A career in audit was not initially high on the wish list of Senior Auditor Yannick Goossens.
“I was sceptical — auditors aren’t exactly the most popular people within an organisation, given their critical view on the numbers.” That changed three years ago, when he got the opportunity to support a busy audit season as an external consultant. And straight away at Grant Thornton, no less. He decided to stay.
When Yannick graduated from the University of Antwerp in 2018, he wanted to keep all options open:
“I was still figuring things out, so I chose a starter role at a consultancy firm. It allowed me to experience different roles and disciplines across various organisations. In between projects, audit crossed my path somewhat by chance.”
He worked in audit as an external consultant for two years before making the move to a permanent role as an auditor.
“Consulting is very versatile, but I always felt like I was starting from scratch. You get familiar with an assignment, work on it for a few months, and then move on to the next project. I was looking for more stability, so I decided to join Grant Thornton as a permanent team member.”
The demanding workload during peak season did not put him off.
“I’d rather give 120% than 80%. Yes, there are busy periods, but they are balanced out by quieter moments. One thing is certain: there is always work in audit. I won’t get bored any time soon.”
Alongside a challenging role as an auditor, Yannick also found a close-knit group of colleagues at Grant Thornton.
“We understand each other with just a few words. We take our work seriously, but we also have a good laugh together. There is mutual respect, and every voice is heard here — including those of junior colleagues.”
Yannick still remembers a job interview he had during his studies with another audit firm:
“The company culture there was quite rigid and structured, and I didn’t see myself working in that environment. At Grant Thornton, it feels much more personal. People quickly feel at home here, and although there is a hierarchy, it is not rigidly enforced. That really appealed to me.”
As a Senior Auditor, Yannick is also being prepared to manage junior auditors.
“That comes on top of my other responsibilities, so it does require good organisation. Managing colleagues is not a one-size-fits-all approach: everyone is different. Some need more guidance than others, and I’ve learned to take those individual needs into account.”
In the longer term, Yannick aims to become a certified auditor:
“But before that, I want to firmly establish myself within Grant Thornton. A new role brings not only opportunities, but also plenty of challenges. I still have a lot of room to grow, both in terms of expertise and leadership.
I want to become the best version of myself in both areas.”