Chelsey Small shares her incredible career journey, from joining our firm as a school leaver with no background in tax to becoming a mentor and advocate for diversity in the workplace. Her story showcases the varied opportunities within the firm and the hard work it takes to succeed.

I joined the firm’s school leaver programme without ever considering a career in tax. My initial plan was to study economics at university, but I realised that the universities I wanted to attend required a maths A-level, which I didn’t have. Around the same time, I saw relatives graduating with degrees and struggling to find graduate roles, which made me reconsider the value of a traditional university path.

As I researched alternative career options, I discovered school leaver apprenticeships. These seemed like the perfect fit – they offered the chance to gain work experience and professional qualifications right away. After completing work experience in both audit and tax, I knew tax was the right path for me. Joining Grant Thornton felt like the logical next step. Why spend three years on a course I wasn’t fully invested in when I could start building my career immediately?

I wish I had known the value of curiosity and initiative from day one. My advice to anyone starting their career is to be super curious – get involved in as much as you can, even if it’s something completely new to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there’s always someone willing to help. And most importantly, trust that everything works out in the end.

Gaining insights through client secondments

During my time as a trainee, I had some amazing opportunities, including client secondments. One standout experience came from an email inviting associates to apply for a secondment supporting a corporate tax client with a new finance process implementation. Although I didn’t fully know what the role would entail, I applied and was fortunate to be selected.

This experience taught me so much. I gained insights into operational transfer pricing and saw how industry finance teams operate compared to practice. The sheer number of approvals required in industry was a real eye-opener. It was an invaluable learning experience that broadened my understanding of tax and how businesses work.

My boomerang year

In 2022, I decided to step away from the firm and explore a new environment. I joined the civil service to experience tax work outside of practice. While it was a valuable experience, I realised after a year that I missed the supportive environment at Grant Thornton and the opportunities it offered.

I stayed in touch with my tax partner throughout this time and shared my aspirations. We discussed how the firm could support my career goals, particularly my interest in tax risk. Together, we shaped a hybrid role that allows me to split my time between corporate tax compliance and the tax risk team. This blend of responsibilities has been incredibly fulfilling.

Driving change

Since returning to the firm, I’ve been fortunate to get involved in some amazing initiatives. I connected with the Amos Bursary – an organisation focused on transforming lives and changing the negative narrative and perceptions surrounding young Black people – through an event held for students, where I spoke about my career journey. The organisers saw potential in me to support their mission, and I now mentor a student aspiring to study medicine at Oxford. It’s been incredibly rewarding to guide someone and watch them grow.

I’ve also been involved with the Black Talent Awards as a youth judge. After being approached by the organisers on LinkedIn, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’ve met so many inspiring people through the process and have been constantly motivated by their stories. It’s been a privilege to work alongside individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

I’m passionate about helping my colleagues understand the value our tax team can bring to clients. The tax environment is constantly evolving, and we’re here to help clients navigate these changes. Almost every transaction or project has tax considerations, so it’s crucial to address these early on rather than as an afterthought.

Building a career at Grant Thornton: A balanced perspective

My journey here has shown me that while the firm offers incredible opportunities, success requires dedication and effort. Flexibility works both ways – you must earn trust and make sure that the arrangement works for everyone involved. But if you’re willing to put in the hard work, the rewards are worth it.