2026 Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme in Southampton

Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO.

Want to support decisions that drive the economy while building a career that matters from day one? Welcome to the Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme at BDO. The programme starts on Monday, 21st September 2026 for a firm‑wide induction (you’ll need to be able to attend). For Scotland roles you will start slightly earlier on the 31st August 2026. Here, you’ll work on real projects with real impact, supporting ambitious, fast‑growing businesses. You’ll be part of a team where your ideas are welcomed, your contributions matter, and your learning never stops. You’ll get opportunities to do complex work, access to high‑profile clients, and real responsibility. And you’ll also get the personal support that makes a difference: joining as part of a trainee cohort, working towards qualifications alongside peers across the firm, and growing in a culture where you’re seen and supported.

This is your chance to learn the industry from the inside out. Over four years, you’ll work on audits that matter, gain insights into how businesses run, and study towards your ACA, CFAB, or ICAS/RGU qualification. Alongside in‑house experts, you’ll build technical, personal and commercial skills that will last a career. When you complete the programme, a permanent role will be waiting.

You’re resilient, curious, adaptable and have the drive to make a difference. You bring logical thinking, problem‑solving, and a willingness to learn. We’ll help you sharpen your communication and teamwork skills, and give you the support to shape a career that works for you.

Join us in our Southampton hub. One thing to note: you’ll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time in the office matters; for your learning, for building relationships, and for being part of our culture.

Salary is £25,300 per annum.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*–C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A–B (or equivalent, for example, BTech extended diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You’ll be asked to provide evidence if you’re successful in securing an offer.
• GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A–C. You’ll also need to provide evidence if successful.
• Commitment to balance study and professional work.
• Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK from the start of employment.

Interview Process:

• Online application form.
• Online assessments (with the option to sit these in our office, where we can provide a laptop and space if you don’t have access to one).
• Video interview.
• Virtual assessment centre.
• Final interview in‑person.

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share resources to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a person.

We’ve got 18 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well‑being, adaptable about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work. Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you. Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO. Apply now.

Our firm is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.