Audit ManagerJob Description

An Audit Manager oversees day-to-day audit operations and manages audit teams, while an Audit Director sets strategic audit direction and reports to executive leadership. Audit Managers typically handle 3-5 team members, whereas Directors oversee entire audit departments with multiple managers.

While possible, it's not recommended for most organizations. A CIA or CISA can substitute in specialized contexts like internal audit or IT audit roles. However, CPA certification demonstrates comprehensive accounting knowledge and is preferred by 80% of employers for financial audit management positions.

Both are essential, but prioritize based on your team structure. If you have strong senior auditors, emphasize leadership and strategic thinking. If your team is junior-heavy, prioritize technical expertise and hands-on audit experience to ensure quality oversight and mentorship.

Present a case study involving control weaknesses or audit findings and ask them to develop remediation plans. Request they review sample financial statements to identify red flags. Conduct behavioral interviews focused on past team conflicts, tight deadlines, and stakeholder management scenarios.

Watch for candidates lacking automation or data analytics experience, as modern auditing requires technological proficiency. Be cautious of those who can't articulate soft skills like stakeholder communication or change management. Frequent job-hopping (less than 2 years per role) may indicate poor cultural fit or performance issues.