Professional accounting qualifications are essential, such as ACCA, ACA (ICAEW), or CIMA. These provide the technical knowledge, ethical grounding, and practical experience needed to succeed in auditing. A university degree in accounting, finance, or business is highly valuable, and additional courses in auditing standards, IFRS, or financial reporting can give you a competitive advantage.
What is the accounts receivable team?
Accounts receivable is the recording and processing of financial transactions relating to sales and customers. The opportunities span a number of valuable roles such as:
- Billing analyst: Liaise with the organisation’s sales teams to carry out timely invoicing of customers.
- Cash applications analyst: Ensure the prompt and accurate allocation of invoice payments to the relevant departments and functions.
- Collections and disputes analyst: Collect overdue payments and resolve payment issues highlighted by customers.
- Credit control analyst: Perform day to day credit management activities and ensure credit information and analyses are up to date.
- Accounts receivable manager: Coordinate the team to ensure customer payments are handled efficiently.
All accounts receivable roles contribute to strong customer relationships, but also ensure that money is coming into the business in a timely manner.
Equally, you may be interested in the accounts payable team, which manages the process of paying suppliers.
How do I achieve it?
The knowledge and skills required for this career are available through our Foundations level qualifications. Once completing these exams, you can research how to improve employability to help you secure a role in the accounts receivable team - or progress to the ACCA Qualification if you want to secure a management role.
Frequently asked questions
Successful auditors need strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills. Understanding accounting principles, auditing standards, and financial reporting is crucial. Familiarity with Excel, audit software, and data analytics tools is increasingly important. Time management, teamwork, and adaptability are also essential, as audit work can be fast-paced and deadline-driven.
Progression usually takes around 3–5 years, depending on experience, performance, and completion of professional qualifications. Exceptional performers may move faster, particularly within large accounting firms with structured career paths.
External auditors work both at their firm’s office and at client sites. Peak periods, such as year-end audits, often involve long hours, including evenings and occasional weekends. Outside peak periods, work is more balanced. Team collaboration, client interaction, and project-based work are central to the role.
The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) provide structured graduate programs, diverse client exposure, and strong career development. Mid-tier and regional accounting firms also offer excellent opportunities, often with more direct client interaction. Beyond accounting firms, financial services, manufacturing, and the public sector employ external auditors.
Yes. Audit experience opens doors to roles in management accounting, internal audit, financial reporting, corporate finance, risk management, consultancy, and assurance. The technical knowledge, business insight, and client experience gained in audit are highly transferable.
Technology is transforming external auditing through automation, data analytics, and AI tools. Routine tasks are increasingly automated, allowing auditors to focus on judgment, interpretation, and strategic insights. Cloud-based audit software and advanced analytics also improve accuracy, efficiency, and risk assessment.
Graduate auditors in the UK typically start with salaries of £25,000–£35,000. Senior auditors earn £40,000–£60,000, while managers and specialists may earn £70,000 or more. Salaries vary by firm, sector, location, and level of experience, with the Big Four generally offering higher starting packages.
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