What is an auditor?

An auditor is primarily concerned with reporting on the financial position of an organization and on the results of its operations for a period of time. Auditors are hired to express an opinion as to whether the published financial statements of the organization are true and represent a fair view of their financial position and the results of its operations for the period for which such statements are prepared. The auditor is responsible for ensuring …

…to establish the credibility of financial statements but shareholders should not interpret the auditor's opinion as an assurance as to the future viability of the organization, future financial success and future cash dividends. Investors are not guaranteed they will not suffer losses from investing in the company's securities, and as to the efficiency or effectiveness with which the management has conducted the affairs of the company, since these are not the objectives of the audit.