Can You Become a Good Auditor Without Going to University?

The traditional route to becoming an auditor typically involves completing a university degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. But in today’s evolving educational and professional landscape, many aspiring professionals are asking: Can you become a good auditor without going to university?

The short answer is yes—with the right mindset, skills, certifications, and experience, it’s possible to build a successful and respected career in auditing even without a formal university degree. In this article, we’ll explore how you can pursue a non-traditional path to auditing, the skills required, and the pros and cons of skipping university.

1. Understanding the Role of an Auditor

Before diving into qualifications, let’s understand what auditors actually do.

Auditors are responsible for examining financial statements, internal processes, and compliance with laws and regulations. Their goal is to ensure accuracy, detect fraud, and assess whether a company’s financial operations are sound.

Auditors may work in:

• External auditing: Reviewing financial statements of clients (usually done by public accounting firms)

• Internal auditing: Reviewing and improving internal controls and risk management within a company

• Compliance auditing: Ensuring adherence to legal and industry regulations

Whether you have a degree or not, being a good auditor requires:

• Strong analytical thinking

• Integrity and independence

• Attention to detail

• Communication skills

• A solid understanding of accounting principles and audit standards

2. Traditional Path vs Non-Traditional Path

Traditional Route:

• University degree (e.g. Bachelor’s in Accountancy)

• Graduate training in an audit firm

• Professional qualification (e.g. CA, CPA, ACCA)

Non-Traditional Route:

• Start with an accounting diploma or relevant short course

• Join an audit firm in a junior or support role

• Study for a professional qualification (e.g. ACCA) while working

• Progress through experience, performance, and continuous learning

It’s clear that the professional qualification is more important than the university degree itself, especially in the audit profession.

3. Certifications That Matter More Than Degrees

If you don’t have a university degree, the best way to prove your competency is by earning an internationally recognised professional certification. These certifications are accessible even to non-degree holders, depending on your educational background and work experience.

a) Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

• Globally recognised

• Offers an entry route through the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) track

• No degree required to begin

• Practical experience and exams combined can qualify you as a Chartered Certified Accountant

b) Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

• Offers the CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business) as a stepping stone

• Some routes may require degree equivalency

c) Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

• Suitable for those focused on internal audit

• Requires a combination of work experience and passing the CIA exams

d) Local Qualifications (Singapore Context)

• ISCA (Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants) requires applicants to have recognised qualifications, but pathways exist for diploma holders and ACCA graduates

• Polytechnic diploma holders in accountancy often start work and study part-time for professional qualifications

4. Getting Your Foot in the Door Without a Degree

Many audit firms in Singapore and globally are open to hiring junior auditors or audit assistants without a degree, especially if the candidate has:

• A diploma in accounting or finance

• Strong foundational knowledge of bookkeeping and business processes

• Willingness to learn and pursue further qualifications

Small and mid-tier audit firms are particularly open to hiring candidates based on potential and attitude, rather than purely academic credentials.

Key steps to break in:

• Apply for entry-level roles like Audit Assistant, Accounts Clerk, or Junior Bookkeeper

• Take online or part-time accounting courses to build credibility

• Express your commitment to studying ACCA or similar certification

• Network with professionals in the industry

5. What Makes a “Good” Auditor?

Whether you have a degree or not, the following traits are what make someone a good auditor:

a) Technical Competence

• Mastery of accounting standards (like SFRS or IFRS)

• Familiarity with audit methodology

• Ability to interpret financial statements

b) Professional Skepticism

• The ability to question and probe without assumptions

• Good auditors investigate unusual trends, ask the right questions, and don’t take things at face value

c) Attention to Detail

• Auditors must spot inconsistencies, errors, and anomalies in volumes of data

d) Strong Ethics and Integrity

• Auditors are trusted with sensitive financial data

• Ethical decision-making is non-negotiable

e) Communication Skills

• Auditors must interact with clients, write reports, and explain findings clearly

These are not traits that require a degree—they require discipline, experience, and continuous improvement.

6. Real-Life Examples: Successful Auditors Without Degrees

Across the globe and even in Singapore, there are many auditors and finance professionals who began their careers through non-traditional routes:

• Polytechnic graduates who worked their way up while studying ACCA part-time

• Career changers from retail or operations who transitioned into finance through certifications

• Professionals with strong hands-on experience and internal training who became managers without university credentials

In audit firms, performance, productivity, and professionalism matter far more than paper qualifications in the long run.

7. Pros and Cons of Skipping University

✅ Pros:

• Save time and money on university tuition

• Gain early work experience (and income)

• Learn in a real-world setting

• Focus on practical certifications like ACCA

❌ Cons:

• May face initial barriers in recruitment for certain large firms

• May need to work harder to prove yourself in the early years

• Some leadership roles (especially in MNCs) may still favour degree holders

That said, these barriers are not insurmountable. As you build your audit credentials and track record, your degree status becomes increasingly irrelevant.

8. Final Thoughts: Skill > Degree

So, can you become a good auditor without going to university?

Absolutely. Your success depends more on:

• Your ability to learn

• Your drive to earn professional qualifications

• Your on-the-job performance

• Your commitment to ethical standards

• Your ability to think critically and solve problems

In the field of auditing, especially in Singapore’s skill-based job market, skills, experience, and certification often matter more than a university degree.

If you’re passionate about finance, accounting, and helping businesses improve their processes, don’t let the lack of a university education stop you. With dedication and smart choices, you can still build a respected and rewarding career as a professional auditor.

Find Singapore Auditors at Koh Lim Audit PAC firm