IT Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - London

Grant Thornton – 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’re on an ambitious journey and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential.

Real responsibility. Real impact. Right from the start. Our IT Audit team plays a key role in helping clients navigate complex technology challenges. You’ll offer independent, trusted advice that empowers them to make confident, forward-thinking decisions and build resilient, future-ready systems. 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 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 clients across the following sectors: Capital, Consumer and Consulting, Technology and Media, Finance Services, and Public Sector.
• Get hands-on with real audits carrying out testing of IT controls on financial systems, assessing the impact of cyber incidents, and reviewing the migration of data on system projects.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies, and support your findings.
• 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. You have the option of either studying towards becoming ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualified or undertaking a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions. If you choose the ACA route, your first two years you will work towards completing the CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business) moving on to becoming ACA qualified over the next three years. If you choose the Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship route, you will spend 4 days a week working with the IT Audit team and 1 day a week studying towards your degree, spread over three years.

What we’re looking for: 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 school leaver programme. It’s the start of something bigger.