Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester
Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Grant Thornton UK LLP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Dive deep into public sector audits and help ensure financial transparency.
  • Company: Join Grant Thornton, a global leader in audit and advisory services.
  • Benefits: Fully funded professional qualification, competitive salary, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and kickstart your career.
  • Qualifications: Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a desire to learn.
  • Other info: Flexible entry requirements and a supportive network for your growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

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.

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.

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 three-year audit graduate 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 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.
  • Study with support, with dedicated time to study and a team behind you as you work towards your ACA qualification.

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 three-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
    • 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 graduate scheme.

It\\\’s the start of something bigger.

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Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester employer: Grant Thornton UK LLP

Grant Thornton is an exceptional employer that prioritises quality, inclusion, and integrity, offering a dynamic work culture where you can make a real impact from day one. With a structured three-year audit graduate programme based in Manchester, you'll receive comprehensive support for your professional qualification, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and exclusive discounts while contributing to meaningful projects that protect public resources and enhance community services.
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 Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to public sector audit. Think about how you can showcase your curiosity and problem-solving skills. Mock interviews with friends can really help you nail it!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply to jobs; tailor your approach! Research Grant Thornton and understand their values. When you get the chance to chat with them, show how your goals align with their mission of making a real impact.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the right fit for the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester

Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Analysis
Financial Statement Analysis
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Time Management
Adaptability
Curiosity
Innovative Thinking
Professional Judgement
Client Relationship Management
Learning Agility

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 passion for audit and public service.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Highlight your curiosity and problem-solving abilities – they’re key to our team!

Showcase Your Experience: Whether it’s school projects, part-time jobs, or volunteering, share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment and ability to work in a team. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.

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 Graduate Programme. Understand their approach to auditing and how they support public bodies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Show Your Curiosity

During the interview, demonstrate your curiosity by asking insightful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the types of clients you'll work with or how the firm adapts to changes in regulations. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are eager to learn and grow.

✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be prepared to discuss examples from your past where you've tackled challenges or solved problems creatively. Relate these experiences to the skills needed in auditing, such as analysing financial statements or identifying anomalies. This will illustrate your capability to think critically and make an impact.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully. This will showcase your ability to express ideas and collaborate effectively, which is essential in a team-oriented environment.

Public Sector Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Manchester
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Location: Manchester
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