Q: What programmes do you have on offer for students and graduates?

A: Graduate, school leaver, 12-month placement and summer internship programmes.

Q: How many trainees do you recruit?

A: Approximately 300 trainees per year across four programmes.

Q: What areas do you recruit into?

A: Audit, Business Risk Services, Tax, Recovery and Reorganisation and Actuarial. We also have a number of specialist areas within these departments. You can find the current vacancies by searching here. The majority of our trainees come into Audit or Tax. Whichever route you join, we work with you to develop you into a credible business person. Exposure, secondments and transfers to advisory later are all possible.

Q: Which job am I most suited to?

A: The programme you apply to depends on where you currently are in the education system. Only penultimate year university students can apply to our placement and internship programmes. Final year students or graduates can apply for our graduate programme. Students who have just completed their A levels tend to apply to our school leaver programme; however, this is open to anyone with the right academic requirements.

As far as determining which business area is right for you, we tend to find tax attracts students of law or maths and business studies students apply to audit. However, this is totally open and your choice. The more diverse, the better for us. We accept and appreciate applications from all degree subjects and urge you to make your decision on what role appeals. You do need to show commitment to the role you're applying to though whichever once you decide to go for. It's also worth considering your personality. Are you the type of person who likes to change your team and working location frequently? Maybe Audit would suit you better than Tax in this case, as you will very regularly be working out of the office on different client sites. All our roles require you to be commercial, have attention to detail and be able to develop great client relationships - so anyone with these skills would suit all of our roles.

• B or above in GCSE or Scottish Highers Maths and English Language or equivalent
• 300 UCAS points (or equivalent) in your top three grades in one sitting
• expected/obtained 2.1 degree
• A level Maths for the Actuarial group
• any subject or degree discipline

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Q: Why Grant Thornton?

A: It’s not just what we do, but the way we do it that sets us apart. We're constantly looking to bring insights to our clients, with an approachable, down-to-earth attitude and a real enthusiasm for business. Our size gives us a unique position in the market; big enough to take on any challenge, yet with the personal touch that allows us to dig right to the core of our clients' needs and be agile and insightful in our response. It also means that with us you're not just a number - or a number cruncher. We value and support our people and your voice is heard. We want you to take ownership of your career, so we’ll not only support your professional study, but give you responsibility at an early stage, working on assignments for dynamic and fast-moving companies of all shapes and sizes across a broad range of sectors. It’s real work for a real career that starts as soon as you join us.

Q: What international opportunities are there with Grant Thornton?

A: As a member of Grant Thornton International, we have 521 offices in 113 countries worldwide. So you’ll have plenty of potential for international exposure - either through secondments to other member firms or working on assignments abroad.

Q: What is the social life like at Grant Thornton?

A: Each office is different, but in general we are a lively firm, and our offices have active social calendars – and enthusiastic participants. Departments also arrange their own activities on a regular basis. We have football, cricket and netball teams, internal and external sporting tournaments, corporate responsibility events, summer and Christmas parties as well as informal evening drinks in some locations. And, in keeping with our proactive atmosphere, if you want to organise a social event or gathering we’re all for it!

Q: What type of person are you looking for?

A: At Grant Thornton we look for the exceptional. And for us that starts with passion and enthusiasm – we want someone who really cares about making a wider impact. Our teams of advisers are independent thinkers who examine and test assumptions. They love tough challenges and believe what they do matters.

As a Grant Thornton trainee you’ll listen critically, and be inspired to ask the questions that allow you to really get under the skin of a business. You’ll drill down to the relevant issues, regardless of sector, to offer our clients the kind of business advice that takes them from where they are to where they want to go.

However, it’s not only about technical expertise or a qualification. Good relationships and credibility are ultimately what make the business world go round, and we’re looking for people who are confident and with the personality to build a genuine rapport with our clients and spot opportunities to add value. It’s what gives your knowledge and professional qualifications the kind of edge that really drives your career - and our business forward.

Q: What sort of experience will I receive at Grant Thornton?

A: We’re looking for exceptional people and we don’t take on huge numbers of graduates. As such, we expect 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 among 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.

We’re looking for a real interest in the commercial world - 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 and give you the chance to build a fast-track career.

Q: How much responsibility will be expected of me?

A: As much as you want! We want to stretch you, but we also know the people who join us seek out opportunity and want to take their own career forward. Grant Thornton is a meritocracy - you will get on as fast as you are able, and this may even 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 act as a main point of contact for the client, report directly to managers and liaise with partners. This may seem daunting, but speak to our trainees and they'll reassure you that progression doesn't mean being thrown in at the deep end.

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

A: 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.

Q: What is the work/life balance like?

A: 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. 

Q: Will I receive paid study leave?

A: Like you, we want you to pass your exams first time. So 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.

Q: What level of support will Grant Thornton give me?

A: Lots! Not only do you get paid while attending college, but we also cover the cost of tuition, books, examination and entry fees. On top of this, you'll get the support on a day-to-day basis from colleagues, managers and other students.

Q: How do I study for my exams?

A: We'll find a way which suits 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’ll discuss the best method with you.

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

A: We want you to pass and give you the best possible chance to do that at the first attempt. However, we recognise that you can have a bad day. If your results don’t match your expectations then we will talk through your performance with you and review your work and previous exam performances in order to consider all your options.

Q: What happens to me when my training contract ends?

A: Although you sign a three-year training contract, we see all of our trainees as permanent members of staff. We do not have a three-year review to decide your future. Instead, you drive your own career. You will be working with your line manager before then to ensure you have been building your skills as a credible business advisor. You might want 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 time out to travel.

Q: Will there be much travel?

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

Q: What are the secondment opportunities like at Grant Thornton?

A: We see exposure to different business areas, sectors, internally or abroad, as part of our trainees’ development, and so support applications to do so. Formal secondments typically happen post-qualification to ensure you have the correct amount of knowledge and experience to pass your exams. We also have relationships with intermediaries such as banks and law firms, as well as with clients, and can also second people to them.

Q: What will my starting salary be?

A: Salaries are competitive and in line with the industry. They vary across our offices and are based on the cost of living and local market rates. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your starting salary and other benefits when offered.

Q: How is my pay structured?

A: Your salary will be reviewed along with your colleagues. You can expect rewarding pay rises as you progress through your programme and career.

Q: Does a Masters degree set me apart? Does it give me more salary?

A: No. We don’t have any special intake, extra level or salary for those with a Masters degree, although we encourage people to apply for our graduate trainee programme.

Q: What will be my annual leave entitlement?

A: To start with you get 22 days, plus public holidays. Holiday entitlement will increase as you move up the career ladder, and you’ll also have the opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional holiday or sell up to two days.

Q: Are there other benefits ie pension, healthcare, etc?

A: We offer a number of excellent benefits such as life assurance, private health cover and pension. There's a flexible benefit scheme so you can tailor the benefits to suit your needs.

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

A: Don't panic, we can help. It's important to us that you are settled and happy. You can apply for an interest free loan of £2500 on your first day if you need it.