Grant Thornton launches £40,000 graduate salaries and 'golden hello' bonuses to take on the Big Four

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026 · last updated 30 September 2026.

London graduate starting pay at Grant Thornton has been lifted to £40,000, with milestone bonuses added as the firm mounts an aggressive bid to challenge the Big Four accountancy firms. Backed by private equity, the company has comprehensively restructured its early careers programme, pitching the new package as market-leading pay for junior recruits in the capital.

On top of the new base salary, a 'golden hello' signing bonus forms part of the revamped offer, representing a significant escalation in the competition for graduate talent.

The move signals growing ambition among mid-tier accountancy firms to attract top graduates who might previously have gravitated towards Deloitte, KPMG, EY or PwC.

The early careers overhaul was first reported in April, but the confirmed £40,000 figure marks a concrete commitment to the recruitment offensive.