Internal Auditor Roles in Financial Services

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

Internal Audit roles in Financial Services offer ACA-qualified professionals exposure to complex regulatory environments, risk management frameworks, and governance structures. These positions combine technical expertise with business insight, providing a comprehensive view of operations within banks, insurers, and investment firms.

Key Insights

Internal Audit is expanding in Financial Services due to increasing regulatory demands and the need for robust control environments. These roles provide excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and technical specialists across the organisation.

£50k–£65k

Typical salary range for newly qualified internal auditors in Financial Services.

Strong career progression

With opportunities to specialise in areas such as technology audit, regulatory compliance, or financial crime.

Role Responsibilities

Internal Auditors in Financial Services assess control frameworks, evaluate regulatory compliance, review operational processes, and identify emerging risks. They work across multiple business lines, prepare detailed audit reports, and support the implementation of control improvements to address regulatory and business requirements.

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Qualifications and Skills

Financial Services firms value ACA-qualified auditors for their technical knowledge and structured approach. Key skills include:
  • Understanding of financial services regulations (e.g., FCA, PRA requirements)

  • Knowledge of risk frameworks and governance structures

  • Data analysis and sampling techniques

  • Clear report writing and presentation skills

  • Ability to navigate complex organisational structures

Where This Role Can Take You

Internal Audit in Financial Services provides pathways to roles in risk management, compliance, financial control, or business transformation.

The breadth of exposure makes it an excellent foundation for those aiming for senior risk or governance positions within regulated environments.

Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in internal audit.
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Internal Auditor Roles in Industry & Commerce

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

Working in internal audit will offer you a dynamic introduction to risk management, internal controls, and business process improvement. For newly qualified ACAs, these positions provide insight across the entire business and a valuable springboard to finance leadership.

Key Insights

Audit remains a popular first move for ACA graduates, with opportunities to move sideways into FP&A, finance transformation or commercial finance. This is because internal roles provide continuity of skillset with increased business visibility.

£50k–£65k

Typical salary range for newly qualified internal auditors in commercial sectors.

Role Responsibilities

Internal Auditors evaluate processes, controls, and risks across departments. They conduct internal reviews, produce recommendations for improvement, and ensure processes are in alignment with internal policies and external regulations.

Talk to an ACA consultant

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Qualifications and Skills

Employers value ACAs for their professional scepticism and structured approach. They’ll also be looking for candidates with:
  • Risk and control knowledge

  • Analytical thinking

  • Communication and report writing skills

  • Stakeholder engagement experience

Where This Role Can Take You

Many internal auditors move into finance business partnering, risk, or operational roles. This route is ideal for those who want to develop a wide understanding of the business and transition into strategic positions.

Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in internal audit.
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Find your next ACA role or speak with us about your ACA career journey.

Financial Accountant Roles
in Financial Services

SPECIALISMS
SPECIALISMS

Financial accounting roles, including Group Accountants and Financial Reporting Accountants, are a key entry point for ACA-qualified professionals moving into Financial Services.

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