FAQs

General

Why Grant Thornton?

With us you're not just a number - or a number cruncher. We encourage our graduate trainees to talk to and advise the directors and owners of the businesses we advise. This responsibility gives you a great sense of achievement while you're building the best all-round business experience.

We invest in you - via things like our dedicated training centra at bradenham, having our leadership board and approximately 20 of our partners hosting you at our national induction. Our size is unique. We are large enough to have great clients, a variety of work and global network opportunities. And yet small enough to give you early responsibility, a breath of experience on the job, tailored support and friendly teams.

What international opportunities are there with Grant Thornton?

We’re a member of Grant Thornton International - a leading organisation of independently-owned and managed accounting and consulting member firms. These firms provide a comprehensive range of business advisory services from 521 offices in 113 countries worldwide. So there’s the potential for international exposure here, too - either through secondments to other member firms or working on assignments abroad.

What is the social life like at Grant Thornton?

Each office is different. There is a strong student population with a corresponding active social life. Departments also arrange their own activities on a regular basis and students formulate social groups with those whom they attend their new studies with. There are also football, cricket and netball teams, internal and external sporting tournaments, corporate responsibility events, summer and Christmas parties as well as informal drinks evenings in some locations.
Find out more here about what we're like

Travel

Will there be much travel?

There will be travel to clients and to Bradenham Manor, our national training centre so you will need to be prepared to travel away from home for some periods of time ranging from a day to several weeks depending on the assignment.

What are the secondment opportunities like at Grant Thornton?

As a firm this is something we support. If students want to widen their exposure to different sectors internally or abroad we would see this as part of their development. Secondments typically happen post qualification to ensure you have the correct amount of learning and experience to pass your exams. We also have relationships with intermediaries such as banks and law firms as well as with clients and do second people to them also.

What about travel expenses?

Don't worry, we'll make sure you're never out of pocket when travelling to other Grant Thornton or client offices.

Pay, leave and benefits

What will be my starting salary?

Salaries are competitive and in line with the industry. They vary across our offices based on cost of living and local market rates. You will have the opportunity to discuss your starting salary and other benefits during your interview.

How is my pay structured?

Your salary will be reviewed along with your colleagues and as a trainee you can expect rewarding pay rises as you progress towards qualification.

What will be my annual leave entitlement?

To start with you will get 22 days plus public holidays. Holiday entitlement will increase as you move up the career ladder and there is also the opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional holiday.

Are there other benefits, i.e. pension, healthcare, etc?

As a large and progressive firm we offer an excellent range of benefits such as life assurance, private health cover and pension. We operate a flexible benefits scheme, which means you can tailor the benefits to suit your needs.

Debts and loans

I'm in debt big time and have no money for a deposit on a flat or to buy business clothes. Can you help?

Don't panic, we can help. It's important to us that you are settled and happy. You can have a loan of £1000 on your first day if you need it.

Study and training

Will I receive any paid study leave?

Like you, we want you to pass your examinations first time. Hence we give you paid study leave to attend all the relevant tuition and revision courses. How much you get depends on the qualification you are studying and the method of study.

What level of support will Grant Thornton give me?

Lots! Not only do you get paid while attending college but we also cover the cost of tuition, books, examination and entry fees. Furthermore, your colleagues, managers and other students will provide support on a day-to-day basis, which can be very helpful on the more difficult topics.

How do I study for my examinations?

Whichever way is the best for you. There are a number of different routes for studying for professional qualifications such as link, split-intensive and full time. Ask at your interview what is available and we will discuss with you the best method.

What is the firm's policy if I fail the professional examinations first time?

We want you to pass. We give the best possible chance to pass at the first attempt but recognise that you can have a bad day. Should you fail, we will discuss with you the examination in question, together with your work and previous exam performance and consider your all options.

What happens to me when my training contract ends?

By this time you will have had a career planning meeting and attended an internal careers fair and found out about all our internal and international opportunities. We hope that you will either decide to stay on in your department or move to another department or office within our UK or international network. Some people also apply for a sabbatical and take some time out to travel.

How long will my training contract last?

The norm for Chartered Accountant trainees is three years - other qualification routes vary. If you have something specific in mind, contact us or ask at the interview.

Can I transfer after I qualify (e.g. Tax, Corporate Finance)?

Prior to qualification trainees will attend a careers day where the range of options will be outlined, ranging from different departments to secondments.

What will I be expected to do?

What is the work/life balance like?

There are no silly hours, but at certain times of the year, such as financial year ends, you will need to work overtime to ensure quality of service to our clients. You will be given time off  in lieu for these additional hours. You can also buy up to ten days additional holiday to use how you like.

How much responsibility will be expected of me?

As much as you wish to take. We will obviously stretch you, but how much will depend on you. Grant Thornton is a meritocracy - you will get on as fast as you are able and this may mean overtaking those with longer service if you are capable. In most cases you can expect to be in charge of assignments within 18 months. And that means 'in-charge' - where you will act as a main point of contact for the client, and will report directly to Managers and be liaising with Partners. This may seem daunting but speak to some of our trainees and they'll reassure you that progression doesn't mean being thrown in at the deep end.

Will the first few weeks/months be spent making coffee and photocopying?

Coffee, yes if you're getting one yourself. We've more than that in mind for you though. We want to get you up to speed as fast as possible so much of your first few months will be spent training either for professional examinations or at our residential training centre, Bradenham Manor. You must be realistic as there is admin in every role, but there is far more to the job than just that.

What sort of experience will I receive at Grant Thornton?

We do not take on huge numbers of graduates, therefore, we need you to become an effective member of the team as soon as possible. You'll enjoy a hands-on and proactive start to your career with a variety of challenging clients and roles.

• you'll get to understand different types of businesses and what motivates the people running the business.
• you'll work alongside very different people (within Grant Thornton and amongst our client base), experts in their field, learning from their experience and developing your own skills and knowledge.
• you'll develop and nurture working relationships with our clients. You'll build a personal rapport with key individuals who will trust and rely on you as a business adviser with a genuine, professional interest in their business - and ours!

 

A real interest in the commercial world is what we need - so that we know our clients will see your enthusiasm for their business straight away. We want to meet people who are interested in the business of business. We'll give you the chance to build a brilliant career in the process.

Applications

How many students do you recruit?

Approximately 200 trainees per year

What areas do you recruit into?

Audit, Business Risk Services, Tax, Recovery & Reorganisation and Actuarial. We also have a number of specialist areas within these departments.

Do you accept applications from candidates who require a visa?

Candidates who require a visa will be subject to the same application and selection process as candidates who have the right to work in the UK. An application for a visa is made if you are successful in all stages of the recruitment process, have received and accepted an offer from us, and we have seen proof of your qualifications. Any job offered is subject to successful attainment of a visa. All recruitment activity takes place in the UK, which means international applicants will be required to travel to one of our UK offices. Travel expenses of up to £80 will be reimbursed.

Can international students apply for a school leaver or 12 month placement programme?

Currently under the new tiered immigration legislation a School Leaver and 12 month placement student would not be eligible for the appropriate visa for these programmes, and thus to work for the firm. The UK Border Agency outlines the minimum requirements in order to be eligible for this visa.

Can international students apply for a summer placement programme?

Under the current immigration legislation only international students who are studying in the UK will be able to achieve a visa to work in the UK (tier 4, previously named 'student visa'). All other students will not satisfy the criteria for this or other visas for this programme therefore are not eligible to apply.

Further details on how to organise a Tier 4 visa can be sought via the UK Borders Agency website.

What are the minimum requirements?

• Minimum 'B' grades in GCSE or Scottish Highers in both Maths and English Language or equivalent
• ACA/CIPFA/CTA/FIA: minimum 300 UCAS points (or equivalent) and expected/obtained 2.1 degree
• ACCA: minimum 240 UCAS points (or equivalent) and expected/obtained 2.1 degree
• AAT/ATT: 240 UCAS points (or equivalent) although no degree required
• We accept applications from students from any subject or degree discipline

Grant Thornton does not discriminate on grounds of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability at any stage of the recruitment process or during employment.

All staff will have equal opportunity for promotion, training or transfer.

Every Partner and member of staff has a responsibility to ensure that no job applicant and no employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.

Any expressed concern about possible discrimination or harassment will receive serious consideration by the Firm. The Grievance procedure (Section 6.3) should be used for this purpose.