Philip Boulby
Audit Trainee
 When did you start at Grant Thornton and where and what did you study?
I started at Grant Thornton in September 2005. Previously I had been working as a Postdoctoral research worker. I was employed by UCL and I worked at the National Society for Epilepsy in Chalfont St Peter and at the Institute of Neurology in Queen Square, London. There I programmed MRI scanners which were used for scanning people's brains who had been diagnosed with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. I studied at Nottingham University where I obtained a degree (2:1) and PhD in physics.
What position were you when you joined Grant Thornton and what were your first impressions?
I started as an "A1" graduate trainee in the Audit department at Grant Thornton's London Thames Valley Office. My first impressions were (and continue to be) very positive. Grant Thornton is a large, national organisation and the support provided is very good. From day-one everyone has been very accommodating and keen to help. A positive atmosphere is developed where you are encouraged to ask for help, and support is provided.
Where do you work in a typical week, and what do you work on?
It's hard to say that any week is typical, and there's certainly very little repetition in the clients you meet and the places you travel to. Most clients are reasonably local to the office and time will be spent either out at clients' offices or in the Grant Thornton office writing up work. Because I'm still new to auditing much of the work is reasonably "low-level". However it's new and interesting and you get to see more experienced members taking on higher level schedules.
What time did you get in this morning and what time will you get home?
This morning I got in at 8am. I'll be leaving for home at 4:30pm. At lunch time, I'll maybe do a bit of studying, or catch up with some colleagues and head into town for lunch. When I get home I'll either be studying, catching up with my wife, doing some work on the house (tail end of a house building leviathan), doing some exercise, catching up with friends, going out for the evening.
What did you do on your last day off?
I went to go and see Wales play Italy in the 6 Nations. I love to go to live sporting events, and the millennium stadium is a great venue.
Do you enjoy travel and do you get to travel in your job?
There is a lot of travelling involved, mostly to client's premises, though most of the clients are reasonably local. I do enjoy travelling for work. It's always best when it's less busy so I always try to travel off peak. Of course, travelling abroad or away for a holiday is even better! Earlier in the year I had the opportunity to travel away to Bulgaria with the firm, but an emergency operation on my knee put paid to that. It also trashed my planned skiing holiday!
What's going to be the biggest business issue that will effect your work in 2006?
The adoption of International Accounting Standards (as from 31 December 2005), and also numerous alterations to accounting standards and company law. There are an awful lot of changes going on in the Assurance world which makes it a really interesting time to be in the profession.
How did you come to be in the job you’re in now? How has life panned out for you?
When I left school I wanted to be a pilot in the RAF, but I found out that I was colour blind. Then I wanted to become a brain surgeon but I find out that I wasn't bright enough. I ended up doing a degree in physics because I liked it. I then studied for a PhD in Physics, specialising in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Having completed two full postdoctoral contracts, I decided to change course and get a first class business qualification by taking the ACA qualification. Grant Thornton were a particularly attractive organisation because of their national status, client base and available resources.
Have you progressed through your training since you've been at Grant Thornton? Is study easy at work?
It's quite a tough act to mix study and work, but not impossible. Grant Thornton encourage and support you during your training period and beyond.
Do you get to run your own projects?
I'm certainly not running any projects yet, but Grant Thornton place a lot of confidence in new graduates. As a new graduate it's not unusual to find yourself heading out to clients on your own for example.
How scary was it when you applied for a job at Grant Thornton? What advice would you give to graduates who want to apply?
Applying to Grant Thornton wasn't particularly scary. I guess people deal with interviews in their own way, but it's certainly a good idea to be yourself and relax. Prepare for the interview as much as you can and make sure you've read about the firm and reviewed all of the information you've supplied to HR. I seem to remember that the interview process was very "straight" and that there were no trick questions or trick tests so you can concentrate on what you've got to give to Grant Thornton and what they have to give to you.
Of all the people you've met at Grant Thornton, who comes from the most remarkable background?
One of the great things about joining Grant Thornton is the wide range of people from a diverse range of backgrounds and even greater range of skills. It's reassuring to know that if you've a query or a problem about just about anything, there's probably someone around who will know how to help you.
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