National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

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1111 - Financial auditors and accountants

Financial auditors examine and analyze the accounting and financial records of individuals and establishments to ensure accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards and procedures. Accountants plan, organize and administer accounting systems for individuals and establishments. Articling students in accounting firms are included in this unit group. Financial auditors and accountants are employed by auditing and accounting firms throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • accountant
    • chief accountant
    • financial auditor
    • income tax expert
    • industrial accountant
    • internal auditor

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (See 1311 Accounting technicians and bookkeepers)
    • Financial managers (See 0111 Financial managers)
    • Program or other non-financial auditors (See 416 Policy and program researchers, consultants and officers)
  • Main duties

    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.
  • Employment requirements

    • 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.
  • Additional information

    • There is limited mobility among the three professional accounting designations of Chartered professional accountant, chartered accountant (CPA, CA); Chartered professional accountant, certified general accountant (CPA, CGA) and Chartered professional accountant, certified management accountant (CPA, CMA).
    • Progression to auditing or accounting management positions is possible with experience.
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