Royalty Audit Manager (Contract Compliance)

Grant Thornton (US); Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid sick leave (72 hours)

Job summary

Grant Thornton LLP seeks an accomplished Royalty Audit Manager to lead domestic and international royalty and contract compliance audits from planning through reporting. You will drive risk-based selection and manage engagement teams across multiple industries while coordinating with licensees, legal, finance, and internal audit.

The role emphasizes strong project management, contract interpretation, and financial analysis, with opportunities to impact recoveries and process improvements within

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, MIS, or related field is required.
• Minimum 5+ years of related work experience in a similar consulting practice or function servicing cross-industry clients at a national level.
• Certification required, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CIA or CISM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple domestic and international royalty and contract compliance audits from planning through reporting, including risk-based audit selection, scoping, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and milestone management.
• Be responsible for the oversight and delivery of third-party reviews and management of a diverse portfolio of reviews.
• Interpret licensing, distribution, content, talent, participation, merchandising, and royalty agreements; assess contractual risks; and identify potential recovery opportunities.
• Direct fieldwork and review financial, operational, and contractual testing of sales, royalties, deductions, reserves, advances, guarantees, controls, calculations, and supporting records, while managing complex, forensically focused projects.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, clients, and third parties while serving as the primary client contact, coordinating with licensees and legal, finance, licensing, internal audit, and operational teams.
• Familiarity with intellectual property and licensing industry including typical royalty structures and rights.
• Use data analytics and business intelligence tools to analyze large datasets, identify anomalies and non-compliance, and develop dashboards and reporting.
• Prepare audit reports and executive summaries, quantify findings and recoveries, support negotiations and settlements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop audit staff; review workpapers and performance; support recruiting and onboarding; promote knowledge sharing.

Skills

Project management

Contract interpretation

Financial analysis

Client service

Team leadership

Multinational experience

Education

Bachelor's degree (Accounting/Finance/MIS)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Alteryx

Python

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Generative AI

Job description

Job Description

The Royalty Audit Manager (Contract Compliance) is responsible for leading and managing royalty, licensing, participation, and contract compliance audits on behalf of clients. This role oversees all phases of the audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and settlement support. The Manager works closely with clients, licensees, legal counsel, finance teams, and internal audit professionals to identify contract compliance issues, recover underreported royalties, and improve compliance processes.

Job Description

The Royalty Audit Manager (Contract Compliance) is responsible for leading and managing royalty, licensing, participation, and contract compliance audits on behalf of clients. This role oversees all phases of the audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and settlement support. The Manager works closely with clients, licensees, legal counsel, finance teams, and internal audit professionals to identify contract compliance issues, recover underreported royalties, and improve compliance processes. The position requires strong project management capabilities, contract interpretation skills, financial analysis expertise, and experience leading audit teams across multiple industries and geographic regions including working with large Global Film & TV Producers and Studios and recognized Brands and Intellectual Property Owners. Royalty audit programs commonly emphasize risk-based audit selection, stakeholder communication, tracking, reporting, and continuous program improvement. From day one, you’ll be empowered by the greater Risk team to help clients make the moves that will help them achieve their vision and help you achieve more, confidently.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Lead multiple domestic and international royalty and contract compliance audits from planning through reporting, including risk-based audit selection, scoping, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and milestone management.
• Be responsible for the oversight and delivery of third-party reviews and management of a diverse portfolio of reviews.
• Interpret licensing, distribution, content, talent, participation, merchandising, and royalty agreements; assess contractual risks; and identify potential recovery opportunities.
• Direct fieldwork and review financial, operational, and contractual testing of sales, royalties, deductions, reserves, advances, guarantees, controls, calculations, and supporting records, while managing complex, forensically focused projects and providing clear verbal and written status updates to clients and third parties.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, clients, and third parties while serving as the primary client contact, coordinating with licensees and legal, finance, licensing, internal audit, and operational teams, and leading kick-off meetings and discussions of findings and supporting documentation.
• Familiarity with the intellectual property and licensing industry including typical royalty structures, licensing agreements, and intellectual property rights.
• Use data analytics and business intelligence tools to analyze large datasets, identify anomalies and non-compliance, and develop dashboards, performance metrics, and transparent reporting.
• Preparing reports and the ability to articulate findings related to complex matters in a format suitable for c-suite stakeholders.
• Prepare and present audit reports and executive summaries, quantify findings and recoveries, support negotiations and settlements, and ensure compliance with professional standards, firm methodologies, and quality review requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop audit staff; review workpapers and performance; support recruiting and onboarding; and advance knowledge sharing, methodology enhancements, and continuous improvement.

You have the following technical skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, MIS, or a related field is required
• Minimum 5+ years of related work experience in a similar consulting practice or function servicing cross-industry clients at a national level
• Certification required, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CIA or CISM preferred
• Experience of using Microsoft packages (particularly Microsoft Excel) and preferably experience utilizing advanced data analysis tools (for example Alteryx, Python, SQL etc), data visualization tools (for example Power BI and Tableau) and Generative AI
• Experience managing a global team with diverse backgrounds
• Experience performing and managing multiple audits concurrently
• Ability to execute multiple engagements and completing priorities in a rapidly growing team environment
• Experience with analytics and/or automation software and an understanding of the impact of technology
• Exceptional client service, communication, analytical, organizational and project management skills
• Can travel as needed

The base salary range for this position is between $138,000 and $172,500. 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.