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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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“You are not alone”: Nana Yaw’s mission to normalise conversations about men’s mental health
In a culture where men are often expected to stay silent about their struggles, Nana Yaw is using his voice to challenge stigma, share his experiences, and encourage others to do the same. He’s on a mission to help normalise conversations around wellbeing – especially for men from ethnic minority backgrounds. Here’s his story.
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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.
I joined the firm’s school leaver programme without ever considering a career in tax. My initial plan was to study economics at university, but I realised that the universities I wanted to attend required a maths A-level, which I didn’t have. Around the same time, I saw relatives graduating with degrees and struggling to find graduate roles, which made me reconsider the value of a traditional university path.
As I researched alternative career options, I discovered school leaver apprenticeships. These seemed like the perfect fit – they offered the chance to gain work experience and professional qualifications right away. After completing work experience in both audit and tax, I knew tax was the right path for me. Joining Grant Thornton felt like the logical next step. Why spend three years on a course I wasn’t fully invested in when I could start building my career immediately?
I wish I had known the value of curiosity and initiative from day one. My advice to anyone starting their career is to be super curious – get involved in as much as you can, even if it’s something completely new to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there’s always someone willing to help. And most importantly, trust that everything works out in the end.
Gaining insights through client secondments
During my time as a trainee, I had some amazing opportunities, including client secondments. One standout experience came from an email inviting associates to apply for a secondment supporting a corporate tax client with a new finance process implementation. Although I didn’t fully know what the role would entail, I applied and was fortunate to be selected.
This experience taught me so much. I gained insights into operational transfer pricing and saw how industry finance teams operate compared to practice. The sheer number of approvals required in industry was a real eye-opener. It was an invaluable learning experience that broadened my understanding of tax and how businesses work.
My boomerang year
In 2022, I decided to step away from the firm and explore a new environment. I joined the civil service to experience tax work outside of practice. While it was a valuable experience, I realised after a year that I missed the supportive environment at Grant Thornton and the opportunities it offered.
I stayed in touch with my tax partner throughout this time and shared my aspirations. We discussed how the firm could support my career goals, particularly my interest in tax risk. Together, we shaped a hybrid role that allows me to split my time between corporate tax compliance and the tax risk team. This blend of responsibilities has been incredibly fulfilling.
Stay curious, ask questions, and grab every opportunity with both hands.
Driving change
Since returning to the firm, I’ve been fortunate to get involved in some amazing initiatives. I connected with the Amos Bursary – an organisation focused on transforming lives and changing the negative narrative and perceptions surrounding young Black people – through an event held for students, where I spoke about my career journey. The organisers saw potential in me to support their mission, and I now mentor a student aspiring to study medicine at Oxford. It’s been incredibly rewarding to guide someone and watch them grow.
I’ve also been involved with the Black Talent Awards as a youth judge. After being approached by the organisers on LinkedIn, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’ve met so many inspiring people through the process and have been constantly motivated by their stories. It’s been a privilege to work alongside individuals who are making a difference in their communities.
I’m passionate about helping my colleagues understand the value our tax team can bring to clients. The tax environment is constantly evolving, and we’re here to help clients navigate these changes. Almost every transaction or project has tax considerations, so it’s crucial to address these early on rather than as an afterthought.
Building a career at Grant Thornton: A balanced perspective
My journey here has shown me that while the firm offers incredible opportunities, success requires dedication and effort. Flexibility works both ways – you must earn trust and make sure that the arrangement works for everyone involved. But if you’re willing to put in the hard work, the rewards are worth it.