Working in tax at Grant Thornton

Hear from our trainees, Dan and Julia, about why they chose a career in tax, and what it's really like working as a Tax Associate at Grant Thornton.
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Our Tax practice is comprised of over 15 different teams with over 40 partners, led by Hazel Platt, and has grown significantly in recent years, with big growth ambitions it's an exciting time to be starting a career in tax. 

Joining the tax service line, you will be passionate about understanding the issues that are important to our clients and their businesses and helping them do what is right. There’ll be challenges along the way, but you’ll be supported and able to meet each one with a solution. That’s how you excel here.

Why a career in tax?

In a world of increasingly complex tax legislation, our clients need our support more than ever to help them understand how the evolving tax landscape impacts their business. We work with clients guiding them through UK and international systems as well as managing every aspect of their tax exposure, from preparing returns to negotiating with authorities. We help clients be proactive and keep ahead of changing legislation in a digital age, optimising their tax position and minimising risk. 

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Our teams

We work with clients in various sectors including, technology, finance and not-for-profit, and across our national tax practice focuses on three core areas:

  • Corporate and multinational tax - working with groups with significant multi-national footprint and in-house tax functions
  • Private client tax - focusing on the tax affairs of privately owned and private equity backed companies
  • Specialist services - with teams including innovation tax, employment taxes, VAT and real estate

Life as a tax associate 

Joining us as a tax trainee, you will work alongside a team of experts to provide tax advice to your clients. We give our trainees real responsibility early in their career, and will support you to: 

  • provide clear advice and recommendations clients can count on
  • work with a wide range of organisations, from media and entertainment companies to charities and small businesses
  • manage your own client portfolio early on, bringing commercial insight and guidance that will help them make better business decisions.

In return you’ll get to experience the multifaceted world of tax, where no client or day is that same. You learn how to interpret complex legislation and solve intricate problems with the in-depth knowledge you’ve gained.

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Studying alongside working

You’ll need to be focused, committed, and organised as a trainee to balance your study and work requirements. You will be provided with study leave to help you complete your professional qualification but you will also find you need to study in your spare time outside of your working hours. There will be times when you need to make tough decisions, but your team have all been through the same training programmes and can support you. 

Getting qualified

Whether you join us as an apprentice or a graduate, you will work towards one of the following qualifications: 

  • ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)
  • ATT (Association of Tax Technicians)
  • CA (Chartered Accountant) - offices in Scotland

Many of our trainees then go on to complete CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser).

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Career progression

At the end of your programme, you'll become professionally qualified. And all kinds of opportunities will open up. If you have dedicated yourself through your training programme and want to drive your career forward, we’ll be there to advise and guide you. 

We'll help you understand your interests and strengths, so you can get where you want to go. You can continue to progress in your team or experience life in a different area of our business with a secondment or permanent move. Or if you fancy experiencing life in a completely different country, you could work on a project with one of our global member firms.

Learn more about our different entry routes, and which is the right option for you. 

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Julia's story
Julia's story

Julia’s journey from economics student to graduate tax associate began with a four-week internship that shaped her career path.

Read Julia's story
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Dan's story
Dan's story

Dan graduated with a degree in English Literature and Master’s from RADA. Now, he’s thriving in our tax team. Here’s his journey.

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Chelsey's story
Chelsey's story

Chelsey joined us as a school leaver with no background in tax and is now a mentor and advocate for diversity in the workplace.

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Hannah's story
Hannah's story

Hannah balances her time as a tax apprentice with her commitments as a member of the England Future Roses Netball team. Here’s how.

Read Hannah's story
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