-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
“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.
-
Portraits of Power
Portraits of Power
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Graduate programmes
Our three-year graduate programme will take you from graduate to professionally qualified, opening up a world of opportunity.
-
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.
A visual timeline of Fiona's career.
Journey to partnership
I've found that staying curious and being open to new ideas and perspectives as well as being willing to adapt and embrace change has been key to my progression and keeping my career fresh. I've always sought new opportunities and challenges, and I have taken advantage of the training, development programs and additional qualifications available through the firm. I have been fortunate to have mentors and peers who have helped me along the way, and I now try to do the same for others.
My path to partnership in a non-fee-earning role was unique and was supported by recognition that non-fee-earning roles were crucial to the firm's long-term success. I had the support of senior partners who understood the importance of the role and their backing was instrumental in navigating the traditional expectations of partnership. I focused on demonstrating how my work positively impacted the firm indirectly—whether through improving operational efficiencies, reducing risks, or enhancing the firm’s reputation.
Of course, not everything has been smooth sailing. There have been challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. Exams have never really been my “thing” so even getting my accountancy qualification was a challenge. Working in insolvency there were difficult client conversations, and times when with tight deadlines and heavy workloads, plus two small children, I didn’t always get the balance right in terms of work-life and wellbeing.
How did I work through these difficult periods? Firstly, I tried to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the bigger picture, looking for the learning opportunities and the feedback that I could get from each situation. Secondly, I sought support and guidance from others; my mentors, peers and sponsors in the firm who gave me advice, encouragement, and constructive criticism, and my friends and family, who listened to me, empathised with me, and cheered me up. Thirdly, I tried to take care of myself and my wellbeing.
Continually learning and developing
Throughout my career I have had many different opportunities, particularly in recent years with roles in the International Business Centre, as Head of Quality Operations, and as a coach. I always enjoyed taking on new challenges and expanding my knowledge and skills, so whenever I saw an opportunity to move into a different role or function, I expressed my interest and made a case for why I was suitable for it. I was fortunate to have supportive managers and mentors who encouraged me to pursue my career aspirations and helped me to navigate the transition process.
My career experiences significantly enhance my coaching role in several ways. Having navigated similar challenges and opportunities as my coachees, I can relate to their experiences and offer valuable insights, as well as share the mistakes and lessons I’ve learned along the way. Additionally, the skills and competencies I’ve developed in my previous roles, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, help me to build rapport, trust, and engagement with my coachees.
I strive to provide honest and constructive feedback while also showing empathy and appreciation for my coachees' efforts and achievements. This approach is rooted in my belief that feedback, when delivered with care and respect, is a powerful tool for growth. Having personally benefited from receiving candid but kind feedback throughout my career, I am committed to passing on that positive experience. This style helps me build trust and credibility, challenging them to step out of their comfort zones, and stretch their potential, all the while acknowledging their strengths and celebrating their successes.
Learning perspective
The best career advice I've received centres around embracing change and challenging self-imposed limitations. I was once told, "We don’t save lives", which helped me put work-related stress into perspective, allowing me to take on new challenges with a mindset of, "What’s the worst that can happen?". This advice also encouraged me to try new things, like getting involved in coaching and transitioning into different roles, with the understanding that if something isn’t working, it's okay to move on. I learned that creativity isn't confined to traditional definitions—just because I can't draw doesn't mean I'm not creative. It's crucial to question labels and limitations, asking, "What is the evidence of that?" and recognising that often these are just perceptions rather than truths. Ultimately, the encouragement to trust in my lived experience and capabilities has been invaluable in driving my career forward.