Pensions Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester Manchester Posted 1 week ago

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. We empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work‑life balance.

With over 5,000 people in the UK and a presence in 150 global markets, we are on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. This gives you the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like and what you want from your career.

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.

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 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 provides 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 well‑being of pension scheme members. We also assist our commercial audit teams to audit pension scheme balances and disclosures that 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:

• 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 have a flexible approach to academic entry requirements and consider strengths and motivations.
• 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‑mindful contributors who take initiative and are motivated to grow.

What you’ll get:

• Kick‑start 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 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 in completing your professional qualification. Completing a qualification is a substantial commitment and it’s worth taking 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 organised 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.