5 Common Staff Auditor Interview Questions & Answers

I think education is an integral part to gaining the technical knowledge needed to be a staff auditor. I, for example, have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Certified Internal Auditor designation from the Institute of Internal Auditors. This education has given me a better understanding of the state and federal rules and regulations different companies need to follow. I also have a clear understanding of the skills and dedication it takes to be a successful staff auditor.

I have been striving towards a position as a staff auditor for a while now. I spent a few years as an assistant internal auditor, but it has always been one of my goals to become an auditor. I enjoy comparing financial documents with invoices and ensuring there are no fraudulent activities taking place. I think this position is a great stepping stone for me professionally. First, it gets my foot in the door at this company, which has always been a well-known and trusted source for financial data. Second, it can help me gain even more technical knowledge of the industry so I can one day become an internal audit director.

There are quite a few skills that are important for a staff auditor to possess. The four that I see as being the most important are analysis, organization, communication and attention to detail. Analytical skills are important because auditors have to compare documents and find discrepancies as well as solutions. Organization is important because staff auditors are expected to keep straight a wide range of financial documents for a variety of clients. Communication is important because these professionals have to explain their results and listen to the concerns of clients and managers. Attention to detail can make it easier to compile and compare different documents.

I am glad you are taking the time to focus on communication skills. This is an important part of being a staff auditor because someone in this type of position has to listen to managers and explain their findings to executives. I have not always had the strongest communication skills. In high school, I struggled to string ideas together to make a coherent thought. Thankfully in college I had to work at the information desk for part of my work studies. It was in this position that I really started honing my communication skills. I now can actively listen to what people are saying, give presentations, write clear reports and have meaningful one-on-one meetings.

Being a staff auditor is an important role because these individuals are tasked with identifying fraud, mismanagement and other areas of risk for a company. Without an auditor, ledgers and financial statements may not get reviewed, which could lead to inefficiencies and misuse of finances. This professional may also play an important role in the hiring process depending on the company. I think the overall role of staff auditor is important because this professional works hard to keep the company compliant with federal and state regulations while keeping it efficient and accurate financially speaking.