Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - Bristol Fixed Term (Fixed Term[...]

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auditing firm is seeking participants for its Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme in Bristol. This program offers real responsibility and the chance to make a tangible impact by working with key public bodies. Ideal candidates will exhibit curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. Participants will gain hands-on auditing experience, analytical skill development, and mentorship within a supportive environment. It's not just a placement; it's the beginning of a promising career.

Benefits

Dedicated support network

Competitive salary and benefits

Extra holiday options

Private medical insurance

Opportunities to give back

Qualifications

• Flexibility in academic entry requirements considered alongside strengths.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully and build trust.
• Effective listening and clear expression of ideas.

Responsibilities

• Work with a variety of clients in public bodies.
• Conduct real audits and ensure financial accuracy.
• Analyze financial statements and review internal controls.
• Use data and technology for insights and findings.
• Stay updated with regulations and develop professional judgment.

Skills

Curious minds

Innovative problem solvers

Collaborative partners

Effective communicators

Self-leaders

Career-minded contributors

Job description

Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - Bristol

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 12‑month placement programme is your springboard into the world of business – offering hands‑on experience, real responsibility, and a chance to see the impact of your work as you build skills for your final year and future career.

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.

Who we’re looking for

We’ve got a flexible approach to academic entry requirements, and we’ll consider these alongside your strengths and motivations. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas, and go beyond expectations.

• 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

Kickstart your career with a structured placement programme designed to give you real‑world experience from day one.

• Technology to support your learning and client work.
• Dedicated support network – from experienced managers and mentors 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.

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 placement programme. It’s the start of something bigger.

Register your interest

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Visit the employability hub to find out everything you need to know about our application process and how to excel.

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