ICAEW has created a framework for understanding and mapping finance practitioners' ability and proficiency when using spreadsheets. We outline the level of skill needed for each competency and mapped competencies we expect are needed for audit preparers.
An Audit Preparer is responsible for gathering, organising and preparing financial data and supporting documentation required for internal or external audits. They ensure that records are accurate, complete and aligned with regulatory and organisational standards, supporting auditors in efficiently reviewing and testing financial controls and transactions. This role often involves working with large datasets, reconciling accounts and highlighting anomalies or risks for further investigation.
Relevant competencies
To be successful, strong Excel skills are essential, including proficiency in the core areas of PivotTables for summarising data, using formula and functions such as XLOOKUP for data matching, and advanced formulas for reconciliation and validation checks. Audit Preparers should also be comfortable with data cleansing techniques, conditional formatting, and filtering to identify inconsistencies. Additionally, familiarity with Excel audit tools (e.g., formula auditing and trace precedents), basic data visualisation and using AI add-ins enhances their ability to present findings clearly and support audit outcomes.
The competency framework
ICAEW's Spreadsheet Competency Framework is colour coded to illustrate the relevance of each competency.
- Core competencies form the essential Excel knowledge required for this job role.
- Beneficial competencies are additional skills individuals may choose to develop to strengthen their capability.
- Less relevant competencies remain useful Excel skills but are not as directly applicable to the role and therefore may be given lower priority.
Below is an interactive summary of the core competencies, as well as those beneficial to develop further capabilities, for this job role. Click through each section, in the left-hand column, to explore the framework.
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See the full framework and how it has been applied for other job roles. And access our dashboard which allows users to explore the framework and all our Excel content.
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