Ever wondered what a day in the life of an advisory grad actually looks like? Meet Vannis Walexandra, an Associate in the Private Enterprise team at Grant Thornton.
With a background in music and a postgraduate qualification in accounting and finance, Vannis followed a non-traditional pathway into the profession. Now working as an Associate, he supports client work, collaborates closely with his team, and enjoys the flexibility that comes with working in a modern professional services firm.
In this blog, Vannis shares what a typical day looks like, and why this kind of career can be a great fit for students who enjoy structure, learning, and balancing work with life outside the office.
Early Morning: Starting the Day with Routine
I’m an early riser, so my day kicks off pretty early. At 4:30 am, my lights turn on automatically and some gentle music helps wake me up. After getting out of bed and having a glass of water, I throw on some casual clothes and ride my bike to the gym.
By 5:00 am, I’m into my workout. I follow a simple routine that includes warming up, strength exercises, core work, and stretching. It’s a consistent way to start the day, and it helps me feel energised and focused for everything ahead.
Getting Ready for Work
Around 6:15 am, I head home, heat up a pre-prepared breakfast, and get ready for work. I usually cook my meals on the weekend, which makes busy mornings a lot easier and takes the pressure off.
After a quick shower, I’m out the door just after 6:30 am and arrive at the office around 7:00 am. Starting early means I can choose where I sit, and I’ll usually grab a desk with double monitors to make things easier.
From there, it’s a coffee, a quick email check, and mapping out what I want to get through for the day.
Morning: Client Work and Collaboration
After a quick admin check, I move into client compliance work. This involves reviewing information, using structured templates, and making sure everything is accurate and well presented.
While some tasks are done independently, the work is very team-based. There’s a clear process to follow, from getting guidance from a manager, completing the task, asking questions where needed, and then having the work reviewed by more senior team members.
I also sometimes get the chance to attend client meetings, which is a great way to build confidence and see how professional conversations play out in real time.
Lunch and Reset
Around midday, I take a break. I’ll usually have a home-cooked meal and listen to an audiobook while I eat. It’s a simple way to switch off for a bit before getting stuck into the afternoon.
Afternoon: Flexibility and Balance
The afternoon is a continuation of client work and follow-ups. One of the things I really value at Grant Thornton is the flexibility in how we work.
Because I start early, I can usually finish around 3:30 pm, which helps me avoid traffic and make the most of the afternoon. There’s also the option to work from home on some days, and to take recharge time during the week when needed.
That flexibility makes it much easier to balance work with study, hobbies, and spending time with friends.
Life Outside Work
After work, I like to keep things flexible. Evenings might include further accounting study, cooking, exercising, reading, or catching up with friends. I also enjoy team sports and getting outdoors whenever I can.
Advice for High School Students
If you’re thinking about a career like this, my biggest advice is not to stress if your pathway isn’t straightforward. I didn’t start out studying accounting, and I didn’t always know exactly where I was heading.
What matters most is being open to learning, building good habits, and giving things a go.
This kind of role suits people who enjoy structure, problem-solving, and working with others. A lot of the skills I use every day, like organisation, communication, and time management, are things you already start building at school.
Keen to see where a career like this could take you? Learn more about opportunities at Grant Thornton and explore your own pathway into advisory.
