Pensions Audit School Leaver Programme (Autumn 2026

Overview

Alternatively, 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. 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 achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

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. Think of it as a backstage pass to the business world, where you don t just observe - you make a difference. 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 Pensions Audit team works with a wide range of clients, including many household names, covering industry-wide schemes, corporate pension schemes and master trusts. These organisations manage the retirement savings of millions and operate in a highly regulated environment where accuracy, governance, and transparency are paramount.

That s where we come in. Our audit services team provide the assurance that pension scheme trustees, members, and regulators rely on. With a strong reputation for quality and insight, you ll be part of a team that s helping to safeguard the future financial wellbeing of pension scheme members. We also assist our commercial audit teams to audit pension scheme balance and disclosures which appear in company accounts.

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.

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 pension schemes
  , from large corporate household names to specialist industry-wide schemes, gaining exposure to different governance structures, investment strategies, and regulatory challenges.
• Get hands-on with real audits
  , reviewing financial statements, testing contributions and benefits, and helping ensure pension schemes are accurately reporting how they manage members’ retirement savings.
• Understand how pension schemes operate by analysing funding positions, assessing internal controls, and learning how trustees and administrators manage assets, liabilities, and risk.
• Use data and technology to spot trends, identify anomalies, and support your findings.
• Keep learning and growing by staying up to date with pensions regulations, developing your professional judgement, and building relationships with mentors and specialists across the firm.
• Study with support
  , with dedicated time to study and a team behind you as you work towards your CFAB and ACA qualifications.

We ve got a flexible approach to academic entry requirements, and we ll consider these alongside your strengths and motivations. We re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas, and go beyond expectations.

• 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.

Kickstart your career…