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Grant Thornton is seeking an Independence Consulting Director to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.

The Independence Consulting Director will play a significant role in assisting our partners, principals, managing directors (PPMDs) and professionals in evaluating new opportunities (audit or other) or existing relationships for a client (or prospect) or an affiliate of one that is subject to independence requirements, including firm monitored private equity firms and portfolio companies. The individual should have strong understanding of the professional standards established by independence standard setters and regulatory bodies, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Securities Exchange Commission, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, International Ethics Board for Accountants, Government Accountability Office, and Department of Labor.

This role will need to apply a broad knowledge of professional standards to assist engagement teams in evaluating or monitoring independence and assisting others in the Independence with the development of GT independence policies and quality control processes. The individual should be comfortable working in a team environment within Independence or other GT groups within our firm (e.g., Private Equity, other quality groups, legal, etc.) and to also be able to work independently. The individual must manage competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with PPMDs and professionals on the application of independence standards to a particular fact situation (e.g., scope of services, business relationships, employment).

• Assist in evaluating relationships that potential firm targets may have with existing relationships that the firm or member firms have under the applicable professional standards.

• Assist in monitoring independence for larger private equity firms for which the firm is maintaining SEC independence.

• Provide teams guidance or assist them on identifying affiliates of their audit clients under the applicable independence standard (e.g., AICPA, SEC).

• Advise teams with Relationship Checking activities (e.g., guidance or processing assisting on relationship checks at various stages assisting teams with evaluating relationships reported, etc.).

• Assist in training independence team in INDUS on the application of AICPA independence standards relating to nonaudit services or business relationship for existing and prospective private audit clients to assist engagement teams in clearing private audit client checks, including monitoring and supervising/oversight the INDUS team related to this initiative.

• Assist in developing firm independence policies and quality control requirements which will involve documentation and regular updates, including pulling regulator request information together (e.g., PCAOB requests).

• Develop and present technical content for professional training programs or for other firm purposes.

• Assist in maintaining and develop independence related resources or publications (e.g., nonaudit services matrices, etc.).

• Liaise with representatives of Grant Thornton International and the member firms on potential independence matters, potential conflicts of interest and independence confirmations/representations.

• Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis.

• Perform other job-related duties or assist with special projects, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 8 or more years of experience related to the accounting profession, with experience in a national office or independence office a strong plus and a CPA is required. At least 3 to 4 of those years should be at a manager role.

• Business related degree (e.g., accounting, finance, etc.) is a strong plus.

• Experience with relationship/conflict checking tools, including entity management tools (e.g., family trees).

• Prior client serving experience in an audit practice is a strong plus.

• Independence exposure or experience on how accounting firms operate under alternative practice structure is a strong plus.

• Excellent analytical, technical, and professional skills including understanding of international accounting and consulting firms’ businesses.

• Strong ability to acquire, synthesize, and present technical information.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills

• Strong Microsoft Word skills required and experience with other Microsoft Office products (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).

• Strong project planning skills.

• Experience managing projects, with an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.

• Ability to work on highly technical material, with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work additional hours as needed and limited travel.

  The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Chicago, IL, Downers Grove, IL, Denver, CO and Baltimore, MD offices only is between $172,00 and $258,00 per year.

  The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Washington, DC, Bellevue, WA, Los Angeles, CA, Newport Beach, CA San Diego, CA, and New York, NY offices only is between $185,800 and $278,600 per year.

  The base salary range for this position in the firm’s San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA offices only is between $197,800 and $296,700 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 unlimited flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life.

• 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:

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better 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 HR@us.gt.com.

  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.