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.
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be working in Indirect Tax, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My background is in English Literature – I studied at UCL and went on to complete a Master’s at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Not exactly the conventional route into tax! But that’s part of what makes this journey so rewarding.
I joined Grant Thornton through the graduate programme, drawn by its structure and the opportunity to learn while gaining hands-on experience. I was looking to pivot into a new field, and the programme offered a clear path to do just that. Tax appealed to me because it’s a space where structure meets problem-solving – and Indirect Tax in particular allows me to use both my analytical and creative thinking in meaningful ways.
Starting out in a field I hadn’t studied was daunting, but the support from my team – and the wider firm – made all the difference. Coming from a non-finance background meant a steep learning curve, but being open about what I didn’t know and asking questions helped me bridge those gaps. People are approachable at every level, and there’s a genuine focus on helping each other grow by being curious.
Feedback has played a huge role in my development, too. Early on, I was advised to slow down and spend more time with the technical details. That shift in approach helped me improve the quality of my work and how I contribute to the team.
One of the things I appreciate most here is the culture of support. I’ve had mentors and a buddy who’ve made a huge impact on my experience. I still reach out to them regularly – whether it’s to clarify a technical point or get a second opinion on a tricky email. Their guidance has been invaluable.
The Indirect Tax team is a genuinely collaborative and welcoming environment, too. The range of backgrounds within the team adds to that – it’s a mix of different strengths and perspectives, which leads to great collaboration and consistently high-quality work.
A moment that really brought our firm’s values to life was during a complex error correction project with a client. I helped prepare detailed documentation and worked closely with both the client and our team. It was a great example of being candid but kind – delivering high-quality technical work while maintaining trust and compassion.
As time has passed, some of the most rewarding moments have been small but significant – when a concept finally clicks, or when a client expresses appreciation for a piece of work. One highlight was receiving positive feedback on a complex memorandum I prepared. Translating intricate tax concepts into something clear and accessible – and seeing that effort recognised – was incredibly satisfying.
Alongside those moments, I’ve appreciated the firm’s emphasis on embracing variety and exploring new opportunities. Having the chance to work across a variety of clients and projects during my programme has helped me build confidence and deepen my understanding of the work we do. That exposure has been key to my development and has made each stage of the journey feel purposeful.
If you’re thinking about applying, don’t worry if your background doesn’t match perfectly – mine certainly didn’t! What matters most is your willingness to learn and your interest in the work. If you’re unsure whether you ‘fit the mould,’ that’s probably a good sign – you’ll bring something different to the team, and that’s always valuable.
I wish I’d known that feeling out of your depth at the beginning is completely normal. You’re not expected to know everything right away, and there’s plenty of support to help you find your feet.