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Auditor

Alternative titles for this job include

Internal and external auditors check organisations' financial records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and efficient.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

You could do a degree, then join a graduate scheme to complete further training to become an auditor.

Employers will accept a range of degree subjects. Relevant subjects include:

  • accountancy
  • economics
  • business and finance
  • IT and computing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to complete an apprenticeship to qualify as an internal auditor, while working with a company.

You could do a:

  • higher apprenticeship as an internal audit practitioner
  • 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, for a higher or 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 to audit public sector organisations through an apprenticeship or graduate scheme with the National Audit Office.

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:

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • business management skills
  • customer service skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you might:

  • examine company accounts
  • identify any risks to the business
  • assess the company's financial reporting systems
  • interview staff to gather evidence
  • observe business processes
  • analyse financial data
  • make recommendations for improvements

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Assurance Practitioner - Internal Audit Practitioner Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,575.00 Annually
  • Location: Topsham Road, Exeter
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

ACCA L6 Advanced Audit and Assurance

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 20 December 2023
  • Location: Chichester

ACCA F7 Financial reporting

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 08 September 2023
  • Location: Chichester
Find courses near you

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