Grants Audit Graduate Programme (Autumn 2026) - Birmingham

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.

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. 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.

You'll be part of our leading Grants team which is part of Public Sector Audit - we are the largest supplier to the Local Government sector in the UK. We deliver grant audit and related services to over 120 Local Authorities, as well as to higher education providers, research councils, corporate entities, and other organisations - giving you exposure to a wide range of impactful work.

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:

• Work with a variety of clients, from NHS trusts to Fire Authorities and Local Councils.
• 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.
• 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:

• 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.
• 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, 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 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 will 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.