Audit Associate Job Description: Qualifications and Responsibilities

How to Write an Audit Associate Job Description

When writing a job description for an Audit Associate, try to keep things practical. Tell people what the work looks like day to day, what they’ll learn, and where the role could take them. That way, you’re more likely to get applicants who are both qualified and interested in the work.

What is an Audit Associate / What does an Audit Associate do?

Audit Associates go through financial records to make sure everything adds up. They check for missing details, spot risks, and make sure reports follow accounting rules. Most of the time, they’re part of a team that prepares documents, runs tests, and talks to people across different departments.

The importance of a good Audit Associate Job Description

Clear job descriptions help people decide if the job is right for them. It also saves time for the hiring team by cutting down on mismatched resumes. When you’re upfront about expectations and responsibilities, it’s easier to find someone who’s a good fit — both on paper and in practice.

Audit Associate Job Description Template

About the Role and the Team

We’re hiring an Audit Associate to support our audit projects. You’ll work closely with senior team members and clients to review records, organize documentation, and follow up on any issues that come up. The role is a good fit for someone who wants to get solid experience in finance, accounting, or consulting work.

Education & Training

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or something similar
  
• Preferred: Currently pursuing CPA or already on that path; Master’s is a plus but not needed
  

What your day-to-day might look like

• Go through financial statements and spot anything that’s off
  
• Help plan audit steps and test different transactions
  
• Keep track of paperwork and make sure it’s all organized
  
• Work with teammates and clients to answer audit-related questions
  
• Follow up on outstanding issues and help close out reports
  

Skills You’ll Need

Technical:

• Know your way around GAAP and the basics of audit work
  
• Comfortable using Excel, QuickBooks, or similar tools
  
• Some experience (or openness to learn) ERP systems like SAP or Oracle
  

Non-technical:

• Organized, with good time management
  
• Can explain findings clearly — written or spoken
  
• Team player, works well with deadlines
  

Nice to have:

• Exposure to SOX or IFRS
  
• Used tools like Power BI or Alteryx
  
• Had an internship at an accounting or audit firm
  

Audit Associate Salary & Benefits

Salaries for Audit Associates in the U.S. tend to range from $60,000 to $75,000, depending on location and experience. Employers often offer:

• CPA exam and prep support
  
• Health and dental insurance
  
• Paid time off and sick leave
  
• 401(k) with employer match
  
• Growth opportunities and mentorship
  

Tailoring Your Audit Associate Job Description

Variations of the role:

• Internal Audit Associate: Looks at internal processes and risk
  
• External Audit Associate: Reviews financials for client organizations
  
• IT Audit Associate: Checks technical systems and controls
  

By experience level:

• Entry-Level: Recent grads with some coursework and internships
  
• Mid-Level: 1–2 years of work experience, ideally CPA-track
  
• Senior Associate: 2–4 years in audit and can take on more responsibility
  

Using Litespace for Resume Screening

Litespace helps you filter for the things that actually matter — whether that’s CPA progress, ERP system knowledge, or prior audit work. You can build your own screener and see why candidates show up on your list. That means fewer resumes to sort and more time to talk to people who actually match what you need.