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Auditor, Advisor, Fraud Investigator, Inspector, Investigator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
The difference between external and internal audits is that an external audit is a financial audit based on financial reports or statements, and is most often performed by accountants from outside the organization. In contrast, an internal audit is an independent, objective examination of how an organization operates. It includes observing, measuring, or analyzing an organization’s:
Internal auditors make sure an organization operates effectively. They collect and study data about the way the organization is managed to assess how well it self-governs. They:
Internal auditors also:
Internal auditors conduct audits before introducing new systems. They ensure new systems work as planned and older systems work as well as before, or better. They may advise systems project teams about risks and control-related issues. Some internal auditors hold coaching sessions with staff to improve operational effectiveness or reduce risk.
Some organizations lack the specialized expertise to perform internal audits. They may enter into outsourcing or co-sourcing arrangements to have outside auditors perform their internal audits.
In general, internal auditors work standard office hours. They may work overtime at year-end or to meet project deadlines.
Internal auditors may work at the offices they are auditing. This can mean travel across the city, the country, or the world. Or they might conduct some or all their work remotely.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in conducting field audits of businesses to ensure compliance with provisions of the Income Tax Act, Canada Business Corporations Act and other statutory requirements
Interest in co-ordinating information from financial and accounting records, documents and systems to evaluate operational procedures and financial positions of individuals, departments, companies and other establishments
Interest in consulting with clients and in making recommendations to improve accounting and management practices; may supervise other auditors or professionals in charge of accounting within client's establishment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Internal auditors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 27, 2023 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare financial statements and reports | 80 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Analyze financial documents and reports | 75 |
| Tasks: Examine accounting records | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 73 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 73 |
| Attention to detail | 72 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 72 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 64 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 64 |
| Tasks: Develop and maintain cost findings, reporting and internal control procedure | 62 |
Auditors come from various backgrounds, including:
Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a field related to the nature of the organization’s business.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, employers consider professional designation a highly desirable asset.
Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Alberta offers the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. To learn more, see the Accountant certification profile.
Other voluntary designations are available across North America.
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in Florida offers the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation. It is 1 of the most recognized internal audit designations across the globe. The IIA also offers the following global certifications:
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in Illinois offers the following global certification programs for information systems auditors:
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) offers the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) global certification.
For details about requirements, visit the organization’s website.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Internal auditors work for:
Internal auditors get a good overview of an organization’s operations. They often audit most or all areas. They recommend changes to enhance the overall control environment to senior management. They have direct access to the board of directors through the audit committee. Prospects for advancement are good.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 1111: Financial auditors and accountants occupational group, 78.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1111: Financial auditors and accountants occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 541 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $57.20 | $32.76 | $30.63 |
| Overall | $23.96 | $65.91 | $41.04 | $38.00 |
| Top | $27.40 | $83.78 | $51.41 | $46.34 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $79,752 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $73,592 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $105,764 |
| Utilities | $91,520 |
| Construction | $79,395 |
| Manufacturing | $77,723 |
| Wholesale Trade | $69,453 |
| Retail Trade | $68,125 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $97,285 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $76,821 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $72,235 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $72,493 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $76,203 |
| Educational Services | $88,434 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $68,676 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $53,277 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $58,783 |
| Public Administration | $86,241 |
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) website: www.acfe.com
Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta (CPA Alberta) website: www.cpaalberta.ca
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) website: www.isaca.org
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Canada website: www.theiia.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
