Audit - Audit Public Sector - School Leaver Apprentice - Manchester - 1 September 2026

MAZARS UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global professional services network is seeking a School Leaver Apprentice for a four-year training contract in Manchester. This role involves mastering auditing techniques, collaborating with diverse clients, and contributing to impactful audit work in the public sector. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, possesses strong quantitative skills, and values diversity and integrity. This apprenticeship paves the way for a permanent position after training, with an official ICA qualification funded by the company.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualification (ACA)

Mentorship and coaching

Supportive culture and training

Qualifications

• The candidate must be on track or have obtained A-level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong academic performance is important, but life experiences also count.
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and learn audit documents using the latest tools and methods.
• Work alongside clients to understand their operations.
• Lead audit engagements and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Curiosity

Education

A-level, BTEC or equivalent

Job description

Audit - Audit Public Sector - School Leaver Apprentice - Manchester - 1 September 2026 (5302)

Forvis Mazars: who are we?

Forvis Mazars is a leading global professional services network providing audit & assurance, tax, and advisory services. Forvis Mazars in the UK spans 14 offices across the UK and has over 3,400 professionals, with 190 partners. We have a clear purpose and a shared commitment to shape a better future. You'll join a collaborative and inclusive team where you're supported to grow your skills, explore new opportunities, and contribute from day one. You'll work with a diverse client base, develop meaningful connections, and gain experience that extends beyond your local team. Together, we grow, belong and impact.

Audit at Forvis Mazars

• Purpose-driven work: At Forvis Mazars, we're not just auditors; we're champions of the public interest. By ensuring financial transparency and accountability, we contribute to a fair and prosperous world. Your work matters.
• Client-centric human approach: Imagine collaborating with a diverse client base – from local startups to global multinationals – across fascinating sectors. As an auditor, you'll gain insights into their operations, challenges, and opportunities. Your recommendations will shape their success.
• Quality focused: We're passionate about quality. Join a community of 1,400 professionals who share your commitment to excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure that every audit adds value and builds trust.
• Learning and growth: Continuous learning is key. You'll receive training in globally recognised qualifications, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge tools. Plus, our supportive environment encourages you to thrive and develop your soft skills.
• Global impact: Our reach extends beyond borders. Work on international engagements, collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and broaden your horizons. Your contributions will resonate globally.

You can find out more about Audit at Forvis Mazars here: Audit and Assurance - Forvis Mazars - United Kingdom

About the Audit Public Sector team

Forvis Mazars offers a world-class audit experience with deep, specialist knowledge of the Public sector. If you join Public Sector Audit, you will be part of a brilliant team that provides distinctive audit and advisory services, and works with:

• Central government bodies
• Local government bodies including Councils, police and fire bodies
• NHS Trusts and Integrated Commissioning Boards

Hear from our school leaver apprentice, Jo:

"The Partner I work with was really keen to share her knowledge with me, and I felt I could ask her questions from the first day".

Every story is different at Forvis Mazars. Our people have amazing, personal experiences so the best way to learn about life here is to hear it first hand. Click here to hear their stories.

About the role

As an apprentice you'll undertake a four-year training contract. The role will be structured as follows:

Years 1 and 2:

• Master the art of auditing: Learn to prepare meticulous audit documents using the latest software and methodologies. Key areas include:
• Financial statements: Develop a deep understanding of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows.
• Work side by side with clients: Be immersed into the business world by working directly with a variety of diverse companies. You will need to understand their operations, challenges, and unique circumstances.
• Build relationships: Connect with key stakeholders both with our clients and internally in your team and across service lines. You will be expected to gather relevant information and build strong professional relationships.

Years 3 and 4:

• Progress to more complex audit work, such as revenue recognition, valuation, and risk assessments.
• Take ownership of audit engagements and lead their delivery.
• Mentor new and more junior team members to help them settle in and flourish.
• After your training, you will join us as a permanent employee, continuing your career at Forvis Mazars.

Who we're looking for

• On track or have obtained A-level, BTEC or equivalent qualifications. Strong academic performance is important; however, we understand that things don't always go to plan. Our recruitment process looks at your whole self – academic achievements as well as other experiences in which you have grown and developed.
• Deep curiosity to learn new things and is naturally inquisitive.
• The ability to think critically, solve problems and share knowledge with others.
• A commitment to self-development and learning.
• Strong sense of ownership of duties and high levels of responsibility to deliver on promises.
• Always looks to try their best in all they do and always looking for ways to improve.
• Enjoys meeting and engaging with new people with an underlying respect for individuals, diversity, and integrity.
• Works well under pressure and has a positive ‘can-do' attitude if faced with challenging situations.
• Excellent time management skills.
• A willingness to travel and adhere to our flexible working environment.

Learning and development

Fully funded professional qualification for this role: ACA.

Our supportive culture includes coaching, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance to help you grow, belong and make an impact. In addition to funding qualifications, we provide time off to study, and a blended training approach including in person and virtual learning. You will be allocated a buddy before joining who will support you to settle into the team and navigate your first year at Forvis Mazars.

You will also receive comprehensive quality training and development to grow in your professional career; this includes development in professional excellence, client excellence, digital excellence, and technical excellence. Our goal is to support you in reaching your full potential and become a standout talent. To understand more read our FAQs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Forvis Mazars diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our values. We value our people's unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experience, and know this diversity create better outcomes for our clients. At Forvis Mazars, we promote an environment in which you can grow your skills, belong to a team that values your ideas, and make an impact that matters.

Next steps

Roles will be closed as soon as we find the right people, so to avoid disappointment we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. The start date is 1 September 2026. If you are an international applicant and/or require a visa please view our FAQs before applying to be aware of deadlines and important information you need to know before applying.