Summarize:

Though each firm's needs may be slightly different, there are some general skills and characteristics that are deemed desirable for auditors to have. Those qualities and skills include:  strong personal and professional ethics  A close attention to detail  Analytical skills  Communication skills  Interpersonal skills  Math skills  Organizational skills  Professional skepticism There are many industries in which an auditor may work. Auditors typically work alone in an office, though some work at home or on teams with other auditors and accountants. The primary industries auditors work in are, in descending order of employment percentages:  Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services  Finance and insurance  Company or enterprise management  Manufacturing Prospective auditors looking for jobs will need to put together a strong resume. Some basic resume guidelines apply, such as using a standard 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper with a simple, easy to read font (like Times New Roman). But there are some specific attributes that a prospective auditor should include in a resume. These include:  Listing relevant coursework, including any classes that taught skills which were not derived from previous employment experience Showing quantifiable results from your past work experience - for example, detailing how much of an organization's operating budget did you control, how much overtime pay your cost-reducing initiatives saved, or how much (in percentage) company productivity increased after your employment Emphasizing how, specifically, your degree sets your education apart from other candidates' educational backgrounds Using relevant industry terms and phrases Detailing your achievements and accomplishments There are many resources available online for an auditor seeking employment. In addition to traditional job websites like Indeed and Monster, there are a number of professional organizations for auditors that post job announcements online. The AICPA offers a number of career resources through their website, including career opportunities at the AICPA and the Official Job Board of the AICPA. The financial world is much more fast-paced and driven than many other public sector jobs, and auditing is no exception. Many employers want to ensure that entry-level employees fresh out of school will be able to withstand the stressful work environment. To prepare for the interview, you should be well-versed in financial news and capable of handling stressful situations, all of which may be tested at some point during the pre-employment interview.  Read financial publications, and be prepared to talk about those publications. Some experts recommend reading The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times to gain a general knowledge of current events and issues relevant to the financial industry.  Brush up on financial concepts. The employer conducting the interview may quiz you on your knowledge of relevant concepts and your ability to make hypothetical decisions based on core concepts and financial models.  Be prepared to prove your math skills during the interview. Not every employer will expect you to perform calculations during the interview, but it's not unheard of in the financial world.  Ask your own thought-provoking questions. To do this, you may need to conduct a little research into the company's history, business model, and business practices. Don't ask "gotcha" questions, just form a sincere inquiry that will show that you've researched the company and have a genuine interest in learning more about it. Networking is an important part of any career, and auditing is no exception. As you build your resume and seek out new employment opportunities, it's important that you remain aware of your professional network to grow and maintain your circle of connections.  Expand your group of professional connections to include both superiors and inferiors. Your peers are a good start, but a diverse network of connections is important in any job search.  Always carry business cards. You never know when you might meet a potential connection, including at social events.  Be honest and upfront about what you're looking for professionally, and what you need your connections to do. If you need a recommendation, ask for one. If you need someone to set up an interview, see if anyone can help you with that.  Always thank people for their time and assistance. Whether it's a prospective employer who granted you an interview, a former employer who gave you a glowing recommendation, or a professional contact who gave you a tip on an upcoming job announcement, always show your gratitude to everyone in your professional network. And any time you can, offer to help others out who are a part of your network.
Embody the desired qualities. Choose your desired industry. Write a strong resume. Search for auditor jobs. Prepare for an interview. Make professional connections.