Job profile:
Auditor (m/f/d)
In Switzerland, companies with a balance sheet total of more than CHF 20 million at the end of their financial year are required to undergo an ordinary audit. This means that professional auditors scrutinise the annual financial statements in the form of an audit. Their task is to uncover possible errors in the accounting and to certify the profitability of the company. They therefore bear a great deal of responsibility for the company and are therefore obliged to pass a diploma examination.
Here you can find out exactly what the tasks of an auditor are, how to learn this profession and what the salary in auditing is like.
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What is an auditor? Definition and overview
Auditors check the financial statements of large companies and, following their audit, decide whether the company's accounts are being kept properly and in accordance with the law. In Switzerland, an auditor must pass a diploma examination before entering this profession.
The audit (WP) usually takes place once a year and is mandatory for large companies and groups. The auditors carry out the audit on the basis of laws and regulations. They then make a judgement as to whether the company has acted in accordance with the law and whether the opportunities and risks have been correctly assessed. If everything is in order, they issue an audit certificate attesting to correct accounting. In addition to carrying out audits of financial statements, auditors are also responsible for special audits. These include, for example, profitability and creditworthiness audits.
In many cases, auditors also work in management consultancy and advise companies on tax or economic matters. They also provide support with organisational issues or mergers.
A chartered accountant, also known as an auditor, is primarily responsible for auditing large companies and public limited companies. The profession is indispensable, as larger companies not only have an entrepreneurial but also a social responsibility and their financial statements must be independently audited.
The so-called "Big 4" are among the world's largest auditing companies. They include Deloitte, KPMG, PWC and EY.
In larger companies, accountants or controllers often carry out internal audits - they are then called internal auditors. Such audits are very useful for companies and are therefore carried out voluntarily.
Auditor salary: What does an auditor earn in Switzerland?
According to the jobs.ch job portal, auditors in Switzerland earn an average salary of CHF 120,000 per year. With more professional experience, auditors in large companies can earn up to CHF 150,000 per year.
The salary is highly dependent on professional experience, the size of the company and the location of the company.
Starting salary as an auditor: Junior auditor salary
What does an auditor do? Tasks and activities in auditing
The most important task of auditors is to carry out business audits. In doing so, they review the annual financial statements of companies and consolidated financial statements on the basis of the applicable regulations. In addition, they also carry out all other legally prescribed audits, so-called special audits. At the end, they evaluate and certify the annual financial statements, confirming that the accounting has been carried out correctly and that the company is set up for the future. In other words, they issue a so-called auditor's opinion. However, these tasks are not just about juggling figures. Auditors are also in dialogue with the company's management and (financial and balance sheet) accountants. They also find out about the economic situation of a company through these discussions.
Other possible tasks in auditing:
Tax advice: Auditors are authorised to advise and represent their clients in tax matters in accordance with existing regulations.
Fiduciary administration: Chartered accountants can also take on fiduciary administration. For example, they manage assets and are responsible for the execution of wills.
Preparation of independent expert reports: You can act as an expert for economic management and prepare independent expert reports.
Management consultancy: Chartered accountants can also work in management consultancy. They provide economic advice to companies and support them with organisational matters or mergers, among other things.
Becoming a chartered accountant - studies, training & chartered accountant diploma examination
In Switzerland, people who want to become auditors must pass a federal diploma examination.
However, prospective auditors must first complete a university degree and then gain four years of professional experience. During this time, they are usually employed as an audit assistant. After the required years of practical experience, it is possible to take the WP diploma examination before the independent examination board.
Auditor studies
Anyone wishing to become an auditor must first complete a university degree, a federal professional qualification (BP) or a higher professional examination (HFP). Afterwards, there is also the option of completing a Master's degree in auditing.
Auditor training Switzerland: Professional practice in auditing
However, before students are allowed to take the diploma examination, they must gain four years of practical experience totalling at least 4,800 hours. During this practical phase, the prospective auditors work as an audit assistant in an auditing firm or a fiduciary or tax firm.
Often, prospective auditors have already gained professional experience in similar fields. Many of them were previously tax consultants and then decided to continue their training.
Certified public accountants: Requirements: Diploma examination and skills
In addition to a degree, sufficient professional experience and a passed diploma examination, auditors need other important skills.
The hard skills of auditors include
Higher education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree, ideally in an economics field
Good understanding and handling of legal texts
Knowledge in the area of tax law
Analytical skills
Sense of responsibility
Ability to work in a team
Economic thinking
Strong communication skills
Top job offers for auditors: Jobs throughout Switzerland
FAQ
As an auditor, you will carry out audits of annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements. In doing so, you certify the correct and proper accounting of the company.
In Switzerland, auditors earn an average salary of around CHF 120,000.00 per year. The starting salary in auditing is around CHF 84,000.00 per year.
To become a certified public accountant in Switzerland, you need a university degree, four years of professional experience and a passed diploma examination. Only under these conditions can you be sworn in as a certified public accountant.
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