December 2025
Audit: 2026 Talent Insights
After a quieter 2024, the audit market rebounded in 2025, driven by regulatory pressure and accelerated digital transformation across industries. From cyber resilience to AI governance, the expectations placed on audit teams are rising, and so is demand for talent.
In this video, Jack McCarthy, Vice President at Selby Jennings, shares how the market has evolved and what firms should prioritize when building audit teams in 2026.
What changed in audit in 2025, and how did that impact hiring?
"2025 brought renewed momentum to audit hiring. Regulatory developments like the implementation of DORA, alongside a broader push toward digital transformation, placed a spotlight on technology risk, operational resilience, and model validation.
"As a result, demand increased for auditors with expertise in cyber, IT risk, and systems resilience, particularly those who can work at the intersection of traditional audit and emerging technologies.
"Firms across financial services and beyond sought professionals who could audit algorithmic processes, assess controls in digital environments, and manage risk in increasingly automated operations."
What should firms and professionals prioritize in 2026?
"Competition for talent is high, especially for professionals with skills in both regulation and technology. Many candidates are engaged in multiple interview processes simultaneously, and roles on offer are often nearly identical.
"To secure top talent in 2026, firms must be more decisive. Streamlined hiring processes and a strong employer value proposition are critical. Delays or unclear messaging often result in losing candidates to faster-moving competitors.
"Compensation is another key factor. Sign-on bonuses and substantial increases are becoming more common, particularly for hard-to-find talent with relevant experience.
"For professionals, upskilling is essential. Companies are looking for multifaceted auditors who combine deep regulatory knowledge with technical fluency. The most competitive candidates will be those who can operate across audit, technology, and data environments."
How is AI changing the audit sector?
"AI is reshaping audit - not by replacing jobs, but by changing where auditors focus. As more tasks become automated, firms face new risks that must be monitored and validated.
"Auditors in 2026 will need to evaluate AI-driven models, ensure compliance with evolving frameworks, and assess algorithmic transparency. This is creating a new set of expectations around AI governance, data integrity, and ethical risk.
"Demand is expected to rise for professionals who can combine traditional audit capabilities with skills in machine learning oversight, cyber resilience, and digital risk assurance."
To discuss your hiring plans for 2026 or explore current audit opportunities, request a call back or browse open roles.
FAQ: Audit hiring, careers & compensation in 2026
Hiring demand is currently strongest for Internal Auditors, IT and Cybersecurity Auditors, Audit Managers, and professionals in data-driven assurance and regulatory reporting. In financial services, firms are prioritizing individuals who can support automated testing, conduct risk-focused audits, and interpret real-time data. There’s also growing demand for specialists who can audit AI systems and digital transformation projects.
Looking to hire audit experts? Request a call back from Selby Jennings for tailored talent support.
Stricter regulatory expectations, rising audit complexity, and growing use of analytics tools are driving talent shortages in audit functions. Firms need auditors who can move beyond checklist reviews to deliver insight, efficiency, and governance. As a result, experienced auditors with technology awareness or financial services expertise are receiving multiple offers.
Selby Jennings can help you secure top audit candidates before your competitors do. Explore our talent services and solutions for audit roles.
Successful auditors today must combine strong financial knowledge with working familiarity of audit tools, ERP systems, and regulatory frameworks. In 2026, skills in data analytics, cloud-based controls testing, and cyber risk assessment are especially valued. Soft skills such as business partnering and presenting findings to senior stakeholders are also essential.
Offering hybrid working, structured career progression, and upskilling opportunities in data or automation tools is key. Firms that clearly recognize and define audit’s strategic value and reduce unnecessary travel are also seeing stronger retention among senior auditors and managers.
Selby Jennings provides data-led hiring and retention insights for your audit function. Speak to an audit recruitment specialist.
Audit careers typically start with associate or analyst roles and lead to senior auditor, audit manager, and eventually head of audit or internal controls. In finance, many professionals transition from audit into risk, compliance, or finance leadership roles. Specializing in IT audit or data-driven assurance can fast-track advancement, particularly in banking and asset management.
Explore your next step in audit. Create an account or browse current audit jobs.
Audit salaries vary by country, sector, and seniority. In Europe, audit associates can earn €45,000 to €65,000. Senior auditors and managers typically command €70,000 to €100,000, with higher ranges in banking, insurance, or technology firms. In-demand roles like IT Audit or Cyber Audit can exceed this range, especially in major financial hubs.
Want to benchmark your compensation? Request salary data or search audit jobs.
Technology is transforming the way audits are performed. Tools like AI, continuous monitoring software, and data analytics platforms are reducing manual testing and increasing the scope of audits. As a result, auditors with experience using automation, data visualization, and risk analytics tools are in high demand.
Looking for roles where you can apply your tech skills in audit? Browse live audit jobs or submit your resume to be matched with relevant opportunities.
Audit interviews usually include scenario-based questions about audit methodology, regulatory knowledge, and stakeholder engagement. You may also be asked about data sampling, control testing, and how you would respond to findings or conflicts during fieldwork. For IT or tech audit roles, expect questions about cloud systems, access controls, and risk scoring tools.
Selby Jennings supports candidates with tailored interview preparation and role insights. Submit your resume to get started.