Job Description

Auditors are independent specialists who assess the accounts of companies and organisations to ensure that the financial records are valid and legal, they will monitor the money going in and out of an organisation to ensure that it is recorded and processed correctly. They may also advise companies on cost saving measures. Auditors can be either internal or external, internal auditors work largely in the private sector and external auditors will work for either a private accountancy firm or in the public sector for the National Audit Office.

Entry Requirements

You can get this job through:

College

It may be useful if you studied a relevant course like, Business Foundation Diploma Level 3 or Business Studies.

You will usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Business:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

The National Audit Office 5-year training scheme for school leavers with 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications

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 and a level 7 apprenticeship as an internal audit professional.

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.

Click here to find an apprenticeship.

University

You could do an accountancy degree at university, then complete further training to become an auditor.

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

Click here to search for a suitable course.

The National Audit Office 3-year training scheme for graduates in any subject.

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.

Career Tips

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.

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Company secretary
Private practice accountant
Public finance accountant
Tax inspector

Required Skills

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

Salary Range

£25,000 to £80,000

Auditor