Future Accountant: Alex, Audit Associate

Before joining the firm, I studied biomedical science at the University of Birmingham, where I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Alongside my studies, I worked at a well-known fast-food chain, which helped me build resilience, time management, and teamwork skills in a fast-paced environment.

I decided to move from biomedical science to audit because I wanted more variation. Working in audit gives me the opportunity to work with a lot of different people – internally across various audit teams, and externally with a wide range of clients. Plus, I can work from home, the office, and client locations – including overseas – which makes every day different. It feels like the perfect fit for me.

I first came across Grant Thornton in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers list. I was impressed by the firm’s diverse client base, ranging from large listed companies and private equity-backed businesses to not-for-profit organisations. This variety, and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards my Chartered Accountancy qualification, really appealed to me.

What really stood out during the application process was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Each interaction made me feel at ease and gave me a strong sense of the firm’s culture. That’s when I knew Grant Thornton was somewhere I’d genuinely enjoy working.

From day one, I’ve felt comfortable asking questions to colleagues at all levels, which has really helped me grow in confidence. Senior colleagues actively encourage me to take on new challenges and explore different areas of work to broaden my experience and deepen my understanding. It’s a collaborative atmosphere where people genuinely want to see each other succeed.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing the demands of full-time work with studying for my exams. It was a steep learning curve at first. To manage this, careful diary management was key; I made sure to allocate dedicated time for both client work and exam preparation so I could give each my full attention.

What really helped was the supportive culture at the firm. Since most people have either been through the exams or are currently studying, there’s a shared understanding of the challenges. My team was always encouraging and flexible, which made a big difference in helping me manage both responsibilities effectively. 

The biggest milestone in my learning and development has been qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. What made it even more special was achieving it alongside the colleagues I met on my very first day at the firm. We supported each other through both the work and study challenges, and over time, we became close friends.

Beyond that, having the opportunity to take responsibility from day one has been so valuable. Whether it was leading sections of audits, liaising directly with clients, or mentoring newer trainees, each experience has helped me build confidence, develop professionally, and grow into my role.

Throughout my time on the programme, getting feedback from mentors and colleagues has been key. Whether it was technical guidance or advice on soft skills, receiving constructive and supportive feedback has helped me continuously improve, build confidence, and take ownership of my learning.

One moment that really brought our values to life was when a partner and I organised a volunteering week with two local charities. Over the course of a week and a half, members of our department got involved in a range of activities, from gardening and cooking to running CV and interview skills workshops. It was a fantastic opportunity to come together as a department and make a meaningful impact on our community. 

The firm was incredibly supportive throughout the planning and execution, which really reflected our values: we were driven to make a difference, explored new ways to contribute, and were encouraging and supportive of each other. It was a proud moment that showcased the culture we strive to uphold.

One thing I wish I’d known before starting is that you don’t need a background in accounting to join the firm and thrive. That’s the beauty of the training programme; we’re taught everything we need to know. Before joining, I had never studied accounting at school or university, and I honestly never felt held back. In fact, many people at the firm come from non-accounting backgrounds, which creates a diverse and supportive learning environment. 

My advice is to work hard, ask questions, and take every opportunity that comes your way. The support is there – you just need to make the most of it.