Compliance Audit Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of governance and regulations, the role of a Compliance Audit Specialist has never been more critical.

As businesses continue to operate within increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscapes, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure organizational compliance, review processes, and mitigate risk is on the rise.

But let’s dive a bit deeper: What does a Compliance Audit Specialist truly do?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant trying to understand the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager sketching out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of compliance auditing,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Compliance Audit Specialist job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Compliance Audit Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Audit Specialists perform comprehensive checks to ensure an organization is adhering to laws, regulations, and internal policies in their business operations.

They help companies avoid legal complications and maintain their reputations by identifying risks and non-compliance issues.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and understanding the organization’s processes, practices, and internal control systems
• Performing regular audits to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Identifying and analyzing areas of non-compliance or risk
• Documenting audit findings and reporting them to management
• Developing recommendations for corrective action and enhanced controls
• Collaborating with other departments to ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Staying abreast of industry trends, changes in laws, and regulatory standards
• Providing training and guidance to company staff regarding regulatory compliance matters
• Assisting in the preparation for and response to external audits and inspections
• Maintaining audit documentation for historical purposes and to support regulatory reporting

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Compliance Audit Specialist to ensure our company is adhering to regulatory standards and in-house policies.

The responsibilities of the Compliance Audit Specialist will include conducting regular audits, preparing reports, implementing safety and compliance programs, and ensuring that all systems and operations are running in accordance with legal and internal guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical skills and a keen eye for detail.

They should be familiar with legal terminology and procedures, and be able to effectively communicate and report their findings.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular audits across various departments to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare and present reports detailing the results of audits.
• Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues.
• Provide guidance on compliance matters.
• Collaborate with other departments to create a culture of compliance.
• Stay updated with changes in regulatory norms and ensure that the company policies are in-line with these changes.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Compliance Audit Specialist or in a similar role.
• Knowledge of legal requirements and controls (e.g. Anti-Money Laundering, or AML).
• Familiarity with industry practices and professional standards.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Integrity and professional ethics.
• Teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Professional certification (e.g. Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)) is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business administration or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Compliance Audit Specialist
• Work Environment: Professional office setting with occasional remote work. Some travel may be required for audits or training.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Director of Compliance.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $72,657 minimum to $117,892 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Compliance Audit Specialist Do?

Compliance Audit Specialists typically work for corporations, government agencies, or as members of auditing firms.

They can also work as independent consultants.

They closely collaborate with various teams within an organization to review and assess compliance procedures.

Their primary role is to ensure that the company is adhering to internal policies, industry regulations, and government legislation.

Compliance Audit Specialists conduct audits and reviews, scrutinize and analyze the accuracy of control systems, and ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

They examine an organization’s financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to ensure that records are accurate and controls are adequate.

They are also responsible for identifying compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.

They may also develop and implement policies and procedures, including compliance programs, to ensure that these are in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

In case of any non-compliance issues, Compliance Audit Specialists report to the management and suggest corrective actions.

They also provide training and guidance to employees to ensure ongoing compliance, and stay updated with the latest trends, rules, and regulations in the industry.

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Compliance Audit Specialist should possess a range of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to effectively execute their role, such as:

• Analytical skills to understand and evaluate complex compliance procedures and regulations in various business operations.
• Excellent knowledge of audit procedures, including planning, techniques, test and sampling methods involved in conducting audits.
• Strong knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards that govern the organization’s operation, ensuring all procedures adhere to these rules.
• Ability to identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation using problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex compliance reports to stakeholders and provide clear instructions to the organization’s staff.
• Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with others in the team and liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities when necessary.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple audits and projects simultaneously, ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Attention to detail to ensure all audit records and documentation are accurate and well maintained.

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Experience Requirements

Aspiring Compliance Audit Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Business, Finance, or Accounting, during which they gain a fundamental understanding of the principles of auditing and compliance.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in auditing, risk management, or compliance departments.

They often start in roles such as Junior Auditor, Compliance Analyst, or Risk Management Assistant.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience usually have a solid understanding of audit and compliance procedures, regulatory guidelines, and risk management strategies.

They may have worked as Auditors, Compliance Officers, or Risk Management Specialists in various industries like banking, healthcare, or manufacturing.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have honed their skills in maintaining compliance with various laws and regulations, conducting regular audits, and recommending improvements.

These professionals may have served in roles like Senior Auditor, Compliance Manager, or Risk Management Consultant.

Professionals with over 10 years of experience are often considered experts in the field and may have accumulated experience in leading audit teams, developing compliance strategies, and collaborating with senior management.

These individuals are ideal candidates for the Compliance Audit Specialist role.

Continuous professional development through certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) can also add to their credibility and expertise in the field.

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Compliance Audit Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in fields such as business, finance, accounting, or a related field.

They need to have a strong background in regulatory compliance, auditing, and understanding of industry-specific laws and regulations.

Mastery in numerical abilities and analytical skills is a must.

Some positions may require Compliance Audit Specialists to have a master’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related discipline, depending on the complexity of the role or the industry.

Several positions prefer candidates with a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential, which demonstrate expertise in the field.

Having a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification can also be beneficial, especially for roles in the financial sector.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification not only improves job prospects but can also indicate a candidate’s dedication to ongoing learning and leadership potential.

Besides education and certification, Compliance Audit Specialists are expected to continuously stay abreast of current trends and changes in laws and regulations relevant to their industry.

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Salary Expectations

A Compliance Audit Specialist earns an average salary of $69,675 (USD) per year.

The actual income may differ based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, the complexity of the job, the size of the company, and the location.

 

Compliance Audit Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Compliance Audit Specialist need?

Compliance Audit Specialists should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to efficiently identify and assess compliance issues.

They also need excellent organizational skills to handle multiple audits and projects simultaneously.

Communication skills are crucial for presenting findings and recommendations, while attention to detail is essential for thorough compliance reviews.

 

Do Compliance Audit Specialists need a degree?

Yes, most Compliance Audit Specialists hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as finance, accounting, or business.

Some positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these areas.

Additionally, obtaining certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) can enhance career prospects.

 

What should you look for in a Compliance Audit Specialist resume?

In a Compliance Audit Specialist’s resume, look for a degree in finance, business or accounting, and certifications related to compliance or audit.

Relevant work experience in compliance, risk management, or auditing is crucial.

Pay attention to the candidate’s knowledge of compliance laws and regulations, their analytical skills, and their ability to manage projects.

 

What qualities make a good Compliance Audit Specialist?

A good Compliance Audit Specialist is highly analytical and detail-oriented to ensure all regulations are met and risks are identified.

They should be resilient and adaptable, as compliance regulations frequently change.

Excellent communication skills are critical for presenting complex compliance issues in a comprehensible manner.

They should also possess high levels of integrity, as they’ll often handle sensitive information.

 

What is the difference between a Compliance Audit Specialist and a Compliance Officer?

While both roles focus on ensuring an organization is adhering to relevant laws, regulations, and standards, a Compliance Audit Specialist concentrates on auditing an organization’s processes to identify any potential compliance issues.

On the other hand, a Compliance Officer typically takes a broader view, developing, implementing, and managing the overall compliance program within an organization.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Compliance Audit Specialist?

Given the niche skill set and the high level of responsibility associated with this role, finding qualified Compliance Audit Specialists can be challenging.

Companies often look for candidates with specific experience in their industry or with the regulations they must comply with, narrowing the pool of potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the intricacies of being a Compliance Audit Specialist.

Surprise surprise!

It’s not just about checking boxes on a list.

It’s about paving the way to an ethically sound business environment, one audit at a time.

With our definitive Compliance Audit Specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re geared up for your next endeavor.

But why stop at being good when you can be great?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting pinpoint accurate job listings or polishing your resume to shine.

Keep in mind:

Every audit is a step towards a more compliant and ethical business world.

Let’s build that future. Together.

How to Become a Compliance Audit Specialist (Complete Guide)

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