If you’ve ever studied for a professional accountancy qualification, you’ll likely never forget the overwhelming sense of relief upon passing your final exams. But what comes next? Drawing on my 18 years in audit practice, 13 of which I spent auditing hundreds of charities, let me share why a career in charity audit could be the best decision of your career.
What makes the charity sector so fascinating?
The sheer diversity of social purpose organisations I have worked with across the charity sector throughout my career is remarkable. No two charities are alike, and throughout my career, I’ve been continually inspired by the innovative ways charities make an impact—whether addressing local community needs or providing critical aid in some of the world’s most deprived areas. From education and healthcare to environmental sustainability, culture, and housing, the sector enriches society in countless ways. It’s hard to imagine a world without the influence of these organisations.
The charity sector is also uniquely creative and entrepreneurial, driven by a mission to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. These organisations operate in an environment of constant change, facing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, reduced government funding, cyber security threats, Brexit, COVID-19, and rising beneficiary demands. The resilience and resourcefulness of the sector never ceases to amaze me.
Why is a career in charity audit rewarding?
As a charity auditor, you play a pivotal role in supporting finance teams and trustees by offering an independent perspective and sharing best practices. Public trust in charities, according to Civil Society, is at its highest since 2014. However, concerns about how funds are spent remain a top priority. High-profile cases of financial mismanagement—like those involving the Captain Tom Foundation and Fashion for Relief—risk undermining the incredibly valuable work of the vast majority of charities.
Personally, I take great pride and find immense satisfaction in helping charities improve their transparency, accountability, and financial sustainability. Effective financial reporting not only aids fundraising efforts but also empowers charities to demonstrate their impact to funders, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. It’s rewarding to see how these efforts help charities thrive.
Additionally, working in charity audit offers a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, with flexibility and work-life balance at the core of our culture.
How does a career in charity audit progress?
At Sayer Vincent, our trainees work exclusively with charities, gaining specialist expertise from day one. Training, coaching, and mentoring the next generation of charity finance leaders is a highlight of my role—and it’s a key responsibility for our newly qualified auditors too.
Interestingly, charities require audits at income levels significantly lower than comparable companies. This means smaller audit teams and greater responsibilities for auditors. As a result, newly qualified charity auditors gain unparalleled visibility with audit partners and often experience accelerated career progression.
Ready to take the leap?
If you’re a qualified auditor who is passionate, collaborative, and eager to develop new skills, we’d love to have you on our growing team. Sayer Vincent are always looking for qualified auditors so why not apply today?
Click the link below to find out more about our latest vacancies: