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The differences between internal auditors and audit specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an internal auditor has an average salary of $63,013, which is higher than the $58,291 average annual salary of an audit specialist.
The top three skills for an internal auditor include CPA, risk management and SOX. The most important skills for an audit specialist are audit reports, patients, and customer service.
| Internal Auditor | Audit Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $63,013 | $58,291 |
| Hourly rate | $30.29 | $28.02 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 25,571 | 40,071 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An internal auditor is an individual who takes responsibility for crucial accounting functions in an organization. Internal auditors have trusted consultants who advise upper management on how to handle corporate goals and risks. They review the business operations and processes of organizations. They have to assess the efficacy of the company's risk management procedures. They are expected to have superb communication skills, IT knowledge, and math aptitude. Also, they help protect the organization from potential theft and fraud of its assets.
An audit specialist is responsible for evaluating the reports by a professional auditor that will assist in improving the growth of the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Audit specialists aid in the development of the company by using a systematic approach to reach the goals set by the company. Primary responsibilities include operating complex and difficult audit projects and conducting audits of control, financial, and other operating records. Also, they develop, implement distinct audit strategies, programs, and procedures for intricate assignments.
Internal auditors and audit specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Internal Auditor | Audit Specialist | |
| Average salary | $63,013 | $58,291 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $86,000 | Between $34,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | SAP |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Professional |
There are a few differences between an internal auditor and an audit specialist in terms of educational background:
| Internal Auditor | Audit Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Accounting | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between internal auditors' and audit specialists' demographics:
| Internal Auditor | Audit Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4% | Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 12.9% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |