Tax Associate Review

I genuinely enjoyed my experience working for Grant Thornton, which is not what I necessarily expected from my first year of real work. I feel like the year was worthwile from both a professional and social viewpoint with the company going above and beyond to ensure I was settled, happy etc.

I formed a very good relationship with everyone I came into contact with at Grant Thornton, with the work environment being such that I could have a laugh and a joke with even the most senior members. My manager repeatedly let me know how I was doing and was very transparent about a potential graduate offer which made me feel valued.

From the day I joined the morning of my last day, my management supported me with anything I needed support on, often checking themselves whether I needed any help. They didn't expect me to be perfect and therefore had no qualms with helping me out at any stage I needed any guidance.

For the first month or two of my placement I was not extremely busy and had the odd day without much to do. However this is to be expected and once I was embedded within the team, I was always busy, normally with client work, although the company are extremely good at ensuring training days and social events break up the work.

My team within Grant Thornton steadily gave me more and more responsibility as the time went on and I became more effective. By the end of the placement I was effectively managing clients and speaking to HMRC on my own. They gave me the perfect amount of responsibility in that I was never overwhelmed but always contributing.

I would say the skills I developed will help my degree, because my confidence when dealing with technical issues etc. has improved. However, I would say the main point is that the skills I have learned will set me up perfectly for working life as I received so much beneficial exposure to clients, billing etc.

The office runs monthly social events and often runs daily/monthly prize draws, and this, in addition to Christmas and the like, results in a very good work environment. Grant Thonton's commitment to a relaxed work environment was reflected during my time there with dress-down Fridays and dress-for-your-diary days on every other day.

The placement was generally well organised due to the efforts of the team. I met with the team before I joined and the company provide money for a welcome lunch. There wasthe occasional time I had to chase to make sure something wasdone but this should be to be expected.

Despite just being a placement student, I was absolutely blown away by how much money and time Grant Thornton invested in my development. In the first week the firm paid for me to go to London for training and they did so numerous times throughout the year, with the training centre at Bradenham being a highlight of the year.

All going well internally, the team have agreed to offer me a graduate role to come back and I'll certainly be taking the offer. Having worked at Grant Thornton and seen the differences with the big 4, I would definitely recommend getting a job at Grant Thornton over any other company.

Compared to London prices the socialising costs in Birmingham were completely fine, and Grant Thornton's social club only cost £3 a month for free events, drinks, food etc. which is just taken out of the payslip and was well worth it. The cost of living is not amazing but is easily covered by the pay.

The nightlife in Birmingham is very good.

The company ran a social club, a sports club etc. and always encouraged out of work activities.