You could do an accountancy degree at university, then complete further training to become an auditor.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and maths
- 3 A levels or equivalent
Auditor
Internal and external auditors check organisations' financial records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and efficient.
Average salary (a year)
£25,000 Starter
to£80,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
evenings away from home
How to become an auditor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- training with a professional body
University
Apprenticeship
You may be able to complete an apprenticeship to qualify as an internal auditor, while working with a company. Training includes:
- a higher apprenticeship as an internal audit practitioner
- a level 7 apprenticeship as an internal audit professional
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for a higher or a degree apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You can join a company as a trainee auditor, or move into auditing by being seconded to an internal auditing team from another department.
You'll usually need at least A level qualifications or equivalent, and you'll be expected to take further training as your career develops.
Other routes
You can qualify by doing:
- a graduate training scheme after completing an accountancy degree at university
- the National Audit Office 3-year training scheme for graduates in any subject
- the National Audit Office 5-year training scheme for school leavers with 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications
More information
Professional and industry bodies
To be an external auditor, you'll need to be a qualified chartered accountant and a member of one of the following professional bodies:
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- The Association of International Accountants (AIA)
You'll need to be a member of the The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy to carry out audits in the public sector.
If you're qualified as an accountant with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), you can carry out internal audits.
Further information
You can find out more about working in auditing from the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties might involve:
- examining company accounts
- identifying any problems or risks to the business
- assessing the company's financial reporting systems
- making recommendations for improvements
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression
As an experienced external auditor, you could move into management and then become a partner or finance director. You could also set up your own accountancy practice.As an experienced internal auditor, you could move into a management role. You could also become a chartered internal auditor, or become a self-employed consultant.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Internal Audit Apprentice
- Wage : £14,718.00 Annually
- Location: Eastleigh SO50 9YN
Courses In England
L4 ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business
- Provider: Lambeth College
- Start date: 01 August 2020
- Location: London
ACCA F4 Corporate and Business Law
- Provider: Chichester College Group
- Start date: 06 September 2019
- Location: Chichester
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