After eight years at a local accounting firm, Laura Willems had built a solid career, progressing from junior to senior accountant along the way. But as her learning curve began to level off, she knew it was time for a new challenge.
At Grant Thornton, she found the perfect balance: a larger, dynamic environment where she could continue to grow, without losing the personal, people-focused culture that matters most to her.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and Taxation, Laura began her career at a local accounting firm. Over the course of eight years, she grew from a junior to a senior accountant. But eventually, she felt it was time for a new challenge. “I had learned a lot, but I’d reached a plateau. I was missing the kind of challenge that really allows you to keep learning and growing.”
That search eventually led her to Grant Thornton. “What immediately stood out to me was the balance: it’s a larger organisation with more opportunities than I had before, yet it still has a warm, people-focused culture. During my interview, it was emphasized that people here aren’t just numbers, and you really feel that in practice, every single day.”
Since joining in January, Laura quickly noticed the difference. “The clients are generally larger, and the cases are more varied. You’re really encouraged to dive deeper into the numbers and understand what’s going on with the client. It’s not just about ticking boxes and closing files, you’re actively thinking along with clients and looking for ways to optimise where possible."
“That shift from being an accountant to becoming a trusted advisor is what makes the job so interesting to me.”
But just as important for Laura is the fact that she can truly be herself at work. “I’m naturally very social, and I love spending time with friends outside of work. For example, I’m helping a close friend launch a drinks brand. Those kinds of projects give me energy. What I really like is that I can bring that same entrepreneurial and human touch into my job, we stay close to our clients and genuinely think along with them.”
She also sees strong support and growth opportunities as major strengths. “There’s a strong focus on training and knowledge sharing here. Things evolve incredibly fast in our sector, so staying up to date is essential. At the same time, you’re given the space to grow at your own pace. There’s ambition, but no pressure, just trust.”
“If you’re looking for an environment where you can grow, feel supported, and still be yourself, you’ve come to the right place.”
Another thing Laura values is the open culture. “There’s open communication about workload and expectations. If things get too busy, you’re encouraged to speak up. That creates a real sense of calm.” She also highlights the team dynamic: “I received such a warm welcome and get to work with a wide range of colleagues. Everyone is approachable, and there’s a real social vibe. You learn from each other, but there’s also plenty of laughter. Especially during busy periods, that makes all the difference.”
Looking ahead, Laura has clear ambitions. “I’m currently a supervisor and would like to grow into a manager role. I’ve also started my ITAA track to obtain my certification, but I can do that at my own pace. For now, I’m also just enjoying the journey.”
