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For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference to people’s lives

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Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Belgium

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The job and salary of a Junior External Auditor

"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.

What are the main duties and responsibilities of 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."  

Which education and skills do you need for a career as a Junior External Auditor?

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."

What is the current demand for Junior External Auditors?  

"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."

What are the career opportunities as a Junior External Auditor?  

"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."

What salary can you expect as a Junior External Auditor?   

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."

 

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Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Karl Bladt

Karl Bladt | Manager Robert Walters
Phone: +32 470 82 04 28

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