Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - Leeds

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit and advisory firm in the UK is launching a 12-month placement program for aspiring auditors. You will work with significant public sector clients, using technology to enhance audits and ensure financial accuracy. The firm values curiosity, innovative thinking, and collaboration. This program offers structured career support, competitive salary, and benefits, making it a great starting point for your career in business.

Benefits

Dedicated support network

Competitive salary and benefits package

Extra holiday options

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Flexibility in academic entry requirements based on strengths.
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions.
• Capability to work respectfully with team members.

Responsibilities

• Visit client sites for audits and ensure financial accuracy.
• Analyze financial statements to understand business operations.
• Utilize data and technology to support audit findings.

Skills

Curiosity

Innovative 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 people 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.

Public Sector Audit is where purpose meets impact. We are made up of 400 specialists working with government departments, public bodies, and national services. You’ll get under the surface of how public money is spent, ask the tough questions, and help clients navigate financial challenges with confidence. In a world of rapid change and rising expectations, your work will help protect the public purse and support services that millions rely on.

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 springboard into the world of business – offering hands-on experience, real responsibility, and a chance to see the impact of your work as you build skills for your final year and future career.

What you’ll do

• Work with a variety of clients, our portfolio includes the biggest and most significant local public bodies such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the Metropolitan Police.
• Get hands-on with real audits, visiting client sites 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 our clients manage money, risk, and operations.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies, and support your findings – including automated interrogation of financial information systems.
• 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:
• Extra holiday options (including flexible bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays)
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance.

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.