Private Client team at Grant Thornton

Posted on: 9 April 2020 in Graduate stories

Ellie graduated BSc Economics degree from the University of Liverpool in 2019. She is currently working in the Private Client team at Grant Thornton.

Can you tell us about your current role?

I work in the Private Client team at Grant Thornton. Right from the first day I have had my own portfolio of clients that I am responsible for. This involves contacting them in relation to their tax return information, responding to any queries they have and most importantly completing their tax return on time. I am currently on a three-year contract completing my ACA exams alongside work.

Can you describe a typical day?

A typical day for me would involve preparing tax returns for my clients, working through sections with other members of the team, emailing and phoning clients, and helping out other members of my team. I have also been heavily involved in the take on process at Grant Thornton for new clients. This has allowed me to work with people from different teams and have a broader understanding of the work we do.

What was the application process like?

When first applying, you are asked two questions about the firm and yourself. Then if you pass that stage you are invited to take part in an online situational judgement test and a numerical test. Following that, you are invited to complete an online interview. This involves around 10 questions about yourself, the firm, the role etc. You are also then asked to complete a timed exercise straight after. If you pass through this stage, you are invited to an assessment day at the office. For me we had the team exercises in the morning, and the interview in the afternoon.

How did the university support you through this process?

The University were a massive help. I used the careers service a lot during my applications. I had already attended an internship application programme in my second year and found this incredibly helpful when applying for graduate jobs. I also went to a one-on-one CV session quite a few times! One of my lecturers was incredibly helpful as well, he put me in contact with someone at the firm who gave me a phone call so I could ask any questions I had surrounding the application process.

How do you feel your degree course prepared you for your current job?

Although my degree and job aren’t necessarily linked, the skills I learnt at university have helped me massively in the workplace. To do well in my degree I had to be very organised, which has helped me in keep on top of my portfolio in work. My teamwork skills also developed at university which has allowed me to interact with people confidently.

Why did you choose the University of Liverpool?

I loved the university when I came to the open day and being from Manchester it was far away enough to explore a new place but close enough in case I was in desperate need of a Sunday roast. The campus really impressed me and the Management School was a big draw as it’s such an incredible building.

What was the most rewarding thing about your course, what did you enjoy the most?

I’d say the most rewarding thing about my course was scoring highly in the core Macro and Micro modules. Some parts were incredibly abstract and when I passed the modules I was over the moon as there were definitely times where I didn’t think I would! I really enjoyed all the finance and accounting modules in my degree, which is the reason I decided to go into the finance industry after university.

What are your future career goals?

Short-term wise, my career goal is to pass all my ACA exams and become a chartered accountant in the next three years. I am set on staying at Grant Thornton, and progressing in my role and taking on more challenging work.