Accounting Advisory Senior Associate

Grant Thornton; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Hybrid work model

Mentor program

Job summary

Grant Thornton in Chicago seeks a Senior Associate to lead accounting advisory engagements on complex transactions like mergers, acquisitions, and carve-outs. You’ll collaborate with firm colleagues and client stakeholders to deliver well-supported guidance.

You’ll be supported by training programs, mentors, and growth opportunities, with a hybrid work model enabling in-office, client-site, or remote work depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience providing financial statement audits, accounting advisory, or a similar transaction advisory service
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, mathematics, or related disciplines; a master’s degree is a plus
• Proficiency in US GAAP and SEC reporting rules
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel 30%

Responsibilities

• Lead teams consulting with accounting advisory clients on complex transactions
• Plan, execute and complete carve-out/divestiture solutions for financial sponsors and corporate clients
• Support SEC regulatory filings for carve-outs
• Identify market trends to provide proactive advisory
• Train and supervise audit associates and interns
• Represent Grant Thornton at recruiting and networking events
• Build technical and professional skills through formal training
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Analytical skills

US GAAP knowledge

SEC reporting

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Leading teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP/GAAP software

Job description

As a Senior Associate, you’ll lead teams that consult with Grant Thornton accounting advisory clients on complex accounting transactions stemming from regulatory or strategic business changes like mergers, acquisitions, IPOs and more — all with the resources, environment and support to help you excel. You’ll work collaboratively with Grant Thornton colleague across the firm 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 mentors, training programs, resource groups, team-based communities, and growth opportunities to help you develop your career and achieve more, confidently.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Listening and communicating with clients about engagement and service expectations; resolving technical and service issues quickly and thoroughly

• Planning, executing, and completing 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 to be a proactive problem solver and sought‑after adviser to clients and colleagues

• Training and supervising audit associates and interns 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 two years’ experience providing financial statement audits, accounting advisory, or a similar transaction advisory consulting service

• Analytical and technical skills including proficiency in US GAAP, SEC reporting rules and standards; accounting, transaction or mergers and acquisition services

• 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 $110,400 and $132,191. 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

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

Here’s what you can expect next:

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.