The benefits of staying in practice as an auditor
For many qualified accountants, the decision to remain in practice or move into industry is a pivotal career moment. While in-house roles offer stability and internal exposure, staying in an accountancy practice presents a wealth of opportunities that are often overlooked and underappreciated. From accelerated career progression to exposure to a wide range of clients and business models, audit practice remains a dynamic and rewarding environment for ambitious accounting professionals.
In this article, we explore the key benefits of staying in practice and why it continues to be a smart career move for qualified auditors.
Broad exposure to industries and functions
One of the most compelling reasons to stay in practice is the variety of clients and sectors you encounter. Auditors work across industries such as financial services, technology, real estate and manufacturing, gaining insights into different business models, ownership structures and operational challenges. This exposure helps build a versatile skillset that is highly transferable and valued across the wider accountancy profession.
Whether you are auditing a multinational corporation or a fast-growing start-up, each engagement offers a new learning opportunity and a fresh perspective on how businesses operate. This diversity is particularly valuable for those considering future specialisms in advisory services, internal audit or corporate finance.
Structured career progression
Audit firms, particularly mid-tier and large accountancy firms, offer clear and structured career paths. From newly qualified accountant to senior manager and eventually partner, the progression is well-defined and performance-driven. Annual promotions, mentoring programmes and leadership development initiatives are common features that support long-term growth.
Remaining in practice allows professionals to climb the ladder with increasing responsibility, strategic involvement and stakeholder engagement, often at a faster pace than in industry roles. Firms are investing heavily in career development to retain top talent and support their career goals.
Development of a strong technical foundation
Staying in practice ensures your technical skills remain sharp and up to date. Auditors are regularly exposed to evolving accounting standards, regulatory changes and complex financial reporting requirements. Being adaptable in this environment and staying abreast of changes builds upon solid foundations in areas such as IFRS, UK GAAP, and sector specific regulations
These skills are not only essential for progressing within a practice audit team but can also open doors to specialisms such as ESG reporting, data analytics and advisory services.
Enhanced stakeholder engagement
Auditors in practice frequently interact with Interaction with senior stakeholders, including CFOs, financial controllers and board members, becomes increasingly relevant as you progress in your career. Serving as engagement manager and therefore becoming the main point of contact to the client on each engagement is crucial to your progression. In practice, the volume and variance of these engagements helps to develop commercial awareness, communication skills and confidence in presenting complex information. Building relationships with decision-makers across a range of industries also expands your professional network and can lead to future opportunities, whether in practice or in-house
Flexibility and career mobility
Remaining in practice does not mean limiting your options. In fact, it can enhance them. Some auditors transition into advisory, consulting or specialist roles within their firm. Others move into industry later with a stronger foundation and broader experience. Many enhance their experience through evolving client portfolios transcending different sectors.
By staying in practice, you keep multiple career paths open and can make more informed decisions about your next move when the time is right. Your CV will reflect a rich and varied accountancy career that demonstrates development and progression.
Competitive compensation and work-life balance
Audit firms are increasingly competitive when it comes to remuneration. Many offer performance bonuses, flexible working arrangements and benefits such as enhanced parental leave, wellness programmes and study support for qualifications like ACA, ACCA and AAT.
As firms continue to evolve their employee value propositions, staying in practice can offer both financial and lifestyle advantages. The profession is rethinking its sustainability model to better support long-term career earnings and personal development.
Exposure to innovation and technology
The audit profession is undergoing significant transformation, with technology playing a central role. From automation and AI to advanced data analytics and cloud-based audit platforms, auditors in practice are at the forefront of innovation.
Remaining in practice allows you to develop digital skills and adapt to new tools that are reshaping the future of financial reporting and assurance.
A sense of purpose and impact
Auditors play a critical role in maintaining trust and transparency in financial reporting. The work you do helps ensure that organisations operate ethically and comply with regulations. For many professionals, this sense of purpose is a key reason to remain in practice.
Knowing that your work contributes to the integrity of the financial system can be deeply rewarding and provide long-term career satisfaction. Accountants are often seen as custodians of trust in an increasingly complex economic landscape.
How Brewer Morris can support your career in audit
At Brewer Morris, we understand the unique advantages that staying in audit practice can offer. Whether you are newly qualified and exploring your options or an experienced auditor looking to take the next step, we are here to help.
Our specialist consultants work closely with a wide network of audit firms across the UK, connecting talented professionals with roles that align with their ambitions and values. If you are considering your next move or simply want to explore your options, get in touch with us today.
Alternatively, browse our latest audit and accountancy roles to discover where your next opportunity could take you.
