Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit and advisory firm in Manchester is seeking graduates for their audit program. Successful candidates will analyze financial operations and perform audits for various public sector clients. This three-year program provides on-the-job training, professional development, and opportunities for meaningful impact in business operations. Candidates should possess curiosity, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Benefits

Fully funded professional qualification

Paid study leave

Private medical insurance

Exclusive discounts

Extra holiday options

Qualifications

• Actively curious and purposefully driven individual.
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions and explore ideas.
• Strong communication skills to adapt and express ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform audits for public sector clients by visiting sites.
• Analyze financial statements and review internal controls.
• Utilize technology to support findings and identify trends.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Self-leadership

Job description

Overview

More than you expected

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.

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 three-year audit graduate 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

Whether you\'re joining straight from school or after university, 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, our portfolio includes the biggest and most significant of 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.
• Study with support, with dedicated time to study and a team behind you as you work towards your ACA qualification.

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 three-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 graduate scheme.

It\'s the start of something bigger.