External Audit Jobs - Could you be an External Auditor

An external auditor has no bias in looking at theaudit gives an in-depth look at the finances of the
finances of the company they are auditing and willcompany which is then used by other entities, such as
provide an independent and unbiased evaluation of thethe company's bank, the government for taxation
finances.reasons and the shareholders of the company.
Typically, it is the job of the external auditor to giveAn external auditor takes a good look at the
their unbiased opinion on the company's financialaccounting system and the procedures put in place by
statements as to whether they are legitimate and freethe company and checks that they are used correctly
of misstatements. External auditors also review theand that they generate correct financial statements.
company's information technology procedures whenThe final draft of the external auditor's report
assessing the overall internal controls. The auditor mustexamines the overall financial stability of the company,
also look into any issues raised by regulatory orthe expenses, receivables, and the information
professional authorities.technology of the company, to give an overall view of
Having an external auditor is essential a scrupulous andthe company's position in the market.
accurate evaluation of a company's financialExternal audits are typically done after the year end
statements and controls. If the external auditor has anyinternal audit has been completed by the company's
relationship with the company or its employees otherown accountants and auditors. The external auditor will
than for the audit itself, they must disclose thelook at the internal audit of the books to ensure that
information in their final report.the information being used is the same and that no
Usually, if you wanted a job as an external auditor youchanges have been made to the financial reports prior
would have to be a certified accountant with no ties toto his own audit of the company's financial statements.
the company or entity that you are evaluating.The differences in the internal and external audit should
External auditors delve into the depths of an entity'sbe nil--unless changes have been made. If changes
financial statements, looking for errors in calculationshave been made, the company must disclose why the
and looking for problems or extraneous expenses. Inchanges were made and by who, and provide valid
many cases, it is the external auditor that finds peopleproof of change. If they cannot, then the external
who are embezzling from their company--by siftingauditor must report suspicious activity in the finances
through the finances of the company in minute detail.of the company.
In order to maintain a company, an external audit isExternal audit jobs are quite plentiful in the United
done on an annual basis to ensure compliance with theKingdom as most companies are required to have an
local government. This is true in many countriesexternal audit done annually or every two years to
throughout the world, and the UK is no exception. Themaintain their business license.