Risk Advisory Director, Not-for-Profit and Higher Education

Grant Thornton; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking a Risk Advisory Director in the Not-for-Profit and Higher Education Practice to help clients identify risks and strengthen internal controls across finance, operations, and IT.

You will lead engagement teams, develop recommendations, manage audits, advance ERM programs, and leverage AI and analytics to deliver value while growing client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, IT, MIS or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of related work experience in a national consulting practice or cross-industry role.
• Experience with not-for-profit/higher education sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review processes and internal controls across risk domains for not-for-profit and higher education clients.
• Develop leading practices-based recommendations for internal controls, IT/process optimization, risk management and compliance.
• Conduct entity and process-level risk assessments and develop internal audit plans.
• Establish and operate internal audit, internal controls, ERM and compliance programs.
• Leverage AI, analytics, and automation to deliver client services efficiently.
• Manage client relationships and lead business development activities.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, Information Technology, MIS or related field

CPA, CIA, CISA, CISSP, CRMP, CFE or CISM preferred

Tools

SAP

Workday

Oracle

Infor

AI/data analytics platforms

Job description

As a Risk Advisory Director in the Not-for-Profit and Higher Education Practice, you will get the opportunity to grow and contribute to our clients' business needs by helping them understand their business risks and assist in addressing risk in both proactive and responsive contexts for the Risk, Compliance & Controls Practice – all with the resources, environment, and support to help you excel.

From day one, you’ll be empowered by the greater Risk team, supported by our AI and technology-enabled tools, to help clients make the moves that will help them achieve their mission and vision, and help you achieve more, confidently.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Review processes and internal controls across multiple risk domains to provide clients with an assessment of risk, internal control, and overall process effectiveness and efficiency – across the three lines of defense

• Manage the development of leading practices-based recommendations for improvement that are ‘right-sized’ and appropriate for the not-for-profit and higher education industries, as well as the specific needs and circumstances of clients, related to internal controls, business and IT process optimization, cost reduction, revenue enhancement, fraud prevention, and compliance

• Conduct entity and process level risk assessments and develop internal audit plans for client approval

• Assist with establishing and operating high performing internal audit functions, internal controls programs, enterprise risk management (ERM) programs, compliance programs, and other risk and consultative assessments for not-for-profit and higher education clients

• Leverage artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation solutions to deliver client services efficiently and effectively

• Work closely with partners and team members to promptly identify and resolve client problems or issues

• Effectively communicate externally with clients and internally with all levels of the organization

• Perform engagement management responsibilities, including performance reviews, task delegation, project scheduling, project financials, quality review and client management

• Use network of business relationships to generate new sales opportunities

• Lead and support business development activities such as new relationship development, proposals, client account management, conferences, presentations, whitepapers, and other thought leadership

• Think strategically about practice enhancements, and actively contribute to implementing change

• Understand and manage firm risk on proposals and client engagements

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members, fostering professional growth and developing high performers

• Meet or exceed sales and growth targets

• Meet or exceed targeted billing hours (utilization)

• Interview campus and/or experienced candidates

• Other duties as assigned

Technical Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, Information Technology, MIS, or a related field is required

• Minimum 10 years of related work experience in a similar consulting practice or function servicing cross-industry clients at a national level

• Experience working for or with not-for-profit organizations or higher education institutions preferred

• Experience with knowledge of processes, risks, controls and leading practices within not-for-profit and higher education industry-specific functions such as grants management, academic research, fundraising, student services, etc. preferred

• Certification required, CPA, CIA, CISA, CISSP, CRMP, CFE or CISM preferred

• Experience establishing, operating, and/or assessing Internal Audit, internal controls, compliance, and/or enterprise risk management programs preferred.

• Experience assessing and designing internal controls within the not-for-profit and/or higher education industries that address strategic, operational, reporting, and compliance risks across financial, operational, administrative and information technology (IT) processes

• Strong understanding of COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework (2017), the Institute of Internal Auditors Global Standards

• Ability to execute multiple engagements and completing priorities in a rapidly growing team environment

• Ability and passion for developing and expanding relationships with current and prospective clients

• Experience participating in engagement pursuits, and preparing impactful materials in response to Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposals (RFP) and other client engagement opportunities

• Strong supervisory, leadership development and collaboration skills

• Experience with artificial intelligence, data analytics and visualization platforms preferred

• Experience working with organizations that utilize SAP, Workday, Oracle, or Infor preferred

• Can travel as needed

The base salary range for this position is between $197,800 and $255,904. 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, 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

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.