Grant Thornton is set to increase its starting salary for graduate recruits in its London office to £40,000 beginning in 2027, positioning itself ahead of the Big Four accounting firms in entry-level pay. The move aims to attract top talent amid a competitive hiring landscape for professional services firms.
The adjustment represents a significant rise over current salary levels, with Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC offering graduate starting salaries up to £36,000, while mid-tier firms such as BDO and Mazars typically pay around £30,000. Grant Thornton’s offer will also include a £2,500 sign-on bonus and an additional £2,500 milestone bonus upon completion of professional qualifications. Newly hired graduates will receive about £6,000 more in base salary than those beginning the previous year.
The £40,000 salary adjustment will apply exclusively to the London office, with the firm indicating that regional offices will receive proportional increases. Meanwhile, school leavers entering the firm will maintain “market-leading” remuneration according to Grant Thornton.
Abigail Fisher, chief people officer at Grant Thornton UK, emphasized the firm’s intention to attract prospective partners early in their careers. “There are future partners of this firm in sixth forms and university lecture theatres right now, deciding where to start,” she said. “We want them to choose us, and to know that if they do, we’ll invest in them from day one.”
Grant Thornton’s move comes as the Big Four firms have moderated their graduate and school leaver recruitment in response to a slowdown in the consulting sector and ongoing uncertainties regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on workforce planning. This shift has created an opportunity for challenger firms like Grant Thornton to gain market share in the early-career talent pool.
In addition to the salary increase, Grant Thornton outlined plans to enhance trainee experience through assigning a partner sponsor from the outset, providing AI training, and increasing opportunities for client interaction. Fisher noted that the firm is committed to long-term investment in its people, including comprehensive business development training at all levels and clear pathways to partnership.
The firm’s strategic emphasis on developing future leaders aims to position it as an attractive alternative to the Big Four for graduates seeking not only competitive pay but also robust career development support.