Enterprise Assurance Services Associate - Summer 2027

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Career development programs

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Grant Thornton in Chicago seeks an EAS Associate to deliver assurance, attestation, and advisory services across IT audits, SOC reporting, ESG readiness, and Employee Benefit Plan audits. You will work with client teams to assess controls, analyze data, and support high‑quality reporting while leveraging AI-enabled tools and data analytics.

Role involves cross‑service-line collaboration, meaningful client engagements, and ongoing professional development in a fast-changing environment with a

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Experience or interest in data analytics, data visualization, and data-driven decision making.
• Interest in pursuing professional certifications (CPA, CISA, CIA or other).
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing client engagements by understanding objectives, processes, risks, and control environments.
• Evaluate and test business process controls, IT controls, and automated controls to assess risk.
• Support IT audit, SOC reporting, sustainability reporting, and employee benefit plan engagements from planning through completion.
• Apply audit, attestation, and consulting methodologies to identify deficiencies and risks.
• Analyze data to support engagement conclusions and recommendations.
• Utilize data analytics and AI-enabled technologies to improve efficiency and insights.
• Document results in line with professional standards and draft client communications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data analytics

Communication

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, MIS, Information Technology, Finance

Job description

Position Summary

Start your career at the intersection of assurance, technology, and emerging business challenges.

Job Description

Position Summary

Start your career at the intersection of assurance, technology, and emerging business challenges.

Enterprise Assurance Services (EAS) Associates are responsible for delivering consulting, attestation, and audit services across a diverse portfolio of client engagements. Associates support organizations in strengthening governance, risk management, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder reporting through a combination of business process analysis, technology risk assessment, controls testing, and assurance services.

Engagements may include:

• IT audits associated with financial statement audits and technology risk assessments, including evaluation of information technology general controls (ITGCs), application controls, cybersecurity controls, and technology‑enabled business processes.
• SOC examinations, readiness assessments, and other attestation engagements focused on controls relevant to financial reporting, system reliability, security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. These engagements may include HITRUST, HIPAA, and Structured Products & Securitizations.
• Sustainability and ESG reporting engagements, including readiness assessments, limited assurance reviews, and examinations over environmental, social, and governance information.
• Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audit engagements, including testing of plan transactions, participant data, operational controls, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Across all engagements, Associates collaborate with client personnel to identify risks, evaluate business and technology controls, analyze data, and support the delivery of high‑quality client service. The role provides exposure to multiple industries, emerging assurance topics, evolving technologies, and innovative approaches to risk management and reporting.

The Team

Enterprise Assurance Services brings together professionals across IT Audit, SOC and attestation services, sustainability and ESG reporting, and Employee Benefit Plan audits to help organizations build trust and confidence in the information they share with stakeholders. Our professionals work alongside business leaders, technology teams, and risk professionals to address complex challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

As an EAS Associate, you'll gain hands‑on experience from day one while working on meaningful client engagements across industries and service offerings. You'll collaborate with experienced professionals, leverage emerging technologies including data analytics and AI‑enabled tools, and develop the technical, analytical, and leadership skills needed to succeed in a profession that continues to evolve.

Whether you're evaluating technology controls, supporting assurance engagements, analyzing risks, or helping clients strengthen reporting processes, you'll contribute to work that helps organizations operate with greater transparency, accountability, and confidence.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing client engagements by understanding client objectives, processes, risks, and control environments.
• Evaluate and test business process controls, information technology controls, and automated controls to assess risk and support assurance objectives.
• Support IT audit, SOC reporting, sustainability reporting, and employee benefit plan audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Apply established audit, attestation, and consulting methodologies to identify control deficiencies, reporting risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support engagement conclusions and recommendations.
• Utilize data analytics tools and AI‑enabled technologies to improve efficiency, enhance analysis, and identify meaningful insights.
• Perform walkthroughs, testing procedures, and evidence collection activities while documenting results in accordance with professional standards.
• Assist in assessing compliance with applicable reporting frameworks, regulatory requirements, and assurance standards.
• Draft workpapers, reports, client communications, and other deliverables with attention to quality and accuracy.
• Collaborate with engagement teams across multiple service lines and offices to deliver integrated solutions.
• Participate in client status meetings and contribute to effective communication throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently while meeting deadlines, budget expectations, and quality standards.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of client operations, business objectives, industry trends, and emerging risks.
• Contribute to recruiting, practice development, training initiatives, and knowledge‑sharing activities.
• Stay informed regarding emerging technologies, assurance trends, sustainability reporting developments, regulatory changes, and evolving risk management practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• CPA eligibility preferred for Employee Benefit Plan, ESG, and certain assurance‑focused roles.
• Interest in pursuing one or more professional certifications, including CPA, CISA, CIA, or other relevant credentials.
• Ability to work additional hours when required and travel as necessary.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Skill Requirements

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Ability to assess risks, evaluate controls, and interpret complex information.
• Experience or interest in data analytics, data visualization, and data‑driven decision making.
• Familiarity with AI‑enabled tools and emerging technologies and a desire to leverage these capabilities to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated agility and adaptability in addressing evolving client challenges and changing business priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional and geographically diverse teams.
• Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning in areas such as technology risk, controls assurance, sustainability reporting, employee benefit plan auditing, cybersecurity, and emerging reporting frameworks.
• Exceptional client‑service mindset with a commitment to building strong professional relationships.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and growth‑oriented environment.

Recruiting and Deployment Considerations

The role is designed to support cross‑service‑line hiring and interview plans in markets with a significant presence across multiple solutions. Initial target markets include New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Hiring may continue in existing markets, with first‑year deployment remaining IT Audit/SASS‑specific where business needs and the current operating model require it.

The base salary for this position in the firm's Chicago, Illinois is $90,000 per year.

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 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 a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.