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External Auditor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The External Auditor Consultant shall deliver, but not limited to, the following : Thoroughly assess and validate the audit findings for identified systems of record against client policies. Document ...

Internal Auditor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Document testing and results consistent with required SOX workpaper standards to facilitate external auditor reliance, where applicable. * Apply lessons learned from prior audits and identify ...

Senior Internal Auditor

Reston, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Coordinate with fellow Internal Auditors, external auditors, and consultants to complete assigned projects * Assess and respond to emerging ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) trends and ...

Senior Internal Auditor

Reston, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Coordinate with fellow Internal Auditors, external auditors, and consultants to complete assigned projects * Assess and respond to emerging ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) trends and ...

The Senior Director serves as a key liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, funders, and internal leadership while strengthening internal controls and compliance processes. This position ...

PCI DSS Internal Controls, Senior Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

Facilitate external auditors with performance or independent testing and coordination with process owners. Provide direct assistance, as needed (e.g., keyreportstesting, walkthroughs). * Assist with ...

Ensure accurate fund accounting and grant compliance * Assist with audit preparation and external auditor coordination * Supervise and mentor accounting staff within a multi-client environment

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External Auditor information

See Washington salary details

$73.1K

$98.5K

$110.4K

How much do external auditor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for external auditor in Washington is $98,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Do you need a CPA to be an external auditor?

While a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is often preferred or required for external auditors, especially in public accounting firms, it is not universally mandatory. Many employers value relevant experience, accounting knowledge, and professional certifications, but obtaining a CPA can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

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 those with certifications like CPA and several years of experience can earn significantly more, especially in larger firms or metropolitan areas.

What does an external auditor do?

An external auditor examines a company's financial statements and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. They assess internal controls, identify errors or fraud, and provide an independent opinion on the financial health of the organization, often working with auditing tools and requiring relevant certifications. External auditors typically work during specific audit periods and report their findings to stakeholders such as investors or regulators.

What are the most commonly searched types of External Auditor jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of External Auditor jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to External Auditor jobs in Washington?

For External Auditor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for External Auditor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most External Auditor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to External Auditor jobs in WA?

For External Auditor jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various External Auditor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,481 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

External Auditor Consultant

Washington, DC • On-site

VIVA USA INC
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

100% Remote or option to periodically work on-site
FISMA Compliance Support
BACKGROUND:
The Information Security & Privacy Branch of the client propose to engage two to three contractors to provide compliance and information security support to in preparation for annual FISMA audits, provide support in conducting an independent verification and validation of current policies and procedures, and assist with remediation of process improvements. This will also include assisting with ongoing IV&V assessments and audit support.
REQUIREMENTS:
In addition, the candidate shall have demonstrated experience in the following:
Experience with cloud and on-premis applications desirable.
Simultaneously works on several complex assignments requiring analysis of intricately related complex variables.
Experience with leading and successfully developing audit and security related system documentation and requirements desired.
Must have at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the information technology arena as an IT auditor, IT security analyst, IT manager, business analyst, system administrator or a combination of these.
Possess clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communication and project management skills needed for functioning in an unstructured matrix management environment.
Experience with assessing financial systems leveraging NIST 800 series, or FISMA Compliance strongly desired.
CISSP or CISA certification strongly desired.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Participates in the process to evaluate, develop, maintain, and update the technology compliance program. Advises the technology support officer and technology managers on compliance, information security, and internal controls.
Prepares the technology departments for the yearly FISMA audits.
Assist in developing required documents in support of internal FISMA reviews.
Develop solutions with team members to minimize vulnerabilities.
Advises the technology officer of compliance issues and recommends solutions
Provides a weekly status report to the COR documenting concerns, issues, risks, and progress.
Recommends and helps implement automated solutions in the areas of compliance, auditing, and vulnerability detection for the branch.
Designs, tests, and implements audit mechanisms to detect non-compliance and to support evaluations of evidentiary materials. Ensures proper audit trails are recorded.
Creates audit and monitoring reports used by the team, as directed.
The External Auditor Consultant shall deliver, but not limited to, the following:
Thoroughly assess and validate the audit findings for identified systems of record against client policies. Document findings and recommendations.
Crosswalk the evidence and latest client Information Security Program (BISP) against the CISA and FedRamp standards and procedures and document the results.
Provide recommendations, develop action plans, and help implement capabilities to improve compliance and security practices.
Document updates to compliance related policies, processes, procedures, and/or standards as directed.
Notes:
100% Remote or option to periodically work on-site
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status