Talent Track Programme 2026 in Leeds

Job Description: Real responsibility. Real learning. Real opportunity. Right from the start. 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. A true alternative. With over 5,000 people in the UK and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey from great to exceptional - and we need the best people to help us get there. That means the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

About the programme Talent Track, in partnership with the University of Leeds, is designed for students who want early, hands‑on experience of tax or audit while they study. The programme blends academic learning with multiple paid placements at Grant Thornton, building your skills, confidence and professional network long before graduation.

You’ll take on real responsibilities, learn directly from experienced teams and see how tax or audit works from the inside – all while being supported every step of the way.

The highlight is your full‑time placement year, between your penultimate and final year of university. This is where your development accelerates: you’ll become an integral part of a tax or audit team, contribute to live client work and grow your capability faster than you thought possible.

You’ll complete structured professional learning alongside your placement experience, supported by exemptions built into your degree – so you’ll join our graduate programme already ahead of the curve, with most students able to qualify within 21–24 months of finishing university.

At the end of the programme, you’ll have the option to convert onto one of our graduate programmes and continue towards becoming a fully qualified tax or audit professional, with a firm that already knows you, values you and has invested in your potential.

You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community from day one, with welcome days, events and development sessions where you can build friendships and connect with mentors.

The Talent Track programme runs from Grant Thornton offices across the UK, so you can build your career in a location that works for you.

What you’ll do during your placements

You’ll work as part of our Tax or Audit team, gaining structured insight into how the work runs and learning the foundations of the profession while developing skills that support your future career.

You will:

• Support the team with real client work, helping businesses across a range of industries
• Learn how organisations operate by building an understanding of financial information, controls and risk
• Get experience preparing working papers, testing balances or supporting compliance and advisory tasks, guided by experienced team members
• Build strong professional skills in communication, teamwork, attention to detail and problem‑solving
• Use data and technology tools to support your work and help identify trends or anomalies
• Be guided by mentors, managers and early‑careers specialists who will help you grow in confidence and capability

Who we’re looking for

To join this programme, you must already have applied to or have joined the University of Leeds BSc Accounting and Finance degree and met its entry requirements. You’ll thrive on the programme if you can demonstrate:

• Commercial curiosity - genuine interest in our clients' businesses and an eye for spotting opportunities to add value, from the start.
• A digital explorer's mindset - curiosity for digital tools and data, and a drive to find smarter solutions early on.
• Adaptability - embracing change, asking good questions, and picking things up quickly when thrown in at the deep end.
• Strong problem‑solving skills - critical thinking, sound judgement, and attention to detail from your first live piece of work.
• Collaborative communication - listening well, adapting your approach, and building trust with clients and colleagues alike.
• A proactive approach to your career - taking ownership of your growth and seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you.

What you’ll get

This programme gives you structured exposure to the world of audit alongside your studies, helping you build confidence, capability and clarity about your career direction.

You’ll receive:

• Paid, meaningful work experience during your degree
• Hands‑on exposure to real accountancy work and client environments
• A supportive team and dedicated early‑careers guidance
• Training, tools and resources to help you grow
• Technology to support your learning and work
• A culture that supports wellbeing and balance
• Opportunities to get involved in volunteering, mentoring or community initiatives
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including:
  • Flexible holiday options, including flexible bank holidays and a holiday purchase scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Private medical insurance (eligibility dependent)
  • Exclusive retail and wellbeing discounts

What we expect from you

The programme requires you to balance university study with multiple placements at Grant Thornton. You’ll need to be motivated, organised and committed to your studies and your development. In return, you’ll receive the support, structure and opportunities you need to succeed. Join the firm that’s shaping future leaders. 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 start shaping what’s next. This isn’t just a partnership degree programme. It’s the start of something bigger. Our reward and benefits are designed to create an environment where our people can flourish. We are committed to building a culture where our people have access to the necessary benefits to help promote a healthy lifestyle and thrive. Besides a competitive salary, you'll receive our core benefits including, life assurance, income protection and private medical cover plus access to a range of voluntary benefits to choose from focused on health, family and wellbeing. Our range of voluntary benefits allows to you to make choices that are right for you. Whether that’s a pension, making use of the shopping gateway for discounts, using the bike4work scheme or additional health benefits or accessing mortgage and financial advice, you can choose the benefits that work for you. You are also able to choose when you take your bank holidays throughout the year. We want to support our people in celebrating holidays and occasions that are important to their religion, ethnicity, culture heritage or other parts of their identity and this is just one way we do this.