Occupational Profiles

Financial auditors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Examine and analyze journal and ledger entries, bank statements, inventories, expenditures, tax returns and other accounting and financial records, documents and systems of individuals, departments within organizations, businesses or other establishments to ensure financial recording accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards, procedures and internal controls
• Prepare detailed reports on audit findings and make recommendations to improve individual or establishment's accounting and management practices
• Conduct field audits of businesses to ensure compliance with provisions of the Income Tax Act, Canadian Business Corporations Act or other statutory requirements
• May supervise other auditors or professionals in charge of accounting within client's establishment.

Accountants perform some or all of the following duties:

• Plan, set up and administer accounting systems and prepare financial information for individuals, departments within organizations, businesses and other establishments
• Examine accounting records and prepare financial statements and reports
• Develop and maintain cost finding, reporting and internal control procedures
• Examine financial accounts and records and prepare income tax returns from accounting records
• Analyze financial statements and reports and provide financial, business and tax advice
• May act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings
• May supervise and train articling students, other accountants or administrative technicians.

• Chartered professional accountants, chartered accountants require a university degree and Completion of a professional training program approved by a provincial institute of chartered accountants and, depending on the province, either two years or 30 months of on-the-job training and Membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon successful completion of the Uniform Evaluation (UFE).
• Chartered professional accountants, certified general accountants and Chartered professional accountants, certified management accountants require a university degree and Completion of an approved training program and several years of on-the-job training and Certification with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
• Auditors require education, training and recognition as indicated for Chartered professional accountants, chartered accountants, Chartered professional accountants, certified general accountants or Chartered professional accountants, certified management accountants and Some experience as an accountant.
• Auditors may require recognition by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• To act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, auditors and accountants must hold a licence as a trustee in bankruptcy.
• Licensing by the provincial or territorial governing body is usually required for accountants and auditors practising public accounting.