Audit - Social Sector Graduate Trainee - 1 September 2025 - Nottingham

Cooper & Hall Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a graduate trainee to join their Audit team. This role offers a unique opportunity to master the art of auditing while working with a diverse client base, from local startups to global organizations. Over a three-year training contract, you'll gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills in financial statements, and take ownership of complex audit engagements. With a commitment to quality and continuous learning, this firm provides a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and encourages you to reach your full potential. If you're eager to make a meaningful impact and thrive in a dynamic setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualification

Coaching and mentorship

Time off to study

Blended training approach

Buddy system for new hires

Qualifications

• On track or have obtained an undergraduate degree with excellent academic performance.
• Deep curiosity to learn and a commitment to self-development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meticulous audit documents and develop a deep understanding of financial statements.
• Work directly with diverse companies and build professional relationships.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Time Management

Communication Skills

Curiosity

Responsibility

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Tools

Audit Software

Job description

Forvis Mazars: Who are we?

Forvis Mazars LLP is the UK firm of Forvis Mazars Group. In the UK we have over 3,300 employees across 14 locations, delivering an outstanding client experience. Forvis Mazars is an engine for rapid and consistent career progression, offering career paths that help you pursue your interests, match your changing needs, and explore your true potential. We work with diverse, prestigious clients across a range of sectors and geographies, giving you the opportunity to constantly update and grow your skills for lifelong professional development.

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.

About the Audit Social Sector Team

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

• Educational Institutions, such as Universities, Colleges and large multi-academy trusts
• Housing Associations
• Charities

Hear from our graduate trainee Alex:

Joining the Social Sector team last year has meant I am able to begin my career as an auditor and also combine that with working with the type of clients that I am really interested in and feel like I am making a real difference to society.

About the role

As a graduate trainee here's what will await you during your three-year training contract:

Year 1:

• Master the art of auditing: Learn to prepare meticulous audit documents using the latest software and methodologies, a key part of this is:
• 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 but also internally in your team and across service lines. You will be expected to gather relevant information and build solid professional relationships.

Years 2 and 3:

As you progress, you'll take on increasingly complex audit work, such as revenue recognition, valuation, and risk assessments. You'll also take ownership of audit engagements by taking a leading role in their delivery. You'll mentor new and more junior team members, helping them to settle in and flourish. You're joining us as a permanent employee, so the 3 years is only the beginning of your exceptional career journey at Forvis Mazars.

Who we're looking for

• On track or have obtained an undergraduate degree. Excellent 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;
• Great 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 have a positive ‘can-do' attitude if faced with challenging situations;
• Excellent time management skills;
• A willingness to travel and adhere to our adaptable working environment.

Learning and development

Fully funded professional qualification for this role: Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)

Additional qualification(s): Level 7 apprenticeship

Our supportive culture includes coaching, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. 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 excel 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.

Inclusion and diversity

Being inclusive is core to our culture at Forvis Mazars; we want to ensure everyone, whether in the recruitment process or beyond, is fully supported to be their unique self and provided with a level playing field.

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.