What is an auditor’s role in accounting?

The role of an auditor in accounting is primarily focused on examining financial statements and accounting records to ensure they are accurate, reliable, and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This involves a systematic review of the financial documents, assessing whether they reflect the true financial position of the company and that the accounting practices used are aligned with established standards.

Auditors have a critical responsibility to provide an independent assessment of an organization's financial health, which helps maintain trust among stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulatory bodies. Through their assessments, auditors can identify potential discrepancies or areas where financial reporting could mislead stakeholders, thus playing a key role in upholding the integrity of the financial reporting process.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of accounting and finance, do not precisely capture the primary function of an auditor. Creating financial statements is typically the responsibility of the company's management, while tax consulting services are usually provided by tax advisors rather than auditors. Lastly, oversight of internal controls is a function that may involve auditors, but their primary role is centered on examining and verifying financial statements rather than managing internal control systems directly.