Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional service firm in Birmingham is seeking candidates for its Audit Graduate Programme. The role provides hands-on experience working with significant public bodies, ensuring financial accuracy through audits. Candidates should possess a curious mindset, collaborative spirit, and the desire to obtain a professional ACA qualification. The company offers comprehensive support, including fully funded qualification and a competitive salary package, aiming to shape the future of business through innovative practices.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualification

Competitive salary and benefits package

Exclusive discounts on shopping and wellness services

Opportunities for mentoring and volunteering

Extra holiday options

Qualifications

• Demonstrate curiosity and explore ideas.
• Think creatively and turn data into insights.
• Build trust and work collaboratively.
• Express ideas clearly and listen effectively.
• Manage time and energy effectively.

Responsibilities

• Work with significant local public bodies.
• Conduct real audits and verify financial accuracy.
• Analyze financial statements and review internal controls.
• Utilize data and technology for audits.
• Stay updated with regulations and build relationships.
• Study with dedicated support towards ACA qualification.

Skills

Curious minds

Innovative problem solvers

Collaborative partners

Effective communicators

Self-leaders

Career-minded contributors

Education

ACA qualification

Job description

Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Birmingham

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description

Real responsibility. Real impact. Right from the start. Auditors are investigators, problem‑solvers and trusted advisers. They dive deep into how businesses operate, ensuring the numbers tell the real story and helping organisations stay on track. Think of it as a backstage pass to the business world, where you don’t just observe – you make a difference.

Public Sector Audit is where purpose meets impact. We are made up of 400 specialists working with government departments, public bodies and national services. You’ll get under the surface of how public money is spent, ask the tough questions and help clients navigate financial challenges with confidence. In a world of rapid change and rising expectations, your work will help protect the public purse and support services that millions rely on.

At Grant Thornton, we’re looking for actively curious, purposefully driven and candid but kind individuals who want to shape the future of business – not follow it.

Our three‑year audit graduate programme is your launchpad to a meaningful career, a professional qualification and a chance to make a real impact on UK businesses.

What you’ll do

• Work with a variety of clients; our portfolio includes the biggest and most significant of local public bodies such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Metropolitan Police.
• Get hands‑on with real audits; visiting client sites and carrying out testing that helps verify financial accuracy and uncover risks.
• Understand how businesses work; by analysing financial statements, reviewing internal controls and learning how our clients manage money, risk and operations.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies and support your findings – including automated interrogation of financial information systems.
• Keep learning and growing; by staying up to date with regulations, developing your professional judgement and building relationships with mentors and experts across the firm.
• Study with support; with dedicated time to study and a team behind you as you work towards your ACA qualification.

Who we’re looking for

• Curious minds who explore ideas and ask thoughtful questions.
• Innovative problem solvers who think creatively, spot patterns and turn data into meaningful insights.
• Collaborative partners who work respectfully and build trust with others.
• Effective communicators who listen, adapt and express ideas clearly.
• Self‑leaders who manage and flex their time, mindset and energy effectively.
• Career‑minded contributors who take initiative and are motivated to grow.

What you’ll get

• Fully funded professional qualification, including paid study leave, expert tuition and all course fees covered.
• Technology to support your learning and client work.
• Dedicated support network, from experienced managers and mentors to college tutors who’ll guide you every step of the way.
• Our approach to how we work helps you balance life, learning and work.
• Exclusive discounts on shopping, gyms and wellbeing services.
• Opportunities to give back through mentoring, volunteering or fundraising initiatives.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including:
  • Extra holiday options (including flexible bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays)
  • Life assurance
  • Private medical insurance

What we expect from you

As part of your training with us, you’ll be provided with study leave to support you with completing your professional qualification. Completing a professional qualification is a substantial commitment and it’s worth taking this into consideration before applying, as you will be required to study in your spare time outside of your working hours. You’ll also be provided with study leave in the run up to your exams. You’ll need to be focused, committed and organise your time well to balance all the requirements of being a trainee.

Join the firm that’s shaping the accountants of the future. We’re growing fast and we want you to grow with us. With digital‑first innovation and an inclusive culture that powers progress, this is your chance to shape what’s next.

This isn’t just a graduate scheme. It’s the start of something bigger.

Register your interest

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