Returning with purpose: Mike’s path back to the firm
Mike's storyMike talks to us about rejoining Grant Thornton, his drivers for returning to the firm, and setting the right boundaries to achieve the right work-life balance.

We believe in creating an environment that helps our people thrive, both inside and outside of work. We work hard to create an open, transparent culture that’s all about integrity, so you can be yourself and know your leaders are people you can believe in. And as a forward-thinking employer that looks after the development and wellbeing of our people, we’ll make sure you can pursue your passions and get your career off to a great start.
Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to be yourself and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.
Mike talks to us about rejoining Grant Thornton, his drivers for returning to the firm, and setting the right boundaries to achieve the right work-life balance.
Driven by curiosity and an appetite for variety, Alex’s journey from biomedical science graduate to audit trainee has been shaped by hands-on experience, a supportive culture, and a commitment to continuous learning. In her own words, she shares how embracing new challenges, building confidence through feedback, and living the firm’s values have helped her grow.
Everyone at Grant Thornton benefits from private medical insurance, and Kevin experienced its value first-hand. Here he talks about when his life changed dramatically in 2022, and how the support of those around him have allowed him to continue excelling in a role he loves.
Maria’s journey has been shaped by curiosity and continuous growth. In her own words, she shares how moving from Dubai to London opened the door to a career in accountancy, how her internship helped her find her fit in advisory, and why feedback, mentorship, and real responsibility have helped her thrive.
Supported by a culture of encouragement and hands-on learning, Julia’s journey from economics student to Tax Associate began with a four-week internship that shaped her career path. In her own words, she shares how discovering her strengths, gaining real responsibility, and growing through feedback have helped her thrive in Financial Services Tax.
We spoke to Alex about his journey at Grant Thornton, from starting as an associate to becoming a director in the Financial Services Tax team. Hear about his plans to pay forward the support he’s received throughout this career at the firm to the next generation of tax associates.
Supported by a culture of trust and flexibility, Ashton’s journey at the firm has been shaped by leaps of faith and her desire to keep learning. In her own words, Ashton shares how recognising her own transferable skills, building strong relationships and embracing change has led to not just professional development – but personal growth.
Driven by curiosity and passion for psychology, Diana is thriving in the ethics team, where she combines her passion for understanding human behaviour with analytical skills to navigate the complexities of auditor independence. Here, Diana explains the valuable work done by team and her ongoing efforts to promote Ethics in the firm.
As a Director in Corporate Finance and a long-serving Army Reservist, Jamie has spent nearly two decades navigating two very different worlds. From advising clients in boardroom negotiations to supporting national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamie reflects on the experiences that shaped him, and how both careers complement each other in unexpected ways.
Nurtured by senior colleagues who recognised her growing skills and passion for people, Lauren was encouraged to pursue a new opportunity in the firm. Lauren shares how her experiences in a 12-month placement, job share, and secondment have re-shaped her career and ignited her desire to make a difference.
Ronojit joined the firm as a graduate in our audit practice in 2022, after an academic journey that took him from India to France and Luxembourg and finally landing in Manchester. He shared with us how he finds adapting to different cultures, and what he has learnt in his time with us so far.
Eryn Duff, an Assistant Manager in our Centralised Audit Services Team, has a personal connection and appreciation for the value of volunteering in schools. Here, she shares more about her rewarding experience of volunteering in the firm’s Head Start programme and how it has benefitted the young people local to her in Belfast, Northern Ireland.