School Leaver Programme, Audit - Manchester (Sept 2027)

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded training

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Pension contribution

Generous holiday package

Option to purchase additional holiday

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Eye care support

Shared parental leave

Job summary

S&W invites school leavers to join its Audit & Assurance team in Manchester for a September 2027 start. The programme combines real client work with structured training, giving you meaningful responsibility from day one while you study toward ACA Level 7.

No prior accounting experience is required; you’ll receive funded training, study time and a strong support network to help you progress in your career. In-office location on Princess Street.

Qualifications

• No previous experience in accountancy is required.
• Study towards the ACA Level 7 qualification while you work.
• Be committed to pursuing the ACA qualification.
• Meet UCAS and GCSE requirements as outlined in the advert.

Responsibilities

• Testing processes and controls within engagements.
• Building relationships with client teams.
• Resolving audit and accountancy queries.
• Supporting a range of audit and accountancy projects.

Skills

Curious

Eager to learn

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Proactive

Ownership of development

Education

UCAS points 112+

GCSE English and Maths 5

ACA Level 7 commitment

Job description

School Leaver Programme, Audit - Manchester (Sept 2027)

• Full-time
• Office Location: Manchester (Princess Street)

Why Start Your Career at S&W?

Starting your career is about more than just a job. It's about the people you learn from, the relationships you build and the experiences that shape you. Whether that's passing an exam, achieving a personal milestone or celebrating success with your colleagues, you'll be part of a team that's invested in your growth, celebrates your achievements and supports you to be yourself.

At S&W, you'll be given meaningful responsibility from the start, alongside the support and guidance needed to help you succeed. You'll learn from experienced colleagues, develop valuable professional skills and build confidence as your career progresses.

As one of the UK's fastest-growing accountancy and advisory firms, we offer a balance of opportunity and support. You'll learn from people at every level of the business, gain exposure to a variety of clients, industries and experiences, and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a successful career.

No previous experience in accountancy, finance or professional services is required. We're looking for people with the right attitude and potential to succeed. If you're curious, eager to learn and ready to challenge yourself, we'll provide the training, support and opportunities to help you make the most of your potential.

The Audit & Assurance Team at S&W

Our Audit & Assurance team works with a diverse range of clients, from entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses to charities, not-for-profit organisations and larger established businesses across a variety of industries.

What sets Audit & Assurance at S&W apart is the breadth of experience you'll gain early in your career. You'll develop technical expertise, commercial awareness and a well-rounded understanding of how organisations operate, while working closely with experienced colleagues and gaining exposure to senior leaders and Partners. Together, this provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the profession.

What Will You Be Doing?

As part of our Audit & Assurance team, you'll work alongside colleagues to deliver services to a variety of clients. You'll be involved in different stages of an engagement, gaining insight into how organisations operate and the role assurance plays in building confidence in financial reporting.

Your work will include:

• Testing processes and controls
• Building relationships with client teams
• Resolving audit and accountancy queries
• Supporting a range of audit and accountancy projects

Whether you're based in one of our offices or working directly with clients, you'll contribute to meaningful work from day one while building your knowledge, skills and confidence.

Alongside your role, you'll study towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, a prestigious qualification equivalent to a Level 7 Master's degree. Through a combination of professional training and practical experience, you'll build a strong foundation in audit, accountancy and wider business advisory services.

You'll be fully supported throughout your studies with funded training, dedicated study time, guidance from experienced colleagues and a network of people who want to see you succeed.

To Be Successful in This Role

You’ll be someone who:

• Is curious, eager to learn and open to new challenges
• Enjoys working with others and building positive relationships
• Has a keen eye for detail and enjoys solving problems
• Is proactive and looks for ways to make a positive contribution
• Takes ownership of their development and is motivated to achieve their goals

You’ll also need to:

• Be committed to working towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) Level 7 professional qualification
• Have a minimum of 112 UCAS points from your top three A Levels (or equivalent), excluding General Studies
• Have achieved a minimum Grade 5 (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language and Maths

No previous experience in accountancy, finance or professional services is required.

We'll support you throughout your qualification journey with a leading UK training provider, dedicated study time and practical experience that complements your learning.

You’ll join as part of a cohort and benefit from a strong support network that includes experienced colleagues, a buddy and our Learning & Development team. From your first day, you’ll have people around you to guide you, answer questions and help you make the most of every opportunity.

As a Colleague at S&W, You’ll Have Access to Benefits That Include

• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support
• Shared parental leave

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workspace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.