Auditor

Entry Requirements:

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:

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

Entry requirements:

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:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

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.

OtherRoutes

You can qualify to audit public sector organisations through an apprenticeship or graduate scheme with the National Audit Office .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

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

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

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

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £65,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings away from home

Career Path:

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.