Private Capital Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - Reading

Grant Thornton (UK); Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit and advisory firm in Reading is seeking individuals for a structured placement programme within their audit team. You will work with diverse clients, conduct audits, and develop strategic insights. Ideal candidates are curious, collaborative, and eager to grow in a supportive environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Dedicated support network

Competitive salary

Life assurance

Private medical insurance

Exclusive discounts

Extra holiday options

Qualifications

• Actively curious individuals who explore ideas and ask thoughtful questions.
• Innovative problem solvers who think creatively and spot patterns.
• Effective communicators who express ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Work with a variety of clients, gaining exposure to different industries.
• Conduct audits and verify financial accuracy by analyzing statements.
• Use data and technology to identify trends supporting findings.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

The UK member firms of Grant Thornton are part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 76,000 in over 150 countries. We're a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile. That's Grant Thornton.

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.

You will be a part of the Thames Valley and Southampton audit team (TVS). This will mean that you will be working on an exciting client base, together with our Oxford, Reading and Southampton offices, located across the Thames Valley area including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire. With this, occasional travel between offices may be required to conduct audits and participate in training and development.

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 launchpad to a meaningful career and a chance to make a real impact on UK businesses.

What you'll do

You'll be part of a team that helps businesses stay financially healthy, transparent, and accountable. You'll learn by doing, with plenty of support along the way.

• Work with a variety of clients, from household names to innovative start-ups, gaining exposure to different industries and challenges.
• Get hands-on with real audits, visiting client sites, attending stock counts, 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 companies manage money, risk, and operations.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies, and support your findings.
• 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:
• oExtra holiday options (including flexible bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays)
• oLife assurance
• oPrivate medical insurance.

Join the firm

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.