Grant Thornton Interview Questions

Grant Thornton Application and Interview Process

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The application process consists of:

• Online application form
• Online aptitude test
• Telephone interview
• Assessment day
  • Interview
  • Group exercise
• Partner interview

Online Application Form

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The online application form is similar in nature to that of most other firms, and includes the following open-ended questions:

• Why would you be suited to a role at Grant Thornton?
• What attracts you to the service line you have chosen?
• Describe your most significant achievement?
• Describe a time when you have had responsibility?
• What do you think you will be doing day to day during the first year?

Online Aptitude Test

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The online test is the GTIOS psychometric test. If your application is successful and you are invited to interview, you will be required to re-sit this test. This is to verify it was actually you that took it at the online stage.

Telephone Interview

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Grant Thornton screen all candidates with an initial 30 minute telephone interview.

The questions explore your academic and vocational decisions to date including:

• Why you chose your A-Levels
• Why you chose your University
• Why you want to join Grant Thornton
• Why you want to join the particular service line to which you have applied.

The interviewer will then ask 10 competency based questions from a script.

You should clearly distinguish your career motivation for applying to Grant Thornton rather than the Big 4.

Assessment day

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The assessment day at Grant Thornton is generally considered to be more laid back and relaxed than at other firms. The assessment day will last 3 hours and consists of:

• Interview
• Group Exercise
• GTIOS aptitude test

This is followed by a break for lunch with other candidates and then a company presentation from Grant Thornton HR.

Interview

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This is the first part of the assessment day and should last about 45 minutes. The interview is very similar to the telephone interview. You will be interviewed by a manager from the line of service to which you have applied or a member of HR. Interviews will assess you on the following competencies:

• Motivation to Accountancy
• Drive
• Credibility and Communication
• Commercial Awareness
• Teamwork and Leadership
• Intellect and Judgement
• Organisation

The interview consists of mostly competency based questions. Likely questions you may be asked include:

• Why did you choose your A -Level subjects?
• Why did you choose your particular university?
• Why did you choose your particular university subject?
• Give me an example of when you have worked in a team
• Give me an example of a task where you have had to do some detailed research.
• Give me an example of where you have solved a problem or dealt with a problematic situation.
• Why Grant Thornton
• Why this line of service?
• Give a brief explanation on the background to the credit crunch.

You also be asked commercial awareness questions, such as:

• Has there been any recent tax related news that you have found interesting?
• What are your views on the current global credit crisis?

Group Exercise

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The group exercise here is generally much more relaxed and enjoyable than those at other similar firms. Once separated in to small groups you will be given some paper, pens, glue and other creative instruments and asked to build a long and creative paper chain. You are given 20 minutes to discuss and plan the chain, and then only five minutes to make it.

You will be marked on two factors: the length of the chain and; the creativity of the chain. If the chain is short but highly decorative, or very long but plain, you will not score full marks. Your team must produce a long, and well decorated chain.

Your assessors will also be evaluating your performance within your team. They are looking for evidence of individuals who are well organised and help to organise others. During debate you should provide useful, intelligent points and be prepared to explain why you think your ideas are essential, if others disagree. Towards the end of the planning time try to be the member of the group who ties up all the loose ends, takes charge of assigning roles and generally looks like the group leader.

Construction time is very limited. Make sure that during your preparation time your group gives each individual a useful role. Your assessors are interested in your ability to delegate, plan and produce. The construction of the chain itself may seem like a bizarre exercise, however it requires you demonstrate: Teamwork Leadership Delegation of tasks Time management Creativity and this is what the assessors will be looking for.

Company Presentation

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You will have a chance to meet the other candidates and first year trainees during lunch. After this, there will be a talk given by someone from Grant Thornton HR about the professional qualifications involved with graduate jobs at the firm.

Manager Interview

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In some cases you will be interviewed by a manager. The interview is similar to the first interview/telephone interview with HR. Expect similar competency based questions. Make sure you that you have prepared at least 2 examples for each competency.

You will also be asked:

• Why Grant Thornton?
• Why audit & assurance/tax/the service line you have applied for?
• Where else have you applied and why?

Partner interview

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If you are successful at the assessment day you will be invited to a partner interview, which will be similar to partner interviews at other firms.

The partner interview will include questions about business awareness and questions about issues currently affecting Grant Thornton and accountants in general. Make sure you are well versed in current financial events and have commercial awareness.

The partner will be looking to see if your personality will fit with Grant Thornton, and that you are able to be trusted with clients. You can reasonably expect to talk about your hobbies and interests here. Make sure that you remain professional and friendly throughout. Be confident, smile and make constant eye contact.

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