Graduate Trainee External Auditor

Wbg Services LLP; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Wbg in Glasgow is growing its External Audit team and inviting you to join as a Graduate Trainee External Auditor. You’ll support delivery of audit assignments and work toward the ICAS qualification from day one.

Based in our friendly Glasgow office, you’ll gain hands-on experience across private, public and charitable sectors while developing technical and client-facing skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Working towards or holding an honours degree with 2:1 preferred.
• Strong academic background with excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Organised and able to manage time effectively across client work, professional development and other responsibilities.
• Able to demonstrate independence while contributing to a team.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Previous experience in a professional office environment is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and delivery of external audit assignments across a range of clients and sectors.
• Assist with accounts preparation.
• Undertake audit fieldwork, including reviewing documentation and carrying out testing as required.
• Review and analyse relevant financial information as part of audit assignments.
• Prepare clear and accurate working papers to support audit work and conclusions.
• Contribute to the preparation of audit and accounts work.
• Attend client meetings where required and contribute professionally to discussions with clients and colleagues.
• Work to agreed deadlines and budgets, keeping colleagues informed of progress, queries and any risks to delivery.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organised

Time management

Independent

Attention to detail

Education

Honours degree (2:1 preferred)

Finance/Accountancy degree advantageous

Job description

At Wbg, we’re building something ambitious - and we want you to be part of it.

This is an exciting time for our firm as we step into a bold new phase of growth. We help our people and our clients achieve their ambitions by delivering high-quality, specialist services with collaboration, forward-thinking, and integrity at our core. And we do it all with a commitment to doing business sustainably.

Right now, we’re expanding our services, strengthening our local presence, and nurturing a culture of excellence. Whether you’re taking your first career step or bringing a wealth of experience, Wbg offers the platform to grow, thrive, and make an impact.

We champion development, embrace flexibility, and live by the values of integrity, professionalism, and collaboration that define who we are.

Join us and be part of shaping the future of Wbg.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Department : External Audit

Job Title: Graduate Trainee External Auditor

About us

Wbg is where ambitious careers are built to last. We’re a growing firm where your name is known, your development is taken seriously, and the work you do from day one makes a real difference and is genuinely valued by clients and colleagues alike. Combining deep expertise with insight-led, technology-enabled solutions, we work together to help our clients achieve stronger outcomes. Our culture is straightforward. We’re open in how we communicate, supportive in how we work together and ambitious in what we’re building. Grounded, consistent, and focused on doing things well. It’s a place where standards are high, but so is the level of support around you.

About our External Audit team

Wbg’s External Audit team plays a vital role in helping our clients meet their statutory obligations while delivering real value beyond compliance. We work across a broad and diverse client base, including corporate, charity, education, housing associations and SMEs/owner-managed businesses.

JOB DESCRIPTION – External Auditor

Role Purpose

The External Auditor supports the delivery of high-quality external audit and accounts assignments for a varied client base. Working with support and guidance from Senior colleagues and Managers, the role involves audit fieldwork, testing, analysis, accounts preparation and client meetings. The role provides the opportunity to work towards the ICAS qualification while developing strong technical, analytical and client-facing skills.

Key Responsibilities

External Audit Delivery

• Assist with the planning and delivery of external audit assignments across a range of clients and sectors.
• Assist with accounts preparation.
• Undertake audit fieldwork, including reviewing documentation and carrying out testing as required.
• Review and analyse relevant financial information as part of audit assignments.
• Prepare clear and accurate working papers to support audit work and conclusions.
• Contribute to the preparation of audit and accounts work.
• Attend client meetings where required and contribute professionally to discussions with clients and colleagues.
• Work to agreed deadlines and budgets, keeping colleagues informed of progress, queries and any risks to delivery.
• Liaise with the full range of clients across private, public and charitable sectors.
• Undertake additional appropriate tasks as directed by Managers or wider External Audit leadership.

Quality, Workflow and Professional Standards

• Prepare audit work accurately and with attention to detail, applying agreed team processes and quality standards.
• Maintain clear, organised and appropriate audit documentation.
• Identify questions, missing information or issues arising during assignments and elevate these appropriately.
• Ensure audit work is completed to the required standard and within agreed timescales.
• Apply a professional, objective and evidence-based approach to all audit work.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle client information appropriately and in accordance with Wbg policies and procedures.

Client Service and Relationships

• Liaise professionally with clients throughout audit assignments.
• Build positive and constructive working relationships with client contacts and colleagues.
• Communicate audit queries and other relevant matters clearly and appropriately.
• Develop an understanding of each client's organisation, objectives and activities.
• Support the delivery of a consistent, responsive and high-quality service to clients.

Team Support and Development

• Work collaboratively with External Audit colleagues to deliver assignments effectively.
• Take ownership of allocated tasks, seeking support and guidance where needed.
• Share knowledge and good practice with colleagues.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and accountable working environment.
• Participate in training, professional development and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Take responsibility for developing technical and professional knowledge relevant to External Audit and the ICAS qualification.

Skills and Experience

• Working towards, or holding, an honours degree, with a minimum 2:1 preferred. A degree in Finance, Accountancy, or a related discipline would be advantageous.
• Strong academic background with excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Organised and able to manage time effectively across client work, professional development and other responsibilities.
• Comfortable working independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Previous experience within a professional office environment is beneficial but not essential.

Our people and values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek to create opportunities for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. As an equal opportunities employer, we assess all applications fairly, based on merit and potential.

Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible and supportive. If you require any adjustments or reasonable accommodations during your application or interview, please let us know - we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Please download to view supporting documents below.

168 Bath StreetGlasgowG2 4TPUnited Kingdom