Auditor, 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:
| Starting | $31.34 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $38.15 |
| Top | $46.86 |
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
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 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.
Internal auditors make sure an organization is being well managed and operated. They collect and study data about the way the organization is managed. They review the operating effectiveness of internal controls. They judge information systems, assess procedures, and measure what the organization produces. They do this to assess how well an organization:
They also:
Internal auditors must travel to the offices they are auditing. This may be across the city or across the country. In general, they work standard office hours. They may work overtime at year-end or to meet project deadlines.
Internal auditors need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Auditors come from various backgrounds, including:
Some employers require at least a bachelor’s degree. It should relate 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, voluntary designations are available across North America.
Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Alberta offers the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation (to learn more, see the Accountant certification profile).
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in Florida offers:
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in Illinois offers the following programs for information systems auditors:
Internal auditors work for:
Some employers use the internal audit position to train managers. Internal auditors get a good overview of an organization’s operations. They are often in charge of auditing all areas and suggest changes to senior management. They have access to the board of directors through the audit committee. Prospects for advancement are good.
Internal auditors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1111: Financial auditors and accountants. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the B011: Financial Auditors and Accountants occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 435 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.75 | $55.49 | $31.34 | $28.85 |
| Overall | $21.63 | $61.67 | $38.15 | $35.13 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.00 | $46.86 | $41.74 |
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* 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.
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.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $98,191 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $87,046 |
| Construction | $81,717 |
| Public Administration | $81,129 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,474 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $75,330 |
| Educational Services | $75,258 |
| Agriculture | $74,601 |
| Manufacturing | $72,242 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,310 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $67,431 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $66,348 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $65,411 |
| Retail Trade | $64,703 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $63,980 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $63,601 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $61,963 |
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.chapters.theiia.org
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Calgary Chapter website: www.chapters.theiia.org/calgary
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Edmonton Chapter website: chapters.theiia.org/edmonton
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.