Graduate Trainee Programme 2027

Audit; Cardiff; Remote; GBP 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Audit Wales is offering a fully funded four-year graduate programme that combines professional study with hands-on experience toward the ACA chartered accountant qualification in Wales. No accounting degree or prior experience is required, and we welcome graduates from all disciplines.

You’ll audit how public money is spent, contributing to accountability and value for money across Welsh public bodies, including Welsh Government and NHS Wales.

Qualifications

• 120 UCAS points from three full A levels or equivalent qualifications.
• Degree at 2:1 or above, or a 2:2 with an additional postgraduate qualification.
• At least five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Study toward the ACA while gaining hands-on audit experience.
• Audit across Wales’ public bodies to promote accountability and value for money.
• Work from a relevant office for a minimum of two days each week.
• Develop professional skills and build networks across the public sector.

Skills

Curious

Analytical

Organised

Adaptable

Collaborative

Education

UCAS points 120

Degree 2:1 or above, or 2:2 with master's

GCSEs A*-C incl Maths and English

Job description

£31,536 - £41,005 per annum (pay band TR22)

£31,536 - £41,005 per annum (pay band TR22) Salary on appointment is at the minimum of the range

About this job

Description

Build a career that makes a difference

Are you curious, motivated and keen to make a difference? Join our fully funded four-year graduate programme and work towards the internationally recognised ACA chartered accountancy qualification while helping to improve public services across Wales. You don't need an accountancy degree or previous experience to apply.

We believe great talent comes from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Whatever your degree subject, we're interested in the skills and potential you can bring from your studies, work, volunteering or other life experiences. No previous audit or accountancy experience is needed - just curiosity, potential and a willingness to learn. We'll support you throughout.

About the role

As a Graduate Trainee at Audit Wales, you'll combine professional study with hands-on experience, exploring how public money is spent and whether it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of Wales.

These roles offer the chance to build a meaningful career while supporting public services and communities across Wales. You'll gain experience across a diverse range of organisations, build strong professional networks and join a collaborative team that will support you throughout your qualification.

You'll play a part in auditing over 800 public bodies across Wales, helping to promote accountability, improvement and value for money in organisations that affect people's everyday lives. Our clients include Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities and many more.

Successful candidates will be expected to work from their relevant office for a minimum of two days each week.

How you’ll develop

Over four years, you'll build your confidence, discover your strengths and progress towards qualification. You will:

• Start building your career as you study towards the ACA qualification and gain practical experience auditing public body accounts.
• Grow through new challenges by taking on more varied and complex work, with support from experienced colleagues.
• Explore different opportunities through value-for-money work and a six-month secondment with another publicly funded body.
• Get ready for your next step by developing your professional skills, working towards an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 Award and completing the programme as an ACA chartered accountant.

Essential academic requirements

Applications are welcome from graduates of all disciplines. Please include evidence in your application that you meet the following academic requirements.

• 120 UCAS points from three full A levels (A2) or equivalent qualifications.
• A degree at 2:1 or above, or a 2:2 with an additional postgraduate qualification, for example a master's degree.
• At least five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including Maths at grade B or above and English at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.

We're looking for graduates who are curious and analytical, organised, adaptable and willing to learn, and able to work collaboratively and professionally. You'll have opportunities to demonstrate these qualities throughout the selection process. Please see the job description for the full criteria .

Candidates who meet the requirements will be invited to take part in online assessments, an interview and practical activities designed to help them demonstrate their strengths and potential.

We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need an adjustment at any stage, please tell us - we'll be happy to discuss what would help you perform at your best.

Practical assessments and interviews are planned to take place in person at our Cardiff Office, 1 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF10 4BZ, on 15, 16, 17 and 18 February 2027. If travel or accessibility requirements could affect your participation, please contact us so we can discuss the support.

We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including those who are currently under-represented in our organisation. We value potential as much as experience and encourage applications from anyone who meets the essential requirements of the role.

We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Please note we are not able to sponsor work visas.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 18 January 2027.

We welcome applications that may be submitted in Welsh; an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

At Audit Wales, we want to hear your authentic voice. You may use generative AI to support your application, but your final submission must be your own, accurate work based on your genuine experiences. If you use AI, do not share confidential or third-party personal information. Your application should reflect your own experiences and abilities. Applications that do not represent a candidate's own work may be withdrawn from the recruitment process.