Future Accountant: Nirunthan, Advisory Associate

My journey began at the University of Nottingham, where I studied Finance, Accounting and Management. For a long time, I thought I’d end up as an engineer, but after doing my research I realised accounting and finance would give me far more opportunities. I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers and problem-solving, so a career in this field felt like the perfect fit.

Many of my peers were doing the four-year course with a placement, and I often heard them talking about their experiences. One day, a good friend in the library mentioned Grant Thornton’s placement programme and how much his friend from school was enjoying it. That really sparked my interest, so I did my own research into the firm. I was looking for somewhere that could support my growth both personally and professionally, while also giving me the chance to apply my theoretical knowledge in practice. Grant Thornton stood out as exactly the kind of place where I could make that happen.

My placement year was both structured and dynamic, which I loved. On a typical day I’d be in the office by 8:45am, giving myself a little time to settle in and make a cuppa before our morning catch-up call as a team. These calls were really valuable because we’d discuss progress on client work, discuss any potential issues and share where support was needed. It meant that every day we could see how we were moving forward together.

I had more varied responsibilities than I expected as a 12-month placement student. For example, I might be conducting substantive testing or verifying financial data against supporting documents, such as engagement letters or bank confirmations and statements. Later in the day, I’d often join client calls to resolve queries raised earlier. This gave me direct exposure to client interaction, which really helped build my confidence. 

As part of a large cohort, there was a collaborative feel throughout the year. and spending lunchtimes with the placement cohort, graduates and school leavers were a highlight for me. 

The most rewarding part of my journey has been the relationships I’ve built both within my teams and across the wider firm. The culture is supportive, collaborative, and people focused. No matter how busy things get, there’s always someone willing to help, and that sense of teamwork makes a huge difference.

Working with different clients gave me exposure to industries I hadn’t considered before, and I’ve really appreciated the variety. Another highlight has been the chance to try new things just by asking. That culture of curiosity and support shaped my placement in such a positive way.

At the start, I would quietly try to figure things out myself, but I soon realised I was slowing down my own learning. Early in my placement, a manager suggested that I should check in more regularly to make sure I was on the right track. It was such a simple piece of advice, but it completely changed how I approached my work. Over time, I pushed myself to ask more questions, even simple ones like, “Why are we doing this?” Now, I truly believe there’s no such thing as a silly question.

One of the biggest skills I developed was communication. Early on, I found client conversations daunting, but I learned the importance of being transparent, professional and open when addressing issues. What began as a weakness has turned into one of my greatest strengths – although, like anyone, I still get the occasional nerves!

My advice is simple: just go for it. You never know where the journey might take you. Careers take lots of twists and turns, and the best approach is to stay open-minded and embrace opportunities as they come.

If I could give one piece of practical advice, it would be to get organised early on. During my placement, I learned to manage my workload by prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance, making sure critical procedures were completed first. This way of working has made me more effective and confident in taking ownership of my responsibilities. Establish a routine, understand your deadlines, and stay on top of your tasks. 

That said, flexibility is just as important – things will change, and you’ll need to adapt quickly. Striking the right balance between structure and adaptability makes the trainee experience so much smoother and more enjoyable.