Government Auditor Career Specializations
Not all Government auditors work for the IRS which is normally what a person might
think when hearing the term government auditor. However, the Federal Government
employs the most Government auditors. The area of specialization will be dependent
upon the employing agency and their requirements. As with any government auditor
job, a CPA is not ordinarily required but for career advancement purposes it is
usually recommended. There are further specializations and certifications available
to the Certified Public Accountant.
A Government Auditor can become a Certified Government Auditing Professional, or
a Certified Government Financial Manager. Both of these certifications require an
examination as well as on-the-job experience.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The job duties and responsibilities of a government auditor can be broad or very
narrow depending upon the employing agency. A government auditor employed by the
IRS may work on auditing individual or corporate accounts. A government auditor
employed by local state or federal government might be responsible for internal
auditing procedures. In the end a government auditor is responsible for ensuring
that records are kept appropriately anti-fraud measures are in place, and that income
and expenses are balanced in records.
Work Environment
The government auditor will normally find employment in a comfortable in environmentally
controlled office situation. They will normally work a 40 hour work week except
for those involved in the taxation process where extended hours might be necessary
during tax season.
Employment Outlook and Opportunities
There are a wide variety of employment opportunities for the government auditor
within the state local and federal governments. Besides dealing with taxation issues,
and audits corporations and individuals, a government auditor may also be responsible
for internal audit procedures.
The government auditor job opportunity outlook should be good. The outlook will
be better for those who earn a CPA. As the economy expands, so does the need for
the Government auditor. Additional measures placed by local state and federal governments
due to recent accounting scandals have increased the demand for the government accountant.
How much does a Government Auditor make - Government Auditor Salaries and Wages
Earnings for Government Auditors with 1 to 4 years experience are reported
to be within the $44,590.02 $56,877 range per year.
Earnings for Government Auditors with 5 to 9 years experience are reported
to be within the $50,870-$74,189 range per year.
Earnings for Government Auditors with 10 to 19 years experience are reported
to be within the $48,080-$76,803 range per year.
How to Become a Government Auditor
Education for Government Auditors
Broad requirements for the government auditor position vary between the employing
institutions state, local and federal governments. However, most require a bachelor
degree with a focus on accounting or finances and an accounting or finance or business
degree is preferable.
Not all Government auditors are CPAs but the certification is desirable in terms
of career advancement opportunities.
Career Advancement
The government auditor with advanced education or certification and who displays
not only leadership skills but competence in his field, will usually find the opportunities
to move up into supervisory positions and become responsible for more complex audits
involving many auditors and more complex reports.
Government Auditors Resources
CGFM Association of Government
Accountants
GFOA Government Finance Officers Association
Association of Local Government
Auditors