How To Become An Auditor Supervisor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an auditor supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Richard Chambers

An auditor supervisor is a leadership individual who oversees accounting staff as they conduct quality and financial audits of organizations and companies. These individuals analyze corporate management practices, oversee audit planning, implementation, and prepares reports for clients and upper management. The auditor supervisor ensures that audit staff follows appropriate audit guidelines and procedures and that all reviews adhere to organizational and federal standards.

Many auditor supervisors have a bachelor's in accounting, finance, or a related field. However, some employers may consider candidates who have comparable skills and knowledge. These individuals should possess strong mathematical, analytical, and communication skills and should be adept with computer software and databases.

If you have a head for numbers and have strong analytical and organizational talents, a career as an auditor supervisor can be a rewarding one. An auditor supervisor can make up to $80,000 per year, and the career field is expected to grow 8% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to an auditor supervisor?

Richard Chambers

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Institut of Internal Auditors

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges across industries and professions, it also has created opportunities for internal auditors at all levels, including those new to the profession, to step up and play a role in helping their organizations navigate through the issues to ensure positive outcomes.

"Based on our research, accounting/finance remains the most recruited academic degree, but the evolving nature of business and risks demands having individuals who bring a broader array of skills into the internal audit workplace. There's also an accelerated movement for what I call "Uber" auditors, those who may not be on staff but whose experience in, for example, cybersecurity or AI, are sorely needed. Graduates may find the first critical step in their career is specialization rather than generalization, so an education - perhaps even a dual degree - in technology, for example, may make you more appealing.

Additionally, internal audit employers are demanding strong soft skills, such as effective verbal and written communications, relationship acumen, critical thinking, and an eye for detail.

Early during the pandemic, we saw some tightening among internal audit departments, as most organizations were making adjustments overall due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Based on additional research, however, we know opportunities still exist in this environment and when we return to 'normal.' In this year's Pulse of Internal Audit survey, of the respondents who filled positions in the preceding 12 months, 47% reported they hired professionals who had not been internal auditors previously. A notable 28% of respondents had hired students or recent graduates, as well.

The IIA has begun a new program, in collaboration with AuditBoard, to provide existing internal auditors and those pursuing a career in the profession, including college students and graduates, access to training and educational courses provided by The IIA for those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic pressures. The $500,000 'Elevate Internal Audit Scholarship Program' is providing scholarships that can be used to participate in IIA training and certification programs regardless of their professional level or ability to pay. More information on the scholarship program, including how to apply, can be found on The IIA's website at www.theiia.org.

ScoreAuditor SupervisorUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $83,876

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.46%

Asian 12.13%

Black or African American 8.77%

Hispanic or Latino 11.12%

Unknown 3.97%

White 63.55%

Gender

female 43.95%

male 56.05%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

7.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an auditor supervisor

Explore auditor supervisor education requirements

Most common auditor supervisor degrees

Bachelor's

67.6 %

Associate

11.9 %

Master's

10.4 %

Start to develop specific auditor supervisor skills

Skills	Percentages
Audit Reports	18.57%
CPA	7.57%
Excellent Interpersonal	7.02%
Audit Results	4.82%
Internal Audit	4.58%

Complete relevant auditor supervisor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auditor supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an auditor supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auditor supervisor resumes.

Research auditor supervisor duties and responsibilities

Collaborate extensively with external accountants to achieve all SOX compliance targets.
Complete monthly, quarterly and annual bank reconciliations for 45 small and medium companies.
Provide daily cash availability and forecasting as well as ABLC monthly bank reconciliations and reports.
Monitor and ensure compliance with generally accept accounting procedures (GAAP) and auditing standards (GAAS).

Prepare your auditor supervisor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auditor supervisor resume.

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