Grant Thornton is seeking an Independence Consulting Director to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. 

The Independence Consulting Director will play a significant role in assisting our partners, principals, managing directors (PPMDs) and professionals in evaluating new opportunities (audit or other) or existing relationships for a client (or prospect) or an affiliate of one that is subject to independence requirements, including firm monitored private equity firms and portfolio companies. The individual should have strong understanding of the professional standards established by independence standard setters and regulatory bodies, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Securities Exchange Commission, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, International Ethics Board for Accountants, Government Accountability Office, and Department of Labor.

This role will need to apply a broad knowledge of professional standards to assist engagement teams in evaluating or monitoring independence and assisting others in the Independence with the development of GT independence policies and quality control processes. The individual should be comfortable working in a team environment within Independence or other GT groups within our firm (e.g., Private Equity, other quality groups, legal, etc.) and to also be able to work independently. The individual must manage competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Consult with PPMDs and professionals on the application of independence standards to a particular fact situation (e.g., scope of services, business relationships, employment). Assist in evaluating relationships that potential firm targets may have with existing relationships that the firm or member firms have under the applicable professional standards.  Assist in monitoring independence for larger private equity firms for which the firm is maintaining SEC independence. Provide teams guidance or assist them on identifying affiliates of their audit clients under the applicable independence standard (e.g., AICPA, SEC).  Advise teams with Relationship Checking activities (e.g., guidance or processing assisting on relationship checks at various stages assisting teams with evaluating relationships reported, etc.). Assist in training independence team in INDUS on the application of AICPA independence standards relating to nonaudit services or business relationship for existing and prospective private audit clients to assist engagement teams in clearing private audit client checks, including monitoring and supervising/oversight the INDUS team related to this initiative. Assist in developing firm independence policies and quality control requirements which will involve documentation and regular updates, including pulling regulator request information together (e.g., PCAOB requests).  Develop and present technical content for professional training programs or for other firm purposes. Assist in maintaining and develop independence related resources or publications (e.g., nonaudit services matrices, etc.). Liaise with representatives of Grant Thornton International and the member firms on potential independence matters, potential conflicts of interest and independence confirmations/representations. Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis. Perform other job-related duties or assist with special projects, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

8 or more years of experience related to the accounting profession, with experience in a national office or independence office a strong plus and a CPA is required. At least 3 to 4 of those years should be at a manager role.  Business related degree (e.g., accounting, finance, etc.) is a strong plus.  Experience with relationship/conflict checking tools, including entity management tools (e.g., family trees).  Prior client serving experience in an audit practice is a strong plus. Independence exposure or experience on how accounting firms operate under alternative practice structure is a strong plus. Excellent analytical, technical, and professional skills including understanding of international accounting and consulting firms’ businesses. Strong ability to acquire, synthesize, and present technical information. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills Strong Microsoft Word skills required and experience with other Microsoft Office products (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, etc.). Strong project planning skills. Experience managing projects, with an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines. Ability to work on highly technical material, with strong attention to detail. Ability to work additional hours as needed and limited travel.

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Chicago, IL, Downers Grove, IL, Denver, CO and Baltimore, MD offices only is between $172,00 and $258,00 per year. 

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Washington, DC, Bellevue, WA, Los Angeles, CA, Newport Beach, CA San Diego, CA, and New York, NY offices only is between $185,800 and $278,600 per year. 

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA offices only is between $197,800 and $296,700 per year.