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How to Become A Financial Auditor

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What is a Financial Auditor

A financial auditor checks a company’s financial records for accuracy and to make sure the rules are met. They make sure businesses report their finances correctly and follow the law. This role is great for people who enjoy numbers and want to protect financial honesty.

Auditors plan and carry out financial audits for companies, government bodies, and not-for-profits. They test financial systems, spot errors, and flag risks. They write clear reports and share findings with management teams.

Day-to-day tasks include reviewing account records, checking data for errors, and testing internal controls. You will work across different departments and with a wide range of clients. No two audits are the same, which keeps the work fresh and engaging.

Demand for financial auditors in Australia is growing. You can work in an accounting firm, a bank, a government department, or a large company. With the right training, this career leads to senior roles with strong pay and real responsibility.

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Career Outlook for Financial Auditor

Financial auditors are in steady demand across Australia. Most work full-time, typically 38 to 40 hours per week, though year-end periods can bring extra hours. Employment is mostly permanent, with strong job security across firms, banks, government agencies, and large companies.

The career outlook is positive. SEEK data from June 2026 projects job growth of 11.1% over five years for auditors. The average salary sits between $75,000 and $95,000 a year (SEEK, June 2026). Experienced auditors in financial services and government earn well above this range.

Most financial auditors enter the field in their mid- to late-20s. They finish a degree first and then gain some work experience. The profession welcomes both recent graduates and career changers. Strong demand and clear career paths make this one of the more rewarding roles in finance.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Financial Auditor

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in Accounting

Enrol in a Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at an Australian university. This degree takes three years full-time. It covers financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business law. Look for programs accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ. Accreditation eases your path to expert certification later.

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience in an Audit Role

Apply for a graduate or entry-level audit role at an accounting firm or in a corporate finance team. Most firms offer structured graduate programs that rotate you through different audit functions. Aim for at least three years of supervised audit work. This is needed before you can apply for professional certification.

Step 3: Complete a Professional Accounting Certification

Apply to CPA Australia for the CPA Program or to CA ANZ for the CA Program. Both require relevant work experience alongside study. The CPA Program takes around three years part-time. The CA Program takes around two to three years part-time. Both are widely recognised by employers and are required for senior audit roles.

Step 4: Register as a Registered Company Auditor (RCA) with ASIC

To audit companies under the Corporations Act, you must register as a Registered Company Auditor (RCA). Apply through the ASIC auditor registration portal at asic.gov.au. You need a relevant degree, a CA or CPA credential, and five years of relevant audit experience. Once registered, you can sign off on company audit reports.

Step 5: Keep Your Skills Current Through Ongoing Learning

All registered auditors must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. CPA Australia and CA ANZ both set annual CPD hour targets for their members. CPD keeps your knowledge current with changes to accounting standards, rules, and best practice. Report your CPD hours to your professional body each year to keep your registration active.

What does a Financial Auditor do?

A financial auditor reviews a company’s financial records to check for accuracy and to make sure the rules are met. Day to day, they plan and carry out audits, test internal controls, and check financial systems. They write clear reports with their findings and present these to management. Auditors also watch for changes in accounting rules and help teams build better financial processes. This is a hands-on, varied role that spans many types of companies.

Tasks

A financial auditor ensures that an organisation’s finances are accurate, transparent, and compliant with the law. They work across industries and with a wide range of clients. Here is what the job looks like day to day.

  • Conduct financial audits: review financial statements and records to check accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Test internal controls: assess whether financial controls are working correctly and find any gaps.
  • Prepare audit reports: document findings and provide clear recommendations for improvement.
  • Work with clients: meet finance teams to understand their processes and gather evidence.
  • Monitor compliance: keep track of changes to financial regulations and reporting standards.
  • Assess risk: identify financial risks and recommend steps to address them.
  • Carry out fieldwork: visit sites to review records and check that financial data is accurate.
  • Present findings: explain audit results to management and highlight any issues or discrepancies.

Skills for Success

To succeed as a financial auditor, you need a sharp eye for detail and solid accounting knowledge. Auditors check financial records closely, so even small mistakes matter. Strong analysis skills help you spot issues and find the right answers.

Good communication is just as important as technical skill. You will need to explain your findings clearly to clients and managers who may not have an accounting background. High ethical standards and a focus on honesty are also key to building trust in this role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking
  • Knowledge of accounting standards and regulations
  • Proficiency in accounting and audit software
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management and organisation
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Critical thinking
  • Data analysis skills
  • Understanding of internal controls and audit processes
  • Risk assessment skills
  • Adaptability to changing regulations and environments

Average Salaries

The average salary for a financial auditor in Australia is around $85,000 a year (SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles typically start from $65,000. Senior auditors in financial services and government can earn $130,000 or more. Pay rises with experience, expert credentials, and specialist skills.

min $65 K

max $130 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.