Accounting Advisory Director

Grant Thornton (US); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 197,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking a Director to lead teams advising Grant Thornton | Stax Transactions clients on complex accounting transactions, carve-outs and divestitures. You’ll guide engagement teams, engage client stakeholders, and deliver substantiated advice across multiple engagements in a fast-paced environment.

Based in the San Francisco area, you’ll work hybrid, on-site and remote as needed, with travel about 30% and opportunities to grow within a global firm while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, mathematics; master’s degree a plus.
• Minimum of eight years in financial statement audits, accounting advisory, or transaction advisory.
• Active CPA license required.
• Analytical, technical with knowledge of US GAAP and SEC rules.
• Expertise in ASC 606/ASC 842, financial instruments, IPOs or complex capital transactions.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and priorities.
• Strong teamwork, relationship building, and leadership.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple engagement teams on divestiture solutions for sponsors and clients.
• Support carve-out readiness and 100-day planning and transitions.
• Assist in separation of business and carve-out financials; support SEC filings.
• Coach juniors and provide regular feedback; develop client relationships.
• Represent Grant Thornton at events; pursue training and growth opportunities.
• Deliver substantiated advisory across technical accounting matters.

Skills

CPA license

US GAAP

Leadership

M&A/Transaction advisory

Communication

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, mathematics

Master’s degree is a plus

Job description

Job Description

As a Director, you will be responsible for teams that consult with Grant Thornton | Stax Transactions clients on complex accounting transactions. You will apply your experience and knowledge to help engagement teams navigate highly technical matters and improve business processes — all with the resources, environment, and support to help you excel. You’ll build relationships with clients and your project teams, and engage client stakeholders to identify, assess, and deliver substantiated advice because together is how we succeed. From day one, you’ll be empowered with access to firm leaders and training programs, as well as opportunities to grow the firm and your career, and achieve more, confidently.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Overseeing and supporting multiple engagement teams to complete divestiture solutions — from evaluating carve-out readiness, supporting the 100-day planning and operational transition, and assisting in the separation of the business — for financial sponsors and corporate clients
• Supporting SEC regulatory filings for carve-outs and facilitating the preparation of carve-out financials
• Identifying market trends in order to be a proactive problem solver and sought-after adviser to clients and colleagues
• Assisting audit teams in evaluating accounting policies related to new, significant, or complex accounting-related matters
• Training and supervising less experienced colleagues and providing consistent, regular feedback
• Working at a client site, with your team in the office or remotely. We empower teams to listen first to expectations of clients and teammates; then you and your team can determine when and where to work. No matter when or where, you will have the support you need to thrive
• Representing Grant Thornton at recruiting and professional networking events
• Building your technical and professional skills through formal training
• Other duties as assigned

You have the following technical skills, qualifications and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, mathematics, or related disciplines; a master’s degree is a plus
• Minimum of eight years of experience providing financial statement audits, accounting advisory, or similar transaction advisory consulting services with deep experience in at least two industries
• An active CPA license (required)
• Analytical, technical skills, including proficiency in US GAAP, SEC reporting rules and standards; accounting, transaction or mergers and acquisition services
• Are a go-to resource in specialized knowledge areas like ASC 606 and/or ASC 842, financial instruments, IPO process or other capital transactions, or complex debt, equity and employee compensation topics
• Can manage multiple engagements and competing priorities
• Value teamwork, are agile and know the power of building strong relationships
• Skilled at leading, influencing, and motivating colleagues
• Can travel on short notice (Travel expectation: 30%)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

The base salary range for this position is between $197k and $247,250+. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About The Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Benefits

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton LLP to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [e-mail].

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.