an entry-level accounting and financial auditor, with less than 2 to 3 years’ experience, is generally between 30,000 and 40,000 euros gross per year. For an auditor with 3 to 5 years’ experience, the average salary can be between 40,000 and 50,000 euros gross per year.
For more experienced accounting and financial auditors, with 5 to 10 years’ experience, the average salary can be between 50,000 and 70,000 euros gross per year. Auditors with over 10 years’ experience in management or executive positions can earn more than 70,000 euros gross per year.
It is important to note that these figures are indicative and may vary considerably depending on the size of the employing company.
Recommended studies to become a financial auditor
A Master’s degree specializing in auditing, management control or finance is highly recommended if you want to acquire in-depth expertise in financial auditing and work in a reputable company.
To work as a financial auditor, it is also advisable to obtain a recognized professional certification. In France, the Certified Public Accountant (DEC) is widely sought after, as are the Diplôme d’Expertise Comptable (DSCG) and the Diplôme de Comptabilité et de Gestion (DCG).
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