Grant Thornton takes steps to hook top North West talent

Professional services firm Grant Thornton is looking to make the accountancy profession more accessible in the North West.

The firm recently rolled out its latest work experience initiative to college students across Liverpool and the Wirral after completing a successful trial of the programme in Manchester last year.

As part of the initiative, 15 sixth formers spent a week working at the company’s base in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building, where they learnt about the profession and received tips for embarking on a career in accounting. Further, each participant now has a Grant Thornton mentor to assist with their future career plans.

Grant Thornton has said that while big accountancy and law firms have traditionally focussed their efforts on attracting students from top universities, it is now determined to expand its reach.

The firm currently employs 450 people across its offices in Liverpool and Manchester.

Emma Stoddart, a newly-promoted partner based at Grant Thornton’s Liverpool office, said: “We were delighted to welcome the students to our office. They impressed us all with their attitude and capability.

“Hopefully they will have been inspired to enter our profession and will also have acquired new skills as they embark on the start of their career journeys.”

The week saw the Year 12 students undertake a series of exercises on tax, audit and other business advisory projects, in addition to meeting and presenting to Grant Thornton colleagues.

The sixth formers also spent a day with Kaplan, the training provider, to learn how to gain effective presentation skills.

Grant Thornton’s Liverpool-based office managing partner, Carl Williams, commented: “We’re looking for people who have relatively high levels of attainment from communities that have a level of disadvantage above the regional average.”

“It’s about breaking down the barriers to the top jobs. We believe that widening access, boosting social mobility and being more representative of the wider society helps the firm better serve clients and grow the economy as a whole.”

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