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 reviewers.
An Audit Reviewer is responsible for evaluating the quality, accuracy, and completeness of audit work. They apply professional scepticism to challenge assumptions, validate findings, and confirm that key risks have been appropriately identified and evidenced before audit conclusions are finalised. Increasingly, the role also involves leveraging AI tools to enhance data analysis, identify patterns or anomalies, and streamline reporting, enabling deeper insight and more efficient review processes. At the same time, Audit Reviewers must remain alert to AI-related spreadsheet risks, including over-reliance on automated outputs, data bias, and lack of transparency in AI-generated results.
Relevant competencies
To be effective, they require advanced Excel skills, including complex formulae (e.g., INDEX/MATCH, XLOOKUP) and PivotTables to validate and interrogate large datasets. Proficiency in formula auditing tools (trace precedents/dependents) is critical for assessing data integrity and logic. Strong capability in data validation, conditional formatting, and scenario analysis supports identification of inconsistencies and risk areas. Additionally, the ability to critically assess AI-assisted outputs within Excel environments ensures that insights remain accurate, explainable, and audit-ready.
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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Explore the framework in more detail and filter it by section, role, level and relevance to learn how it can apply to you or your organisation.
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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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