Auditors, Accountants and Investment Professionals (NOC 111)

What They Do Financial Auditors and Accountants examine and analyze journal and ledger entries, bank statements, inventories, expenditures, tax returns and other accounting and financial record, documents and systems, of an individual, department, company or other establishment to ensure financial recording accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards, procedures and internal practices. Financial Analysts evaluate financial risk, prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management and write reports and recommendations. Investment Analysts collect finanical and investment information about companies, stocks, bonds and other investments using daily stock and bond reports, economic forecasts, trading volumes, financial periodicals, securities manuals, company financial statements and other financial reports and publications.

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Finance and insurance 35% Accounting tax preparation bookkeeping and payroll services 20% Public administration 9% Wholesale trade 3% Retail trade 3% Management scientific and technical consulting services 3% The unionization rate (17%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Auditors, Accountants and Investment Professionals are found in Alberta and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Related Occupation(s) Bookkeepers (NOC 1231)

Something to Think About

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need To be a Financial Auditor and Accountant, you need a university degree, the completion of a professional training program approved by a provincial institute of chartered accountants and a membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants. To be a Financial and Investment Analyst, you need a bachelor's degree in commerce, business administration or economics. A master's degree in finance or in business administration (M.B.A.) may be required. On-the-job training and industry courses and programs are usually required. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate univeristy degree.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Accounting (C110) Financial Management - Other (C111) Commerce - Business Administration (M120) Commerce - Business Administration (U120) Economics (U820) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Presentation skills Financial computer programs International trade finance Legal aspects of international trade		Useful High School Subjects Math Accounting Computer-related courses English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated FAIR because: Employment grew at an average rate. Hourly wages ($25.00) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (2%) is below the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Fair   2009   Fair

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be average because of the increase on the use of accounting software. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You'll need a good understanding of technology as well as the ability to use accounting/auditing software. You're more likely to be hired if you have strong interpersonal/communication skills. You'll have a competitive edge if you have the ability to analyze business operations as well as offer managing/consulting services.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $16.61 $11.74 25-54 $25.38 $19.76 55+ $27.12 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $25.00 $18.07		Hourly wages ($25.00) are above the national average ($18.07). These earnings are above average for occupations in the business, finance and administration sector and are close to average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Below the average
The unemployment rate (2%) is below the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 4% 10% 1992 4% 11% 1993 4% 11% 1994 3% 10% 1995 4% 10% 1996 3% 10% 1997 3% 9% 1998 2% 8% 1999 3% 8% 2000 2% 7% 2001 2% 7% 2002 2% 8% 2003 2% 8% 2004 2% 7%

% of part-time work is about the same as average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 91% 81% Part-time 9% 19%		There were 319,200 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 10% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 9% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has stayed about the same since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Above average
The percentage of self-employed workers (24%) is above the 2004 average of 15% and has stayed about the same since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 24% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 4% 10% 25-54 83% 72% 55+ 13% 12%		The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Average
The percentage of women is 51% compared to the 2004 average of 48% and has dropped since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 51% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31