The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Finance Assistant / Accounts Clerk
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Strong foundational accounting knowledge, meticulous record-keeping, understanding of core financial processes (e.g., AP, AR, GL), basic Excel skills.
You're ready to move on when
- You're consistently praised for your accuracy and attention to detail in your current finance role.
- You've started to question 'why' certain processes are done the way they are.
- You're keen to understand the bigger picture of financial controls and risk.
- 2
Junior Internal Audit Clerk
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Basic audit testing procedures, workpaper documentation, understanding of internal control concepts, effective information gathering.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully completed assigned audit test steps with minimal supervision.
- You've demonstrated a strong grasp of audit methodology and workpaper standards.
- You're eager to take on more complex audit areas and manage more of the audit process independently.
- 3
Graduate Trainee (Finance/Audit)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Application of academic knowledge to real-world financial scenarios, professional communication, project management basics, exposure to various finance functions.
You're ready to move on when
- You've excelled in your graduate programme, showing a strong aptitude for analytical tasks.
- You've actively sought out opportunities to understand internal controls and risk management.
- You're ready to specialise in internal audit and deepen your technical skills.