"The ideal starter position," Karl Bladt, Manager at Robert Walters, calls the position of Junior External Auditor. This role is available not only within the Big4, but also at numerous small and medium-sized audit firms - often with a better work-life balance. Karl explains exactly what this position entails, what career opportunities are available and what salary you can expect as a Junior External Auditor.
"A Junior External Auditor works at an audit firm and performs independent audits on the accounts of various companies," Karl begins. "The core of the job involves auditing financial statements and financial reporting to ensure everything is legally correct. In addition, external auditors are also involved in projects such as acquisitions and mergers."
"Usually, a junior external auditor is assigned by a senior auditor or expert to do the preparatory work for a file. They then go to the client together to carry out the actual audit, which can take several days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the file.
The main difference with an Internal Auditor position is that an Internal Auditor audits the accounts and processes of one company, namely the company he or she works for."
Most audit firms look for candidates with a master's degree in economics, finance or accounting. You can also join some audit firms as a Junior External Auditor with a bachelor's degree in accountancy & tax. Experience within accounting is a plus.
Due to the specialised nature of this position, you will receive intensive training at the start, regardless of your background or prior knowledge.
Karl underlines, "Strong communication skills are essential. You visit customers, consult with them regularly, and formulate advice. It is important to communicate clearly and professionally. Moreover, as a Junior External Auditor, you need to be analytical, precise and detail oriented."
Furthermore, it is important to handle responsibility well and be stress resistant. You often work on several files at once, especially during the 'high season' between January and April, when many companies close their financial year. This means an increased workload for External Auditors, who then audit financial statements and ensure compliance with accounting regulations. So, it is crucial to keep a cool head and set priorities.
In terms of language skills, Dutch or French usually suffice, combined with a good basic English."
"There is a continuous demand for External auditors, both experienced professionals and juniors. Typically, we see recent graduates starting up in a group at an audit firm in September or October," says Karl. "They go through onboarding and training together and are prepared for their first 'high season' in the spring. This is often done through a mentoring programme, where an experienced colleague guides a junior auditor."
"If you are a student pursuing a career in external audit, it is wise to look for a relevant student job during the academic year or holidays. This can be with an audit firm, but a job within accounting is also valuable."
"As a Junior External Auditor, you can progress to a senior or expert role within audit," says Karl. "In addition, there are plenty of other opportunities. The most common move is to Financial Controller, where your expertise as an auditor comes in handy. Because as an External Auditor you are involved with accounting daily - albeit not in an executive role - the move to accountancy is also common. If you want to further develop your analytical skills, you might consider a career switch to Financial Analyst or Business Analyst. In short, the External Auditor role offers numerous opportunities and is an ideal entry-level position."
Karl: "As a starter, you can expect a gross monthly salary of around EUR 2,400. This is accompanied by a company car, because you must make client visits, and a net expense allowance. With 3 to 6 years' experience, your salary rises to EUR 3300 - 4400. As you gain more experience, your monthly salary can rise to around EUR 6,000. In addition, auditing firms usually offer many training and continuous learning opportunities, so you will always keep up to date with the latest regulations."
Check out our other tips and advice to develop your career. Ready to start your job search? View our latest jobs.
Internal auditors, like many other finance functions, are increasingly seen as business partners, not only supporting the business but helping to drive performance and results. This means that the role of internal auditors is evolving – are your skills in line with what top employers are looking for
Read MoreEvery month, Robert Walters puts a popular job in the spotlight. This month, we selected the role of Internal Auditor, which is currently in high demand. We asked Aline Lewy, Consultant in the Commerce & Industry Division and former Auditor, what the role consists of, what salary to expect and which
Read MoreFinancial Controller is a crucial position within commercial organisations, SMEs, and multinationals. Almost every company needs a professional in this role. This position is popular among accounting and finance professionals, and experienced candidates are highly sought after by employers. Christop
Read MoreCome join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.