Auditor

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.

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Accounting - Auditors examine company accounts and financial records to check they are accurate and comply with regulations. Understanding accounting principles, financial statements, and bookkeeping methods is fundamental to being able to spot errors, fraud, or inefficiencies.
• Mathematics - Auditors work with numbers every day – analysing financial data, checking calculations, and assessing whether figures add up correctly. Strong maths skills help them spot discrepancies, calculate ratios, and interpret statistical samples from large datasets.
• Economics - Auditors need to understand how businesses operate within the wider economy, including factors like market conditions, inflation, and regulation. This helps them assess whether a company's financial performance and forecasts are realistic and reasonable.
• Business - Auditors assess how well an organisation is managed, looking at its processes, internal controls, and risk management. Understanding business structures, strategy, and operations helps them identify weaknesses and recommend practical improvements.

Also relevant

• Law - Auditors need to understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern financial reporting, such as company law and tax legislation. External auditors in particular must ensure that organisations comply with legal requirements when preparing their accounts.
• English Language - Auditors write detailed reports explaining their findings and recommendations to senior managers, boards, and regulators. They also interview staff to gather evidence, so being able to communicate clearly – both in writing and in person – is essential.
• Computer Science - Auditors increasingly use data analytics tools and audit software to examine large volumes of financial transactions and detect anomalies. Understanding how databases, algorithms, and digital systems work helps them carry out more effective and efficient audits.