Pensions Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

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.

Our Pensions Audit team works with a wide range of clients, including many household names, covering industry-wide schemes, corporate pension schemes and master trusts. These organisations manage the retirement savings of millions and operate in a highly regulated environment where accuracy, governance, and transparency are paramount. That’s where we come in. Our audit services team provide the assurance that pension scheme trustees, members, and regulators rely on. With a strong reputation for quality and insight, you’ll be part of a team that’s helping to safeguard the future financial wellbeing of pension scheme members. We also assist our commercial audit teams to audit pension scheme balance and disclosures which appear in company accounts.

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

• 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 pension schemes, from large corporate household names to specialist industry-wide schemes, gaining exposure to different governance structures, investment strategies, and regulatory challenges.
• Get hands‐on with real audits, reviewing financial statements, testing contributions and benefits, and helping ensure pension schemes are accurately reporting how they manage members’ retirement savings.
• Understand how pension schemes operate by analysing funding positions, assessing internal controls, and learning how trustees and administrators manage assets, liabilities, and risk.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies, and support your findings.
• Keep learning and growing by staying up to date with pensions regulations, developing your professional judgement, and building relationships with mentors and specialists 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, and 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 leave programme. It’s the start of something bigger.