Bradford Council is recruiting three graduate trainees to start careers in public sector finance and internal audit, with applications closing on Friday 22 November 2026.

Two of the posts are Trainee Accountants, who will study with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The third is a Trainee Auditor, who will study with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The council says no previous experience is needed, and it is looking for people with the potential, motivation and commitment to become qualified professionals.

A three to four year programme

The trainee programme typically takes around three to four years to complete and combines professional study with structured development and practical workplace experience. Trainees receive study leave, mentoring and on-the-job training, and rotate through a series of placements, usually every nine months, to gain experience across different areas of finance and internal audit.

The council says trainees will work alongside experienced colleagues and develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful professional career. The two trainee accountants will work towards the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification, which CIPFA describes as the only accountancy qualification designed specifically for people working in the public services and a route to Chartered Public Finance Accountant status. The qualification is made up of 12 modules completed in four stages, and full-time students typically take around three and a half years to complete it.

Who the council is looking for

Applicants should be keen to learn, with a genuine interest in a professional career in the public sector, and comfortable working with numbers and information. The council also lists good numerical and analytical skills, attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, teamwork, clear communication and integrity among the qualities it is seeking.

Successful candidates will be expected to be mainly office-based in the centre of Bradford, with opportunities for more flexible working in line with council policy as they move through the programme. The council serves more than 563,000 residents, 209,000 households and 16,000 businesses across a district that includes the city, surrounding towns and countryside, and it points to recent regeneration in the city centre, including Darley Street Market and Bradford Live, and the district's year as UK City of Culture in 2025.

Key dates for applicants

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an assessment day on Friday 4 December 2026. Successful candidates are expected to start together with an induction week in the office in Bradford in January 2027.

The council warns that the vacancy may close early if it receives a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged. Anyone wanting more information can contact Paola Cano on 07974 894755 or by email at paola.cano@bradford.gov.uk.

Bradford Council says it is a Disability Confident employer and an equal opportunities employer, and that reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process. Applications should be made through the council's own jobs website, where the full advert and details of the employee offer are published.