Audit
2027 Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme
BDO
Location
Birmingham, Southampton, Reading, Leeds, Ipswich, Nottingham, Guildford, Liverpool, Glasgow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Greater Manchester, Bristol, London
Salary
£26,615 - £28,275 depending on location
Duration
4 years
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Level 6
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
15 November 2026
Vacancy reference
R21145
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths and English grade 4+, Three A-levels grade A*-C or equivalent
About the role
An apprenticeship programme combining practical audit experience with professional qualification study. Participants will work on real client projects across specialist areas including Pension Audit, Public Sector, Not-for-Profit, Financial Services and Technology Risk Assurance. The programme offers hands-on experience, client interaction, and professional development with ongoing support from experienced colleagues and mentors.
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, BTEC Extended Diploma). GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. Right to work in the UK. Commitment to balance study and professional work. Must be able to attend organisation-wide induction on 20th September 2027. Must live within commutable distance of chosen office.
Skills
Problem solvingClient relationship buildingTechnical audit skillsCommercial awarenessCommunicationTeamworkProfessional accounting knowledge
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade A*-C
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade A*-C
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade A*-C
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
Essential
Professional Qualification · ACA or CFAB or ICAS/RGU · Grade N/A
Training & development
Over four years, participants will work towards ACA, CFAB or ICAS/RGU professional qualifications while gaining practical audit experience. Support includes buddy mentorship from experienced trainees, people manager guidance, dedicated study support with study leave allocations, and peer networks with other trainees. Professional qualifications team provides exam booking and study administration assistance.
Additional training
Participants will receive dedicated personal and professional development sessions. Support services include mental wellbeing resources, access to employee networks including BLEND (LGBTQ+), BDO Inspire (gender balance), and CEDAR (ethnic diversity networks). Training in business thinking, communicating, decision making, developing self and others, collaborating, and innovation and change.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the 4-year programme and professional qualification (ACA, CFAB or ICAS/RGU), a permanent role is guaranteed with BDO.
Company benefits
Holiday benefit enabling purchase of up to 10 additional leave days. Health and Wellness Programmes to promote a positive working environment. Bike to work scheme for tax-effective bike acquisition. Group Personal Pension Plan with matched employer contributions. Private Medical Access for employees and family. Income Protection Plan providing salary proportion during illness or injury-related loss of earnings. Additional voluntary benefits including gym membership and employee discounts. Wellbeing support covering physical, financial and mental health.
Things to consider
You must be able to attend the organisation-wide induction on Monday, 20th September 2027. You need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided. Time in the office is important for learning and relationship building. You must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements.
About BDO
BDO is the only UK mid-market organisation with more than £1bn in turnover and 8,000 people. A thriving business that is respectful and client-focused with a core purpose of helping people succeed. Known for its distinctive culture, agile working practices, and commitment to supporting employee development and wellbeing.
Website
www.bdo.co.ukIf this one works out
This role is in Manchester. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £550–£800 a month.