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.
TRAVEL
Will there be much travel?
There will be travel to clients and to Bradenham, our national training centre.
Will there be the opportunity for a Secondment?
We offer international secondments once you are qualified. Meanwhile,
internal secondments can be arranged during your training contract. For example an Audit Trainee may have the opportunity for a secondment into the Tax department. This will be agreed as part of your personal development plan.
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.
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PAY, LEAVE AND BENEFITS
What will be my starting salary?
Salaries 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 20 days plus public holidays. Holiday entitlement will increase as you move up the career ladder and there is also the opportunity to buy 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.
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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.
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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 performance and consider your options.
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, e-mail us or ask at the interview.
What happens to me when my training contract ends?
By this time you will have had a career planning meeting with a staff development manager and your line manager, 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 Audit or move to another department or office within our UK network.
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WHAT WILL I BE EXPECTED TO DO
How much overtime am I expected to work?
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 the choice of taking time off or payment for these additional hours.
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. We want to get you up to speed as fast as possible so much of your first few months is 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'll give you the chance to build a brilliant career in the process.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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