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External Auditor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Adient

Senior Internal Auditor

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Partners with management and external auditors to ensure compliance with SOX, regulatory requirements, and company policies while delivering actionable recommendations to strengthen internal controls ...

First National Bank of America

Senior Auditor

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$76K - $94K/yr

Prior experience in internal or external auditing * Experience managing projects from start to finish * Internal control development, review, or testing * Experience preparing and reviewing financial ...

KLA Corporation

Sr Internal Auditor (E)

Ann Arbor, MI

$84K - $143K/yr

Coordinate with external auditors on documentation requests, design assessments, and follow-up questions * Support control certification processes and other SOX assurance activities * Identify ...

KLA Corporation

Sr Internal Auditor (E)

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$84K - $143K/yr

Coordinate with external auditors on documentation requests, design assessments, and follow-up questions * Support control certification processes and other SOX assurance activities * Identify ...

Orbotech

Sr Internal Auditor (E)

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$84K - $143K/yr

Coordinate with external auditors on documentation requests, design assessments, and follow-up questions * Support control certification processes and other SOX assurance activities * Identify ...

Kla

Sr Internal Auditor (E)

Ann Arbor, MI

$84K - $143K/yr

Coordinate with external auditors on documentation requests, design assessments, and follow-up questions * Support control certification processes and other SOX assurance activities * Identify ...

Venteon

Senior Internal Auditor

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Serve as primary SOX liaison with external auditors; manage timelines, evidence, and issue resolution. * Collaborate with cross function teams to identify, assess, and remediate control gaps ...

First National Bank of America

Senior Auditor

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$76K - $94K/yr

Prior experience in internal or external auditing * Experience managing projects from start to finish * Internal control development, review, or testing * Experience preparing and reviewing financial ...

Adecco

DQR Quality Auditor - 1st Shift

Warren, MI

$21 - $28/hr

Experience working with internal teams, customers, and external auditors. * Strong communication and problem-solving skills. * APQP experience is a plus. * Knowledge of automotive quality core tools ...

Robert Half

Internal Auditor

Livonia, MI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Validate remediation efforts and assist with reporting for leadership and external auditors. Risk-Based Audits * Execute operational, financial, and compliance audits using a risk-based methodology.

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External Auditor information

See Michigan salary details

$56.2K

$75.8K

$85K

How much do external auditor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for external auditor in Michigan is $75,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $80,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a CPA to be an external auditor?

While a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is not always mandatory to work as an external auditor, many employers prefer or require CPAs due to the professional standards and credibility it provides. In some jurisdictions and for certain roles, obtaining a CPA can enhance job prospects and is often necessary for performing audits of public companies or regulated entities. Additionally, relevant experience, accounting knowledge, and familiarity with auditing standards are essential for external auditors.

What is the difference between External Auditor vs Internal Auditor?

AspectExternal AuditorInternal Auditor
CertificationsCPA, CIACIA, CPA (optional)
Work EnvironmentIndependent, client sites, audit firmsCompany’s internal department
Primary FocusFinancial statement accuracy for external stakeholdersOperational efficiency and risk management
EmployerPublic accounting firms, corporationsWithin the organization

External Auditors primarily focus on verifying financial statements for external parties, working independently at client sites, and often hold CPA or CIA certifications. Internal Auditors work within a company to improve internal controls and processes, typically holding CIA or CPA credentials. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and objectives, with External Auditors emphasizing external compliance and Internal Auditors focusing on internal improvements.

What is an external auditor?

An external auditor assesses an organization’s financial statements and other legal documents for accuracy and legal compliance. Shareholders or board members typically hire external auditors to serve as an objective party to determine whether or not the finances or the company are being reported correctly. As an external auditor, you compile and examine financial records, ensure that financial reporting complies with legal and industry regulations, and detail any signs of fraud. You need to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with several years of experience in accounting to pursue a career as an external auditor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external auditor?

To thrive as an External Auditor, you need strong analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and a degree in accounting or finance, often accompanied by certifications such as CPA or ACCA. Familiarity with audit software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and data analytics tools is typically required. Excellent communication, integrity, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for building client trust and navigating complex audit scenarios. These competencies ensure accurate financial assessments, compliance with regulations, and the delivery of valuable insights to clients.

What are some common challenges faced by external auditors during client engagements?

External auditors often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, managing large volumes of complex financial data, and ensuring clear communication with client stakeholders. They must also remain independent and objective while building rapport with client teams, which can be delicate if audit findings highlight areas for improvement. Navigating evolving regulatory requirements and maintaining up-to-date technical knowledge are also critical aspects of the role, requiring auditors to be adaptable and detail-oriented.

How much do external auditors get paid?

External auditors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level auditors may start at lower salaries, while senior auditors and managers can earn significantly more, especially with professional certifications like CPA.
More about External Auditor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of External Auditor jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of External Auditor jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to External Auditor jobs in Michigan? For External Auditor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching External Auditor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for External Auditor jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for External Auditor jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most External Auditor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to External Auditor jobs in MI? For External Auditor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
External Auditor jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Auditor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,787 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Senior Internal Auditor

Adient

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Adient rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Summary
The Senior Internal Auditor leads complex internal audits and the end-to-end SOX program across global operations. Partners with management and external auditors to ensure compliance with SOX, regulatory requirements, and company policies while delivering actionable recommendations to strengthen internal controls and operational effectiveness. Reports to the Senior Manager, Internal Audit & Global SOX Compliance.
Core Responsibilities
SOX & Internal Controls
  • Lead SOX risk assessment, scoping, control design, testing, quality assurance, remediation monitoring, and management reporting.
  • Serve as primary SOX liaison with external auditors; manage timelines, evidence, and issue resolution.
  • Collaborate with cross function teams to identify, assess, and remediate control gaps, ensuring sustainable solutions and timely closure of issues.
  • Review Section 302 certifications, identify themes/gaps, and support remediation plans.
  • Maintain and enhance SOX documentation (RCMs, test procedures, templates) and administer Workiva (dashboards, issues, reporting).
  • Deliver SOX and internal control training to control owners and testers.
  • Lead SOX Program Maturity projects.

Internal Audit
  • Execute functional, site, and specialized audits across planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
  • Assess compliance with company policies, US GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory standards.
  • Communicate results to stakeholders at all levels and track timely, sustainable remediation of findings.

Business Partnership & Risk Advisory
  • Build strong relationships with leaders; position Internal Audit as a trusted advisor.
  • Monitor regulatory changes, industry trends, and emerging risks; embed leading practices.
  • Up to ~20% domestic/international travel.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field.
  • 4+ years progressive experience in accounting, finance, internal/external audit with SOX leadership.
  • Big 4 experience strongly preferred; CPA, CIA, CFE and/or CISA preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of SOX, COSO, PCAOB, IIA Standards, US GAAP, and IFRS.
  • Experience in global and/or manufacturing environments preferred.

Key Skills
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; ability to translate complex issues for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficient in MS Office; experience with SAP, Hyperion, QAD, Workiva, and BI tools (e.g., Power BI) preferred.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills; high ethical standards and sound judgment.
  • Self-directed, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.

PRIMARY LOCATION
Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI

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