What Is the Salary of a Good Auditor in Singapore?

Singapore is a global business hub known for its strong financial and regulatory environment. With thousands of local and multinational companies operating here, the demand for skilled auditors remains strong. But what does a “good auditor” in Singapore actually earn?

In this article, we explore the salary range for auditors in Singapore, considering factors like experience, qualifications, firm size, industry sector, and job responsibilities. We’ll also dive into career growth prospects, benefits, and what makes an auditor truly valuable in the Singapore market.

1. What Is a “Good” Auditor?

Before diving into numbers, let’s define what we mean by a good auditor. A good auditor is someone who:

• Has strong technical knowledge of accounting and auditing standards (e.g., SFRS, IFRS)

• Demonstrates integrity, independence, and professional skepticism

• Communicates well with clients and internal stakeholders

• Delivers work efficiently and accurately under tight deadlines

• Adds value by identifying risks, suggesting process improvements, and staying updated with regulations

In Singapore, a good auditor typically has a professional certification (like ACCA, CA Singapore, CPA) and several years of relevant experience — especially in top-tier firms (the Big Four) or in-house at established companies.

2. Entry-Level Audit Salaries in Singapore

Fresh graduates who enter the audit profession in Singapore typically start at:

• S$2,800 to S$3,500/month
  (or approximately S$33,600 to S$42,000/year)

This is for positions such as Audit Associate or Junior Auditor in public accounting firms. Entry-level salaries may vary depending on the firm’s size:

• Big Four firms (PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG) may offer S$3,000 to S$3,500/month

• Mid-tier or small audit firms may offer between S$2,500 to S$3,200/month

While the salary at the entry level is modest, the exposure, learning curve, and career growth opportunities are significant, especially for those who stay in the profession.

3. Mid-Level Auditor Salaries

As auditors gain more experience (2–5 years), they take on more responsibilities such as supervising juniors, handling client portfolios, and managing timelines.

Common job titles at this stage include:

• Audit Senior / Senior Auditor

• Assistant Audit Manager

Salary range:

• S$3,800 to S$6,000/month (or S$45,600 to S$72,000/year)

The range depends on the firm, qualifications, and how quickly the individual has progressed.

• In the Big Four, a high-performing Senior Auditor can expect S$5,000 to S$6,000/month

• In mid-tier firms, the range is more likely to be S$3,800 to S$5,000/month

4. Experienced Auditor & Manager-Level Salaries

After 5 to 8 years of experience, auditors often move into managerial roles such as:

• Audit Manager

• Senior Audit Manager

These professionals lead teams, oversee audit engagements, and serve as the main point of contact for clients.

Salary range:

• S$6,000 to S$10,000/month (or S$72,000 to S$120,000/year)

Some larger firms or in-house internal audit positions offer even higher packages, especially in regulated industries like banking or insurance. Managers with dual expertise in audit and tax or audit and risk management are especially in demand.

5. Audit Directors and Partners

At the top of the audit career path are:

• Audit Directors

• Audit Partners (especially in public accounting firms)

Audit Partners are equity owners in the firm or senior leaders with significant client portfolios and strategic responsibilities.

Salary range:

• S$150,000 to S$300,000+ per year

• In the Big Four or top-tier firms, Audit Partners can earn S$400,000 or more annually (including bonuses and profit-sharing)

This range varies greatly depending on:

• The size of the firm

• Client base managed

• Revenue contributed to the firm

• Equity share (if applicable)

6. Internal vs External Audit Salaries

Auditors can work in two main environments:

a) External Auditors

These auditors work in public accounting firms and perform statutory audits for various clients.

• Salary growth is structured but demanding due to long hours and peak audit periods.

• Higher learning curve and more diverse industry exposure.

b) Internal Auditors

These auditors work in-house and assess their own organization’s internal controls and compliance.

• Internal auditors in sectors like banking, oil & gas, and MNCs can earn more than external auditors, especially with risk or IT audit specialization.

• More work-life balance but potentially slower progression.

Example:
A Senior Internal Auditor in a bank or MNC might earn S$6,000 to S$8,500/month depending on specialization.

7. Factors That Influence an Auditor’s Salary

Several key factors affect how much a good auditor earns in Singapore:

a) Qualifications

• CA Singapore, ACCA, CPA Australia, ICAEW, or CIA (for internal audit) increase earning potential.

b) Experience

• Years in the field, variety of clients handled, and leadership roles matter.

c) Industry

• Audit professionals in banking, fintech, real estate, and multinational corporations tend to earn more.

d) Firm Size

• Big Four firms tend to offer better salary packages and bonuses, especially at senior levels.

e) Soft Skills & Client Management

• Auditors who can manage clients well, communicate clearly, and lead teams are highly valued and often promoted faster.

8. Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks

While salary is important, good auditors in Singapore also enjoy a variety of non-monetary benefits:

• Bonuses: Year-end performance bonuses range from 1 to 3 months (or more)

• Training and CPD: Ongoing professional development paid for by the firm

• Leave Entitlements: Annual leave, study leave, and exam leave

• Career Mobility: Opportunities to transfer to regional offices or shift to consulting or finance roles

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Post-COVID, many audit firms offer remote or hybrid work options

9. Career Growth and Future Outlook

Auditing remains a stable and in-demand profession in Singapore due to regulatory requirements and growing demand for governance and transparency. The skills acquired in auditing — such as analytical thinking, risk assessment, and financial analysis — are highly transferable.

A good auditor can evolve into roles such as:

• Finance Manager / CFO

• Risk Consultant

• Compliance Officer

• Internal Audit Head

• Audit Partner

As Singapore continues to attract international businesses, the need for skilled auditors will remain high — especially those who stay current with automation tools, data analytics, and ESG reporting.

Conclusion

So, what is the salary of a good auditor in Singapore?

It ranges widely based on experience and role — from S$33,000/year at entry level to over S$300,000/year for seasoned partners. But beyond the numbers, being a good auditor means having a professional mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver real value to clients or employers.

Whether you’re starting your career or aiming for the top, auditing in Singapore offers a financially rewarding and intellectually enriching path. And with demand only growing, now is a great time to be — or become — a good auditor.

Find Singapore auditor at https://kohlimaudit.sg/