Overview
Join to apply for the Public Sector Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026) - Edinburgh role at Grant Thornton UK.
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. 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 four-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, 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 - 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 ICAS qualification.
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.
* We look at a flexible range of academic entry requirements and consider these alongside your strengths and motivations.
What you\'ll get
* A structured four-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, 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\'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.
Seniority level
* Internship
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries
* Accounting
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