Did You Know?
Al Capone, one of the most notorious criminals in American history, was never convicted for his violent crimes. It was IRS auditors who brought him down by tracing his income and proving he had committed massive tax fraud.
The Numbers Behind the Career
The median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in 2024.
There were about 1,579,800 accountant and auditor jobs in the U.S. in 2024.
About 124,200 openings for accountants and auditors are projected annually over the next decade.
Where This Career Is Headed
The auditing profession is evolving as data analytics, automation, and increasing regulatory complexity reshape how audits are planned, conducted, and delivered. Auditors are increasingly using software tools that can analyze entire datasets rather than relying on traditional sampling methods, allowing them to identify patterns, anomalies, and risks that would have been nearly impossible to detect manually. At the same time, the scope of what auditors examine is expanding beyond financial statements to include cybersecurity practices, environmental and sustainability reporting, and data privacy compliance. As organizations face growing pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability to investors, regulators, and the public, the demand for auditors who can combine technical expertise with analytical technology will continue to increase.
The expansion of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting requirements will create significant demand for auditors trained to verify sustainability claims, carbon emissions data, and corporate social responsibility disclosures.
Growing reliance on data analytics and continuous auditing tools will open new career paths for auditors who combine traditional accounting knowledge with skills in data science, programming, and technology.
Increasing regulatory complexity across industries such as healthcare, financial services, and technology will increase the need for specialized auditors who understand both the rules and the business operations they apply.
Education & Certification
Most auditors hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. Undergraduate programs typically cover auditing, financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, business law, and information systems. Many states require 150 credit hours of education to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, which is more than a standard four-year degree provides, so many aspiring auditors complete a master's degree or additional coursework to meet this requirement. The CPA designation is widely considered the most important credential in the auditing profession and is required for auditors who sign off on public company financial statements. Beyond the CPA, auditors can earn additional certifications in their specialty, including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). These certifications are optional but valued by employers and can open doors to specialized career paths.
Continuing professional education is a core part of the auditing profession. CPAs and other certified auditors are required to complete ongoing training hours each year to maintain their credentials and stay current with evolving standards, regulations, and technology. Many auditors also pursue professional development in areas like data analytics, cybersecurity, and ESG reporting to stay ahead of the field's expanding scope.
To Prepare...
Take classes in math, accounting, business, and computer science to build the analytical and technical foundation required for auditing.
Explore advanced placement or dual enrollment courses in accounting or finance if your school offers them to get an early start on the coursework that auditing programs demand.
Research college programs in accounting or finance, prioritizing programs with strong CPA exam pass rates and opportunities for internships at accounting firms or corporate audit departments.
Spotlight: Explore the Life of a Auditor
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Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Auditors work to protect organizational assets and verify their value, and this game gives kids a playful, intuitive feel for why tracking, protecting, and accurately reporting what an organization owns actually matters.
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Miller, Rachael
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Auditors verify that money is recorded, categorized, and accounted for correctly, and this guide builds the financial vocabulary and orderly thinking young readers need before any of that makes sense.
Drew Leclair Crushes the Case: A Heartfelt Middle Grade Detective Mystery About a School Thief for Kids (Ages 8-12)
Bury, Katryn
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Auditors and forensic investigators both build cases from incomplete evidence, ruling out possibilities one by one, and Drew's systematic, rule-following approach captures the kind of disciplined thinking the profession rewards.