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Future Accountants: Kerry’s journey into audit through apprenticeship
Choosing to take the alternative route into accountancy, Kerry started her career through an apprenticeship rather than university. Here, she shares how she’s building a rewarding career in audit – and why being curious, authentic, and supported makes all the difference.
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Future Accountants: Dan’s journey from English literature to Indirect Tax
From literature to ledgers, Dan Barber’s journey into Indirect Tax proves that the path to becoming a future accountant doesn’t have to be traditional. Now two years into his graduate programme, Dan shares how curiosity, support, and a love of problem-solving helped him thrive in a new field.
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Future Accountants: Julia’s journey from economics graduate to Tax Associate
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.
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Starting at the firm: How Emily balances audit, exams, and international hockey
Emily Dark, one of our Audit Associates, reflects on her first two years at Grant Thornton — from studying for her ICAS exams to representing Scotland in international hockey. She shares how the firm’s culture empowered her to thrive both professionally and personally, offering insights to help future trainees feel confident as they begin their careers and explore the opportunities ahead.
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Future Accountants: Yad’s journey from BTEC to Audit Associate
Yad’s path into audit began with a BTEC in Business and a job as a line chef, experiences that sparked his interest in teamwork, problem-solving, and learning by doing. Now an apprentice at Grant Thornton, he reflects on how feedback, support, and a collaborative culture have helped him grow into a professional member of the audit team.
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Future Accountants: Maria’s path from audit intern to Advisory Associate
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.
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Kevin's story
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.
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Future Accountants: Alex’s pivot from biomedical science graduate to audit trainee
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.
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Returning with purpose: Mike’s path back to the firm
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.
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Empowered to progress: Oliver’s data-driven trainee experience
With a degree in modern languages, Oliver took an alternative route into professional services. Now working in transaction services, he shares how the firm has empowered him to grow, explore new areas of interest, and make a meaningful impact – even as a trainee.
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Back with balance: How Hadia found her rhythm after maternity leave
Returning to work after maternity leave can be daunting – but for Hadia, Accounting Advisory Manager in CFO Solutions, it became a story of support, development, and reconnection. She shares how the firm’s culture and policies have helped her find her rhythm and continue growing after entering the world of motherhood.
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Meaningful work and real connection: Lola’s first eight months in Real Estate Tax
Lola joined Grant Thornton as a member of the Real Estate Tax team. Originally from Nigeria, she brings a global perspective, a passion for meaningful work, and a deep appreciation for community – both inside and outside the firm. In just eight months, she’s already made an impact, not only through her work but also by helping others find their place at the firm. Here’s her story.
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Future Accountant: Nirunthan, Advisory Associate
Nirunthan (Niru) joined the firm as a placement student during his university years. After graduating, he returned to the firm as an advisory associate in the Transactions Advisory Services team – a move that reflects his passion for applying accounting skills in a commercial, project-driven environment. Niru shares his experience as a placement student, including the challenges he overcame and the culture that shaped his development.
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Portraits of Power
Portraits of Power
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Top 10 career tips
Everyone benefits from a little advice, especially when they’re starting out. So, we've put together our top 10 tips to help you ace your applications and kick start your career in the best possible way.
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Ignite work experience
Are you ready to take the first step towards an exciting career in Accountancy? Our Grant Thornton Ignite Work Experience Programme is designed to give you a real taste of life at our firm.
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Interns and placements
Summer internships and 12-month placement programmes give you a fantastic opportunity to find out more about careers in professional services, and they can set you on a fast track through to an offer for your graduate programme.
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Graduate programmes
Our three-year graduate programme will take you from graduate to professionally qualified, opening up a world of opportunity.
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Apprenticeships
For anyone with A-Level (or equivalent) qualifications, an apprenticeship helps fast track you to qualification whilst you earn, and if you join straight after A-Levels, you can qualify ahead of your peers who go to university.
Opening new doors in digital
I’ve been at the firm for over seven years now, and from public sector audit associate to digital audit manager, it’s been the best journey. I joined the Digital Audit Team permanently in 2022, and when the chance came up to move into the Growth Hub within the same team, I was encouraged to go for it. Now I’m helping drive the firm’s growth agenda from a digital perspective – from supporting audit tenders to using data to shape how we win and deliver work. Saying yes to opportunities outside my usual remit has been key to my development, and it’s been rewarding to take initiative and steer my career in a direction that feels right for me.
Even though I’m not in a client-facing role anymore, I feel more connected than ever to the firm’s purpose. I’m part of the team that helps us win new work – supporting audit tenders and showcasing our digital capabilities. It’s exciting to be involved in shaping how we present ourselves to clients and how we bring innovation into the audit space.
There’s huge potential in using data to understand what works. Being involved in that kind of insight-driven work makes me feel like I’m making a real difference, and I love the variety of people I get to collaborate with across the firm. It’s a space full of opportunity, and I’m proud to be helping unlock it.
A culture that drives us forward
For me, it’s the sense of belonging that really sets Grant Thornton apart. From the moment I joined, I’ve felt like I’m part of something meaningful. There’s a genuine interest in who you are and how you want to grow, and that’s reflected in the way people support each other and celebrate individual strengths.
We’re a large firm with big ambitions, but it still feels personal. You’re known, your voice matters, and you’re given opportunities to shape your own path – even early in your career. The people are what make it, and I often say I have a purple heart because I’m so proud to be part of it.
To me, a high performing culture is all about striving to be the best version of yourself while working collaboratively with others. It’s not just about achieving targets – it’s about pulling together as a team, supporting each other, and producing quality work that we’re proud of. Everyone plays their part towards a shared goal, and there’s a real sense of collective achievement.
It’s the culture that’s given me the confidence and freedom to explore new opportunities. What makes it special is the balance between being pushed outside your comfort zone and being given the space to do things your way. People genuinely care – not just about the work, but about you. As someone who is autistic, being able to be myself at work is incredibly important, and Grant Thornton has created an environment where that’s not only accepted but celebrated.
Growing through feedback
Feedback is a huge part of my development. I always include a self-reflection when I ask for feedback, as it helps me think about what went well and what I could do differently. Hearing others’ perspectives is invaluable – the positive comments show me what’s valued, and the constructive ones help me grow.
One piece of feedback I received after moving into the Growth Hub really stuck with me. It reminded me that while it’s natural to want to prove yourself in a new role, it’s also important to protect your wellbeing and shape the role around what you want. That advice has helped me set boundaries, think more intentionally about my career direction and made me more confident in making choices that are right for me.
Supported to succeed
The support available at has made a real difference to how I work and grow. When I was first promoted to manager, I found it quite overwhelming. Having a mentor in Joanne Love, an audit partner, was invaluable. She gave me the space to share my thoughts, offered guidance, and helped me shape my own approach to leadership – one that feels authentic and true to who I am.
Alongside that, I’ve made use of our private medical cover, which have been incredibly reassuring. Being able to access professional support quickly has helped me stay well and focused. Following my autism diagnosis, I also went through a workplace assessment and coaching, which led to tailored support like additional software to help with day-to-day tasks. It’s that kind of personal, thoughtful support that enables me to be at my best.
On a more practical note, I work compressed hours (a nine-day fortnight) and I absolutely love it. My every-other-Monday off is time just for me – I might go to the gym, bake, or head out for a walk in the Lakes. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference to my wellbeing and energy levels.