How to Become an External Auditor in the UK
External auditors check that a company's financial statements give a true and fair view, so that shareholders, lenders and regulators can rely on them. Working in teams at an accountancy firm, you test transactions and balances, review controls, challenge management's judgements and document your evidence, with busy seasons around clients' year ends. Clients range from small companies to listed groups, charities and public bodies.
Most people join an audit firm as a graduate or school-leaver trainee and study for a chartered accountancy qualification, usually the ACA or ACCA, while they work.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £70,000
- Senior salary
- £90,000 - £150,000
- Work environment
- Office or hybrid
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years (ACA/ACCA)
- Degree required
- Usually required
- Category
- Business, Finance and Legal
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers.
What a External Auditor does
Audit company accounts as part of a regulated practice - assurance work for investors and HMRC.
- Audit Trainee - Train as auditor in Big 4 / mid-tier firm.
- Manager Audit - Manage audit fieldwork and clients.
- Specialist Audit - Banking, insurance or public sector specialty.
- Audit Partner Track - Senior manager to director route to partner.
How to become an external auditor in the UK
Audit trainees typically join on a graduate scheme or school-leaver programme and study for the ICAEW ACA, ACCA or ICAS CA, often through the Level 7 Accountancy or taxation professional apprenticeship. Firms usually pay for tuition and exams. Some people start with the AAT qualification and move into audit later. Qualifying generally takes three to five years. Statutory audit is regulated: only firms registered with a recognised supervisory body, such as ICAEW, ACCA or ICAS, can sign audit reports, and individuals need further experience and approval to sign them. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) oversees the audit profession.
- Get good GCSEs in maths and English, plus A levels or a degree in any subject, as most audit trainee schemes set academic entry requirements.
- Apply for graduate or school-leaver audit programmes at accountancy firms, including mid-tier and smaller firms as well as the largest networks.
- Choose your qualification with your employer, usually the ICAEW ACA, ACCA or ICAS CA, and plan your study around the audit busy season.
- Learn the International Standards on Auditing (UK) and how to document audit evidence clearly, as reviewers judge your work on the quality of your files.
- Pass your professional exams and complete the practical experience requirements to become chartered, which usually brings promotion to audit senior.
- After qualifying, specialise in areas such as financial services audit, IT audit or public sector audit, or work towards manager and partner roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate audit trainee scheme (ACA, ACCA or CA) | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | Graduates in any subject |
| School-leaver audit programme or apprenticeship | About 4-5 years | Paid by the employer | A level students avoiding student debt |
| AAT, then move into audit | 1-2 years for AAT, then ACA or ACCA | Often employer-funded | People starting in bookkeeping or accounts |
How long it takes
Expect 3 to 5 years to qualify as a chartered accountant while working as an audit trainee. You can start your first trainee role straight after A levels or graduation.
External Auditor salary in the UK
Audit trainees in the UK typically start on around £28,000 to £35,000. Once qualified and promoted to senior or manager, pay rises to around £45,000 to £70,000, and senior managers, directors and audit partners earn around £90,000 to £150,000 or more. The largest firms and London offices pay the most, and qualifying as chartered brings a clear pay jump. Experience in financial services audit is particularly valued, and many qualified auditors move into finance roles in industry, often for more predictable hours.
Key skills
- Auditing standards
- Accounting
- Analysis
- Client comms
- Stamina
External Auditor FAQs
How do I become an external auditor in the UK?
Join an accountancy firm as a graduate or school-leaver audit trainee and study for the ICAEW ACA, ACCA or ICAS CA while you work. Your firm usually pays for tuition and exams. Qualifying typically takes three to five years.
Do I need a degree to become an auditor?
No. Many firms run school-leaver programmes and apprenticeships that lead to the same chartered qualifications. A relevant degree can earn some exam exemptions, but it is not essential, and graduates in any subject are recruited.
How much does an external auditor earn in the UK?
Audit trainees usually earn £28,000 to £35,000. Qualified auditors at senior and manager level earn about £45,000 to £70,000, and senior managers, directors and partners £90,000 to £150,000 or more.
What is the difference between internal and external audit?
External auditors work for an independent firm and give an opinion on a company's financial statements, usually because the law requires it. Internal auditors work for, or are contracted to, the organisation and review its risks, controls and processes for management.
Is External Auditor right for you?
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