At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive deep into public sector audits and help clients navigate financial challenges.
- Company: Join Grant Thornton, a global leader in audit, tax, and advisory services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible holidays, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while kickstarting your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, creativity, and a desire to contribute are key.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience with top public bodies and build valuable skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
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.
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 12-month placement programme is your springboard into the world of business - offering hands-on experience, real responsibility, and a chance to see the impact of your work as you build skills for your final year and future career.
What you’ll do
- You’ll be part of a team that helps our clients 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.
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 placement programme designed to give you real-world experience from day one.
- Technology to support your learning and client work.
- Dedicated support network, from experienced managers and mentors 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.
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 placement programme. It’s the start of something bigger.
Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - London employer: Grant Thornton UK LLP
Contact Detail:
Grant Thornton UK LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Grant Thornton on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the placement. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to public sector audit. Think about how you can showcase your curiosity and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you think, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the public sector! Research recent developments in public finance and be ready to discuss how they impact the work of auditors. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and proactive mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Grant Thornton. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Audit 12 Month Placement Programme (Summer 2026) - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your curiosity and passion for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Public Sector Audit role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
Show Your Impact: Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've made a difference. Whether it's in a group project or a part-time job, we love to see how you’ve contributed and what you’ve learned along the way.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton UK LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Grant Thornton's values and the specifics of the Public Sector Audit role. Understand how they approach audits and what makes their work impactful. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the company. This demonstrates your curiosity and eagerness to learn, which are key traits they’re looking for. Think about asking how they tackle challenges in public sector audits or what technologies they use.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've had to think creatively to solve a problem. Relate these examples to the skills needed in auditing, like analysing financial statements or identifying anomalies. This will showcase your innovative mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, listen carefully to the questions and respond thoughtfully. This will reflect your ability to express ideas clearly, which is essential for building trust with clients.