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Auditor
Internal and external auditors check organisations' financial records and procedures to make sure they are accurate and efficient.
Average salary (a year)
£19000
Starter
£65000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
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
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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