By: Jennifer Brazer
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen
A Good Auditor Helps: Boost Your Business’s Success with Expert Insights
A good auditor is so much more than a number cruncher. Think of them as your business’s financial watchdog, strategic advisor, and growth enabler all rolled into one. At Complete Controller, we often remind our clients that a great auditor doesn’t just keep your books clean—they help uncover opportunities, protect you from costly mistakes, and ensure your bottom line is protected. Whether you’re running a scrappy small business or a large corporation with sprawling operations, having the right auditor on your side can change the trajectory of your financial health and success.
Let’s break down the role of a good auditor, the game-changing benefits they bring, and how you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
The Role of a Good Auditor in Financial Management
The role of a good auditor isn’t about scolding or pointing out flaws—it’s about honesty, clarity, and actionable solutions. Here’s what they really do:
What does a goodauditor do?
A good auditor wears many hats. Here’s a closer look at what makes them indispensable:
- Finding Gaps in Your Numbers: Errors can happen in the best of businesses. A professional auditor will conduct thorough financial audits to spot mistakes, improve accuracy, and identify areas where you can tighten up.
- Reducing Compliance Risks: Regulations are always changing. A skilled compliance auditor will help you navigate the labyrinth of rules and deadlines to avoid fines and penalties.
- Offering Strategic Advice: Numbers tell a story and a great financial auditor knows how to read it. With their insights, you can make better decisions about investments, growth opportunities, and cost-saving strategies.
- Saving You Money on Taxes: No one likes overpaying Uncle Sam. A tax auditor ensures your business is as tax-efficient as possible—legally minimizing what you owe while maximizing savings.
Think of them as your safety net. An internal audit expert, in particular, will go beyond the books, helping you anticipate risks, resolve inefficiencies, and position your business for financial sustainability.
The Benefits of Hiring a Good Auditor
Wondering if auditing services are worth the investment? Let me assure you—they’re worth every penny. Here’s why:
Financial transparency and accuracy
Surprises might be fun for birthdays but not for your ledger. A good auditor ensures all your numbers add up, giving you and your stakeholders confidence in your financial statements. Clean, accurate books promote trust across your team, clients, and potential investors. It’s the foundation of a healthy business.
For example, consider improving the accuracy of financial statements to reinforce trust with stakeholders.
Compliance and risk management
Ever feel like the rules change faster than you can keep up? I’ve seen businesses blindsided by missed regulatory deadlines and fines. A compliance auditor ensures you’re up to date on all fronts. With experts monitoring regulatory changes like those outlined by the SEC, you avoid unnecessary headaches and safeguard your reputation.
Improved operations
Efficiency matters. A good auditor doesn’t stop at the numbers—they look at your processes. They’ll identify bottlenecks and reduce waste, saving time and money while increasing overall productivity. The result? A more streamlined, effective business.
Take Johnson & Johnson as an example. By overhauling its internal audit process, the company drastically improved compliance tightened financial controls and accelerated audit timelines. That’s the transformational power of a great auditor.
Qualities of a Good Auditor
Not every auditor is a match for your business. Over the years, I’ve seen the difference a perfect-fit auditor can make, and it all boils down to these qualities:
Expertise and industry experience
You want someone who understands the unique challenges of your industry. Whether it’s navigating healthcare regulations or troubleshooting retail inventory errors, the right experience ensures they hit the ground running.
Independence and objectivity
An auditor needs to tell it like it is—especially when it’s hard to hear. Honest, unbiased feedback is what helps you fix problems proactively rather than reactively.
Stellar communication skills
Do you glaze over when complex financial jargon gets thrown around? I get it. A good auditor translates the technical into clear, actionable advice. Strong communication helps ensure you stay informed and empowered.
Tips for Finding a Good Auditor
Finding the right audit firm or individual isn’t just about a Google search. Here’s how to make a wise choice:
- Verify Credentials: Look for certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) to ensure they have met professional standards.
- Ask for Referrals: Reach out to colleagues or industry contacts for trusted recommendations.
- Check Their Experience: It’s important that your auditor understands your industry’s unique challenges and regulations.
- Interview Them: Take the time to meet with potential auditors. Assess their communication style and whether you feel comfortable working with them long-term.
The Role of a Good Auditor for Small Businesses
Small businesses often face added pressure to wear multiple hats. A good auditor can relieve some of that burden. As someone who’s spent over 15 years helping small businesses thrive, here’s what I’ve seen a skilled auditor accomplish:
Why small businesses need a good auditor
- Cost Savings: Auditors can significantly reduce costs by streamlining workflows and cutting unnecessary expenses.
- Simplifying Regulations: Compliance can feel overwhelming for small teams. A professional will make sure every “i” is dotted and “t“ is crossed.
- Streamlining Processes: Auditors excel at identifying inefficiencies and proposing better systems to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.
Even if your budget feels stretched, the return on investment—through saved time, more thoughtful planning, and risk reduction—is undeniable. For actionable advice, check out these small business bookkeeping tips.
Real-World Proof: Audit Efficiency Success Stories
Consider the National Bank of Georgia. By adopting Pentana Audit tools, they cut audit times by up to 50% and ensured real-time risk mitigation[1]. And HighGear’s platform saved one company $15,000 per audit by reducing manual processes and allowing remote work[3]. These examples prove that investing in good auditing pays dividends.
Conclusion
Choosing a good auditor is much more than ticking compliance boxes—they’re your gateway to transparency, efficiency, and sustainable growth. From minimizing tax burdens to keeping your operations nimble and compliant, the right professional can help scale your business to new heights.
As someone who’s made it her mission to revolutionize financial services through Complete Controller, I assure you that a skilled auditor makes life simpler and your books stronger. Are you ready to take your financial systems to the next level? Let us help you on this journey. Together, we’ll unlock your business’s full potential while establishing thought leadership through financial insights.
Contact the experts at Complete Controller to get started here.
FAQ
What does a good auditor do?
A good auditor combines technical auditing and advisory skills to help you maintain compliance, improve efficiency, and sustain financial growth.
Can small businesses afford a good auditor?
Yes! Hiring the right auditor often saves more in costs and risks than the upfront expense.
How can I find the right audit firm?
Seek firms with strong references, valid certifications, and industry-specific experience.
Can auditors help with taxes?
Absolutely. A tax auditor ensures your tax planning is optimized and free of errors.
Why is financial transparency important?
Transparency fosters trust with stakeholders and allows for better decision-making. Learn more about financial transparency.
Sources
Audit efficiency and cost savings:
- Ideagen – Pentana Audit Success Stories.
- HighGear – Importance of Auditing in a Financial Services Firm.
Case studies and history:
Johnson & Johnson internal audit overhaul (origin article). Lehman Brothers and Satyam scandals.
Additional insights:
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
