-
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.
My career so far
I joined Grant Thornton in 2016 as a school leaver straight from college. I had no idea what I wanted to do but I knew I didn’t want to go to university. When I came across Grant Thornton and went through the application process, it was such a welcoming experience; I knew I wanted to join the firm. I qualified in 2021 and was promoted to manager in 2022. After five years of study and working to get qualified, I felt a little burnt out. Having joined straight from college, I began to wonder what a career on the other side, in industry, would be like. I considered an internal move within Grant Thornton, and looked at either moving into the firm’s finance team or another service line, but I decided I wanted a clean slate to try somewhere completely different...so in December 2022 I left the firm.
Valuing our differences
I didn’t feel immediately at home in my new company; I thought it was just because it was new to me and needed to give it time. But as time went on, nothing really changed, I wasn’t able to have the impact I’d thought I could have.
One moment that really stood out to me and made me think about what I’d lost by leaving the firm was during Ramadan. Part way through the month I spoke to an old (now current) colleague, and I’d completely missed the fact that he was fasting. It made me appreciate the effort that Grant Thornton, and individuals here, put into promoting and learning about different cultures within the firm. I realised then that I had lost that, and I didn’t want to.
I made a passing comment when catching up with friends who were still at the firm saying, “Oh I hope Grant Thornton will take me back”. I’d also kept in touch with my old people manager, Amanda James, and met up with her. After about 10 minutes she just said, “We would absolutely love it if you came back if things aren’t working out for you”.
I was apprehensive at first about whether I should return because I didn’t want admit I’d made the wrong decision. But I realised, I am never going to get an Amanda James where I am, and I am never going to get the breadth of work and experiences that I can get at Grant Thornton. So, I re-joined the firm in May 2023.
Doing what’s right
Understanding that I had left for a reason, Amanda spoke with me about expanding my role to incorporate my other interests. At the time, they were looking for someone to help support the people side of the team. Whilst I am good at auditing, people are my passion. Helping trainees to learn and develop and making sure everyone has a fair chance is something that really interests me, so I’m grateful to now work a 50% audit portfolio and 50% focusing on our people – and it’s great.
Even though I wasn’t away from the company for the long, I went through all the inductions a new joiner would, which was actually useful. It was particularly helpful when looking at the people elements in my role - I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do to make it even better for new joiners in the team going forward.
Two things that stood out to me on re-joining were the importance of our buddy programme and spending time in our offices. I hadn’t been away for long, so it didn’t feel too new for me learning about the firm. I can imagine though, if you’re someone joining the firm for the first time, spending time in the office with people face to face, getting to know your buddy, and meeting those in leadership roles is really important.
I was a bit nervous that people may judge me for leaving and then returning so quickly, but I shouldn’t have worried. Everyone was so welcoming, and I’m really pleased I came back.