Auditors play an important role in ensuring that companies run efficiently, public records are kept accurately, and taxes are paid properly and on time. This is done by examining and analyzing a company's accounting records to determine their financial status.
Most employers prefer to hire auditors who have a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, although some prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree in accounting or business administration. In addition, some employees choose to become a Certified Public Accountant.
There were about 1.3 million accountants and auditors throughout the nation during 2008, and that number is expected to grow by 22 percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most auditors work in private industry and government; while 24 percent work in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll; and about 8 percent are self-employed.
Employment of accountants and auditors in the Denver area is expected to increase from 21,188 workers during 2009 to 22,872 workers by 2019, resulting in 1,684 additional jobs and an average annual growth rate of .8 percent, according to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment.
The top 10 industries that employed accountants and auditors in the Denver area during 2009 were:
- Professional and technical services - 28.9 percent
- Management of companies and enterprises - 7.1 percent
- Insurance carriers and related activities - 3.9 percent
- Administrative and support services - 3.1 percent
- Durable goods merchant wholesalers - 3 percent
- Membership organizations and associations - 2.9 percent
- Oil and gas extraction - 2.9 percent
- Credit intermediation and related activity - 2.4 percent
- Real estate - 2.4 percent
- Telecommunications - 2.3 percent
Some related occupations include: treasurers and controllers; branch or department financial managers; purchasing managers; accountants; budget analysts; financial analysts; personal financial advisors; and economists.