At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in audit and develop your skills with diverse clients.
- Company: Join Grant Thornton, a forward-thinking firm with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy study leave, professional qualification support, and a flexible work environment.
- Other info: Experience a supportive culture that values inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with real responsibility and the chance to make an impact.
- Qualifications: No degree required; just bring your ambition and curiosity.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
As an auditor, you’ll be connecting with the issues our clients are facing. The constantly evolving landscape calls for an approach that puts what is right first and you will need to push ideas harder and ask difficult questions, giving our clients the assurance they need.
Our Audit and Assurance practice is comprised of over 10 different teams and over 50 partners. We audit over 8,000 entities annually, ranging from FTSE and AIM listed groups to small and medium sized enterprises. There’ll be challenges along the way, but you’ll be supported and able to meet each one with a solution. That’s how you excel here. We take pride in quality across the firm and have made a significant investment in this area – it is at the heart of everything we do.
Our five-year apprenticeship programme is designed to take you on a journey to professional qualification. Anyone without a degree can apply for this programme.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll experience during your first five years:
- Hands on experience in the different aspects of audit, with a variety of clients
- Responsibility from early in your career, taking ownership for interesting and challenging client work
- You’ll develop a strong internal and external network to learn from
- Working closely with colleagues to provide robust challenge and market leading insights to help clients meet their regulatory needs and business objectives
- You’ll get experience in everything from examining financial records, carrying out audit tests, to attending stock-takes and completing audit files
- Subject to restrictions, you’ll be required to spend time travelling to a variety of client offices
- On the job learning, alongside a structured training programme
- Time to study and revise for your exams, supported by us all the way to the CA professional qualification
In your first two years you will work towards completing the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), moving on to complete ICAS to become CA (Chartered Accountant) qualified over the next three years.
We’re looking for people who will bring ambition and drive to their role. In changing markets, we need to be able to work at pace and be adaptable to change and to be curious, asking questions of ourselves, each other and our clients to ensure we are delivering the services and quality we expect. 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.
We have a trust-based way of working at Grant Thornton, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our teams work between our offices, client sites, at their homes with trainees also attending college as required. As a trainee, in-person working is important and is a great way to help you learn even more about the firm and the work we do, as well building relationships and connections with your peers.
You’ll need to be focused, committed, and organised as a trainee, to balance your study and work requirements. You will be provided with study leave to help you complete your professional qualification but you will also find you need to study in your spare time outside of your working hours. Completing a professional qualification is a substantial commitment and its worth taking this in consideration before applying.
The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish.
Private Capital Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Edinburgh employer: Aplaro Ltd
At Grant Thornton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and work-life balance, particularly in our Edinburgh office. Our Private Capital Audit School Leaver Programme offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, with hands-on experience, early responsibility, and a supportive environment that fosters curiosity and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that is redefining the audit landscape while enjoying a culture that values your contributions and encourages you to excel.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Capital Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Edinburgh
✨Get Involved with Campus Recruitment Events
Apprenticeships in banking and financial services often come through campus recruitment days. Keep an eye out for events hosted by your university or local banks, as these can be golden opportunities for us to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a great first impression.
✨Engage with Professional Bodies
Join organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Banking. These memberships can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities, plus, they often have dedicated sections for apprenticeships and early-career roles that can point us in the right direction.
✨Follow the Right Companies on Social Media
Banks and financial services firms love to share their stories on social media! Follow companies like Aplaro Ltd to keep up with their latest apprenticeship opportunities and insider news. Engaging with their posts could give us an edge when it comes to the application.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Service
Your university's career service is a treasure trove of information for apprenticeships in banking. They often have connections to employers like Aplaro Ltd, so don't hesitate to tap into their resources and advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Capital Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Maths Skills:In the banking and financial services sector, being good with numbers is a must! Make sure to highlight any relevant maths qualifications or experience in your application, as well as any projects or coursework that demonstrate your analytical skills.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an apprenticeship, companies like Aplaro Ltd want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and your eagerness to learn. In your cover letter, chat about why you’re interested in banking and any specific areas you’re excited to explore. Show them that you’re ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
Highlight Relevant Experience (Even If It's Limited):Whether it's a part-time job, volunteer experience, or even a school project, mention any relevant experience related to banking or finance. This could include customer service roles or any projects where you handled budgeting. We’re all about showing how you can apply your skills, even if they’re from unconventional backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:Make sure your CV isn’t just a list of duties. Tailor it to reflect skills that appeal to financial services, like attention to detail and communication skills. Don’t forget to keep it clear and concise, showing how you’re a perfect fit for the apprenticeship at Aplaro Ltd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aplaro Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Principles
Since you're diving into the banking and financial sector with an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with key concepts like interest rates, investment strategies, and basic financial accounting. Make sure you can share your understanding of these principles during the interview, as they'll likely pop up in practical scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In the world of banking, interviewers love to throw real-world scenarios at you. Prepare for questions that ask how you'd handle customer inquiries or solve financial challenges. Practising these types of situational responses can really showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service abilities, both of which are essential in this field.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, what's going to set you apart is your motivation to learn and grow in the role. Be sure to express your excitement about entering the banking world and highlight any steps you've already taken to educate yourself, whether through courses, workshops, or relevant hobbies.
✨Prepare Your Questions About Company Culture
When interviewing with Aplaro Ltd, don’t shy away from asking about their company culture and training programmes for apprentices. This shows that you're not only focused on the role but also interested in how you'll fit within the team, which is a major factor for your future success in the apprenticeship.
