Auditor Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as an auditor, you'll need experience in ensuring compliance standards and identifying risk areas. A strong resume for auditor applications showcases your skills, experience and achievements and helps you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we'll showcase resume tips and examples that can help you create a professional auditor resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other auditor applicants. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your auditor resume.
Core sections to include in an auditor resume
The key sections to include in an auditor resume are similar to those for any role or profession. If you're lacking relevant work experience, you might choose to add sections that showcase your skill set earlier than in a traditional resume layout. These sections might include projects, education, hobbies and interests, skills and other optional sections.
You will have some choice over your resume layout and structure, but be sure to include these sections as the core of your document:
Resume Header and Personal Information
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Make sure your email address appears as professional as possible, and doesn't include anything like nicknames, inappropriate language or personal information. If it does, set up a new email account with an address based on your name or initials, and use that for your job applications. Always double-check your contact details are up-to-date before sending your resume.
Jeffrey Adams
jeffrey.adams@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
12 Grimmauld Place, Brooklyn, NY
linkedin․com/in/jeffrey–adams123
Resume Summary
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in auditor roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for auditor roles.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
A good resume summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for auditor roles, while leaving the reader with an impression of your unique qualities and strengths. The most effective resume summaries also provide evidence to back up the claims made in them. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for auditor jobs below.
Good example:
Highly skilled auditor with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and extensive experience as a Senior Financial Auditor. Proven track record in conducting comprehensive financial audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and identifying areas for operational improvement. Adept at analyzing financial statements, implementing internal controls, and providing actionable insights to enhance financial integrity and efficiency. Excellent attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism
Bad example:
Auditor with some experience in accounting and looking at financial records. Worked in roles where I checked numbers and made sure things were done right. Have looked at financial documents and suggested ways to make things better. Focused on details and making sure everything adds up correctly
Conversely, an ineffective resume summary would include generic, unspecific information on your skills and experience, while failing to provide any useful information on what makes you a unique and interesting candidate. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your auditor resume summary
Hard and Soft Skills
In your skills section, list any skills you've acquired or developed that are relevant to auditor positions. Consider adding internal control assessment, attention to detail or any other necessary skills for the job. Again, refer to the auditor job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
How to include hard skills on your auditor resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for auditor positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in auditor roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. If possible, add four or five hard skills that reflect the requirements of the job description. These will boost your chances of success in your applications.
You'll make more impact with your resume hard skills list if you focus on technical skills that reflect your unique expertise and specialism, and that match the key requirements in the job description. See the graphic below for some tips on hard skills for an auditor resume.
- Financial statement analysis
- GAAP/IFRS knowledge
- Internal control assessment
How to list soft skills on your auditor resume
Your soft skills are the core qualities and personal characteristics that make you a good employee. They tend to apply to multiple professions and jobs, though the soft skills you'll require may change as you move from junior to senior positions. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. In this section, add four of five transferable skills that match the job description.
An effective auditor resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant auditor qualifications and educational achievements.
Typically, working as an auditor requires a university or college degree, which you'll need to list on your resume. If you're working in this sector, it's usually a good idea to highlight your Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree or other relevant qualifications. Focus on qualifications that showcase your financial statement analysis or GAAP/IFRS knowledge.
List your relevant qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Add the name and level of the award, the institution, its location (if this isn't obvious from the name) and your dates of study. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
If you organized or participated in any clubs or societies while at university, or you took part in any voluntary work, you could also mention these here.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 2017 - 2020
Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Certifications
In your certifications section, list any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to working as an auditor. These could be professional accreditations and licenses, or certifications that improve your level of suitability for the position. Therefore, add any necessary licenses and certifications in this section, along with valid dates so employers can see you're still qualified for the job.
See below for some suggestions of relevant certifications for an auditor resume:
- CPA - Certified Public Accountant, 2022
- CIA - Certified Internal Auditor, 2022
- CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor, 2022
Work Experience
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for an auditor position. Mention only the most appropriate and relevant jobs you've had in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent and working backwards. Add your job title, the name of the employer, the location of the role and your dates of employment.
Under each job entry, add several bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements. Consult the job description for a list of the key requirements for the role and make sure your work experience section showcases how you meet these requirements.
The best resume work experience sections focus only on the most relevant previous jobs, and link each bullet point back to a skill or experience listed in the job description. It's also critical to provide evidence that shows the value you added to each role in a quantifiable way, such as project outcomes, key performance indicators or feedback from customers, colleagues or managers. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.
Good example:
Senior Financial Auditor, January 2022 - Present
PrimeAudit Solutions, Arlington
- Led a team to identify and rectify $2M in financial discrepancies, improving accuracy of financial statements by 15%
- Developed and implemented a new audit process, reducing audit time by 25% and increasing efficiency across the department
- Successfully conducted comprehensive risk assessments for high-profile clients, leading to a 30% reduction in financial risk exposure
Bad example:
Senior Financial Auditor, January 2022 - Present
PrimeAudit Solutions, Arlington
- Managed team projects to enhance financial processes and improve overall accuracy
- Implemented strategies to streamline audit procedures and boost departmental productivity
- Conducted risk assessments to mitigate potential financial risks for clients
In the graphic above you can see a great example of what to avoid when writing your resume work experience section. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Resume tip:
Emphasize hands-on experience and relevant skills, such as customer service, teamwork, or problem-solving, to showcase your readiness for the role. (1) Use bullet points to organize your resume and keep it easy to read, especially for hiring managers scanning for key qualifications. (2)
Optional Sections
As well as the main sections of an auditor resume, optional sections can help you prove your credentials to employers. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and interests can be a useful way of showing your skills and experience beyond your work and education. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as an auditor. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.
Voluntary Work
If you're lacking relevant auditor work experience, volunteer work can help to show you still have the relevant skills. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
Standard auditor resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.
References are available upon request.
Best strong verbs for your an auditor resume
Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong verb to show actions you took. The suggested action verbs below will help the reader to understand your key qualities and the impact you made on the organization.
- Analyze
- Evaluate
- Assess
- Verify
- Inspect
- Document
- Review
- Audit
- Investigate
- Recommend
If you need help creating a resume that impresses HR managers, take a look at Jobseeker's professional resume templates. You can also access beautiful cover letter templates that help your application stand out.
Sample auditor resume
Now that you know everything that needs to go into your auditor resume, let's review an example resume that you can use as a guide when creating your own:
12 Grimmauld Place, Brooklyn, NY
•
jeffrey.adams@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/jeffrey–adams123
Detail-oriented and results-driven auditor with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and extensive experience as a Senior Internal Auditor. Proven expertise in risk assessment, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory standards. Adept at conducting thorough audits, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending actionable improvements. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills with a track record of enhancing organizational performance and ensuring financial accuracy.
Senior Internal Auditor
2020
-2022
Integrity Financial Solutions Ltd (Tampa)
- Led a comprehensive audit of financial controls, resulting in a 15% improvement in process efficiency and reduced compliance risks
- Developed and implemented a risk assessment framework that identified and mitigated key operational risks, enhancing organizational resilience
- Conducted a forensic audit uncovering $500K in fraud, leading to enhanced internal controls and recovery of 80% of lost funds
Financial statement analysis
GAAP/IFRS knowledge
Internal control assessment
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Effective communication
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
CIA - Certified Internal Auditor
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Best practices for an auditor resume
Tips to write the best resume
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different auditor jobs (e.g. evaluate, document, investigate).
- Quantify your successes by providing figures and other evidence that shows how your skills have made a difference to your employer.
- Kick off your auditor resume with a strong summary or objective statement that highlights your key skills and achievements.
- Use a clear, professional resume format to make your document as accessible as possible, including a readable font and appropriate headings, margins and line spacing. This will make your resume easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read.
- List your relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job.
Steer clear of these common resume writing errors
- Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.
- Don't use an email address that contains unprofessional content, and if necessary create a new, more professional email address.
- Don't lie or exaggerate on your auditor resume, as this can create false expectations in employers and harm you in the future.
- Don't add personal information such as your age, gender, a photo or marital status, as these can lead to bias in the hiring process.
- Don't use jargon or business-speak. It can make your resume appear clichéd and harder to read.
Making an ATS-friendly resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. When drafting your auditor resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Here are a few quick tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume:
- Adopt a traditional structure for your resume, such as a reverse-chronological format or a functional format. These are likely to be the easiest layouts for ATS software to scan.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Use clear headings that break your resume up into readable, scannable sections that match the standard content employers expect from a resume.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.
FAQs for an auditor resume
As well as writing a professional auditor resume, you'll need a cover letter to introduce yourself and emphasize your credentials.
Before you write your cover letter, think about whether you need a formal, professional letter or if a brief, less formal email might be more suitable.
A traditional cover letter should follow formal letter-writing conventions and structure, including a header, the recipient's address and professional greetings and sign-offs. For the main body of the letter, open with a short paragraph introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for applying for the auditor role. Follow that with an explanation of your skills and experience and how they're relevant to the position. Close by expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm, and leaving a call to action that encourages the employer to open a dialogue with you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
For an experienced auditor application, the objective of your resume is to showcase the many achievements in your career to date. Your auditor resume is likely to have a longer work experience section than resumes for less experienced candidates, any you may wish to go back further than the standard 10 to 15 years of employment history, depending on your experience levels. Consider adding any optional sections that show employers the impact you've made in your career to date. These include awards, successful projects or a dedicated achievements section.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your auditor applications. A well-written resume headline is also a way to increase your chances of passing the ATS resume scanning stage, by referencing keywords that match the job description. Write a concise headline including the job title, a reference to your experience or track record and one or two key skills.
Below you can see a resume headline example:
- Aspiring Junior Auditor Seeking Opportunities
- Experienced Financial Audit Specialist
- Senior Auditor with Extensive Experience
The most suitable resume format for you depends on two crucial factors. Firstly, whether you have a body of relevant work experience. Secondly, the type of job and its seniority level. For roles where you're lacking experience, such as graduate jobs or career changes, you could use a functional or skills-based resume format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Key takeaways for your auditor resume
The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Writing a Resume, California Department of Human Resources: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/resume-tips.aspx
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
