Private Capital Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Southampton

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auditing firm in the UK is seeking motivated individuals for their audit school leaver programme. You will gain hands-on experience through real audits while working with various clients. The programme offers fully funded professional qualifications and dedicated support, making it a perfect launchpad for a successful career in auditing.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualification

Paid study leave

Exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Flexible academic entry requirements will be considered alongside strengths.
• Desire to contribute and spark fresh ideas.
• Career-minded and motivated to grow.

Responsibilities

• Work with a variety of clients across different industries.
• Conduct audits and visit client sites.
• Analyze financial statements and review internal controls.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Self-leadership

Job description

More than you expected
The UK member firms of Grant Thornton are part of 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 five-year audit school leaver programme is your launchpad to a meaningful career, a professional qualification, and a chance to make a real impact on UK businesses.

What you'll do

• 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.
• Study with support, with dedicated time to study and a team behind you as you work towards your CFAB and ACA qualifications.

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 five-year programme designed to give you real-world experience from day one.
• Fully funded professional qualification, including paid study leave, expert tuition, and all course fees covered.
• Technology to support your learning and client work.
• Dedicated support network, from experienced managers and mentors to college tutors 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:
  Extra holiday options (including flexible bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays)
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance.

What we expect from you

As part of your training with us, you\'ll be provided with study leave to support you with completing your professional qualification. Completing a professional qualification is a substantial commitment and it\'s worth taking this into consideration before applying, as you will be required to study in your spare time outside of your working hours. You\'ll also be provided with study leave in the run up to your exams. You\'ll need to be focused, committed, and organise your time well to balance all the requirements of being a trainee.

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 school leaver programme.

It\'s the start of something bigger.