-
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.
When I joined Grant Thornton as a school leaver in 1999, I started as a Tax Trainee in the Bedford office, working primarily with agricultural clients. It was my first step into the professional world, and I had no idea where it would lead. Over the years, my career has taken me through tax, project management, and data – a journey that’s spanned 25 years and shaped who I am today.
Taking the initiative
Early in my career, I naively expected opportunities to find me. I thought someone would tap me on the shoulder and offer the next step. But I soon realised that others were asking for opportunities instead of waiting for them. That shift in mindset changed everything for me. Every time I considered leaving Grant Thornton, I identified a new opportunity that inspired me to stay. The firm’s culture encourages people to explore different paths, and I’ve always found colleagues willing to share their experiences or offer guidance. I’ve stayed because those opportunities are there if you seek them – but you do have to take the initiative.
Finding my passion for data
I always enjoyed the technology side of tax. Early on, I became the office’s ‘tax software champion’, which led to involvement in how we used systems to deliver services. This sparked a broader interest in how technology could improve not just tax but the way the firm worked as a whole.
In 2006, I joined the central tax software team, focusing on tax-related projects like online tax return filing and new system implementations. This role introduced me to project management, which became another passion. I earned a PRINCE2 qualification and later gained a Six Sigma Green Belt – both of which helped me understand how to improve processes across the firm.
By 2015, I was leading the Management Information team, which evolved into today’s Data Office. This team handles everything from data governance and protection to insights and research, and has been central to how we leverage data as a firm. In 2022, I was proud to become Grant Thornton’s first Chief Data Officer, a role I helped define from scratch.
For me, the journey from Tax Trainee to Chief Data Officer has been full of unexpected turns, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Shaping a new role and strategy
Creating a role that didn’t exist before was both exciting and challenging. I could see the firm needed a clear data strategy, so I took the initiative to draft one with input from key stakeholders. Our first strategy was approved in 2017, and we’ve been building on it ever since.
Initially, getting people to prioritise data was tough. But as we demonstrated the tangible benefits, interest grew. I also connected with external data leaders, which helped me shape what the role of Chief Data Officer should look like at our firm and why I was the right person for it.
Coaching has also been a key part of my journey. I’ve benefited from great coaches over the years and am now a coach myself. It’s incredibly rewarding to support others in overcoming challenges and progressing their careers.
The impact of good data in the AI era
The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) over the last few years have been transformative. Today, I spend less time convincing people of data’s importance and more time discussing how data powers AI. Everyone wants to talk about data now, and that’s a huge shift from when I started in this role.
Looking ahead, AI will undoubtedly reshape how we work. It’s not about replacing human talent but enhancing it. Imagine asking your computer for insights on client opportunities and getting instant, actionable results. That’s the future we’re building towards – evolving from being report-led to insight-driven, and ultimately AI-focused.
One of the most exciting parts of my role is seeing the impact data can have. For example, our work on inclusion and diversity data has been vital in helping the firm understand where we stand and what we need to improve. Similarly, our Research team’s 10-year horizon scanning exercises have shaped both firm and client strategies.
Our focus on data culture is also critical. Tools like our “Our Language” site ensure we’re all aligned and using consistent definitions and acronyms, which is essential for leveraging data effectively.
Lessons from my journey
Reflecting on my career, I’ve learned the importance of seeking out opportunities, staying adaptable, and continually learning. Grant Thornton has been a place where I’ve been able to grow, but it’s also a place where hard work and taking the initiative are key.
Building a varied career here is entirely possible; it requires trust, flexibility, and a willingness to push yourself. For me, the journey from Tax Trainee to Chief Data Officer has been full of unexpected turns, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.