Audit (BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship)

BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship - Audit & Assurance

Location: London

Start Date: September 2027

What does this team do?

Audit matters to everyone. When a company shares its financial results, stakeholders need assurance that those numbers are accurate. That's where audit comes in. We check company financial reports independently, allowing the public, investors, and businesses to trust the information they see. This is a job that protects people and genuinely makes a difference.

The landscape for audit reporting is changing rapidly, which drives demand and evolves the services we provide. We are increasingly integrating AI and other technologies to automate and standardize processes and enhance accuracy. As businesses adopt AI, we must audit their AI financial systems and processes, meaning the scope of our work is constantly growing. We are shaping the future of audit, and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

What kind of work will I do?

This inclusive BrightStart Apprenticeship programme is a rewarding entry point into professional services, allowing you to gain real-world experience while being paid to learn and progress.

• You will work directly with major organizations while building skills through our excellent training programme to deliver quality services that make a real difference to society.
• Early in your career, you will have responsibility for developing people and managing teams, with support provided every step of the way.
• You will engage with diverse organizations, gaining insight into their operations and the economic and industry issues that affect them.
• You will have opportunities to think creatively and collaborate to solve complex problems.
• Alongside this, you will learn critical skills necessary to quickly adapt and utilize technology to future-proof your career.

Our Audit business operates in two core areas; candidates can choose their preference:

• Large & Complex Audit: This includes listed companies (corporate and financial services), their UK and international subsidiaries, and other public interest entities such as banks, insurers, large private companies, and public sector organizations.
• Portfolio Audit: This spans a wide range of sectors, including emerging growth and large private corporates, real estate funds, pension schemes, financial services brokers, and investment managers. The Portfolio business offers the chance to work with privately-owned, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and high-growth businesses.

About the Programme & Qualifications Needed

Eligibility: You must have obtained or be studying towards at least 104 UCAS points (or 260 UCAS points pre-2017) for your A-levels (or equivalent) to be eligible.

Skills: We have identified 10 core skills essential to all Early Careers roles. Please refer to the 'Discover What We Look For' section in our Candidate Zone for detailed descriptions.

What’s in it for me?

You will join a world-class training scheme in a full-time, permanent role, supported by a market-leading salary, benefits, and a professional qualification for long-term career development.

This role is underpinned by our shared purpose:

• We challenge and we rise to the challenge: We support your potential through an outstanding training scheme, a globally recognized professional qualification, and ongoing investment in your development.
• We include everyone: You will join an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued, learning is shared, and you can build a strong professional network.
• We do the right thing: You will work with purpose in an environment where personal and professional growth is possible, making an impact that supports public interest and confidence in financial reporting.

Development Opportunities

Technical Skills: Our Early Careers training program provides all the foundational knowledge and skills required for audits and assurance engagements, complementing the professional qualification training.

Soft Skills & Technology: We invest in your professional development through training and on-the-job learning, helping you build skills in communication, professional skepticism, decision-making, resilience, project management, and leadership. You will also gain knowledge to use digital tools, data analytics, and emerging technologies, including AI, to support high-quality audit work, identify insights, and automate routine tasks.

Professional Qualifications: As part of your BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship, you will study towards either the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA), the Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), or the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS), based on your location. Both qualifications are globally recognized and will advance your technical knowledge and professional growth.

Support: You will receive funded tuition, paid study leave, and access to a robust support network, including a student support adviser, coach, and a dedicated exam manager who has successfully completed the same professional journey. We also cover the costs of mandated courses, permitted exam attempts, and required membership fees.

Work Environment & Culture

Work Model: We operate a hybrid system, balancing office and home working. For client-facing roles, attendance at client sites may be required on certain days, and meetings will be a mix of online and in-person. Please note that the final assessment and induction will be held in person to facilitate networking and relationship building. All workspaces are accessible; requests for further flexibility due to health or caring responsibilities should be discussed with your team.

As a collaborative and inclusive firm, we aim to support and reward your unique talents. You can learn more about our processes, benefits, values, and culture through the provided links regarding diversity networks, wellbeing, and career resources.

Application Details

• Closing Deadline: 11th October 2026 (applications are encouraged as soon as possible, as roles may close early due to high demand).
• Assessment Deadlines: These will be provided by the recruitment team via email after application submission.
• Policy Notes: We operate a strict one application per year policy across our Early Careers opportunities.
• Visa Sponsorship: Please note that the salary for this role does not meet the minimum threshold required under the Immigration Rules for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, meaning we are unable to process applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship.