Grant Thornton
Audit, tax, and advisory professional services
Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager - Public Sector
More locations: Carlisle, UK | Leeds, UK | Bristol, UK | Birmingham, UK | Manchester, UK | Liverpool, UK
Hybrid working is encouraged, with flexible working options available.
About the job
- A professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA, or CIPFA.
- Post-qualification experience providing professional services, including external audit or consulting, to local authorities and health bodies, or experience within local government or health finance functions.
- A strong grasp of International Financial Reporting Standards accounting and their implementation in the public sector.
- Excellent knowledge of public-sector financial reporting.
- Project management experience.
- Experience leading and developing relationships.
- Experience coaching junior colleagues.
- Deliver a number of non-audit engagements across the range of services provided while ensuring quality standards are met.
- Work with clients to solve complex technical matters, including specific accounting issues, implementation of new standards, financial reporting review and creation, and financial management and governance.
- Take on wider team responsibilities through training and pitching new projects.
- Contribute to business development and generate ideas for new service offerings.
- Oversee team members in project delivery.
- Support oversight of project finances and budgets.
- Manage client onboarding.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with the team and clients.
- Business development experience.
About the company
Grant Thornton provides audit, tax, and advisory services to a broad range of clients, including public and private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Its services are delivered on a fee-for-service basis with tailored offerings in financial reporting, tax compliance, risk management, and business consulting, supported by technology-driven solutions. The firm differentiates itself through a strong emphasis on personalized client attention, deep industry knowledge, and long-term relationships, along with a wide range of sector experience and practical, hands-on guidance. The company’s goal is to help clients navigate complex financial environments, meet regulatory requirements, manage risk, and achieve their business objectives by delivering clear insight and reliable support.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1924
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- CBIZ deal announced July 29, 2026 expands US reach and scale immediately.
- Grant Thornton Australia partners approved a $1 billion buyout with Grant Thornton Advisors in August 2026.
- Sam Mills joined September 18, 2026, strengthening turnaround demand as stressed clients rise.
What critics are saying
- AFRC fined Grant Thornton Hong Kong HK$2.32 million on March 3, 2026.
- Atos shareholders sued Grant Thornton in France on February 15, 2026 over audited accounts.
- Audit failures and regulatory downgrades threaten elite-client access and brand trust by 2027.
What makes Grant Thornton unique
- Private-equity-backed Grant Thornton Advisors targets a $7.5 billion, 20-country platform after CBIZ.
- Grant Thornton pairs audit, tax, advisory, and restructuring with tech-enabled client delivery.
- Australia, UK, and US leadership hires signal a coordinated global buildout in 2026.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Professional Development Budget
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Company News
Gravita appoints Chris Hawes as first head of ethics. Former Grant Thornton lead Chris Hawes joins Gravita to head its expanding quality and risk function Quick Poll What is your biggest focus right now? One click - no sign-up All data is anonymised. Polling helps Accountancy Group better understand the Accountancy Today audience and tailor its editorial. Select a subscription plan. Gravita has appointed Chris Hawes as its first head of ethics, creating a dedicated role covering ethics and independence as the accountancy and advisory firm continues to expand. Hawes joins from Grant Thornton, where he led on technical ethics matters and brings 18 years of experience to the role. He has also worked through major revisions to the FRC Ethical Standard. He will join Gravita's five-strong quality and risk team and report to Ian Cokayne, chief legal and risk officer. His remit will cover the firm's approach to ethics and independence, including requirements relating to its public interest entity audit work. This will include the services provided by the firm, its relationships with clients and the personal financial interests of its people. The appointment comes after a period of expansion for Gravita, which has been backed by private equity investor Tenzing and has added seven firms to its business since 2022. The firm now has around 500 employees across offices in London, Oxford, Essex, Bristol and Exeter. Nearly 1,000 new clients joined Gravita last year. Hawes will focus on strengthening internal guidance and training, with the aim of helping employees make decisions on ethical matters and identify when additional support is required. He will also work on systems to identify ethics and independence threats at an early stage. Lisa Mayhew, chief executive of Gravita, said: "A dedicated ethics role is unusual for a firm of its size, where responsibility for ethics is more commonly held alongside a wider risk or compliance remit, so creating one is a deliberate choice on its part. "Gravita has built real momentum over the past few years and the firms and colleagues joining us expect the same standards of quality and independence that our clients do. As we continue to grow, Chris's experience will help us to maintain those standards while building the infrastructure we need for the future." Hawes added: "Ethics and independence are not simply regulatory requirements. They are fundamental to the confidence that clients and the wider public place in our work. What drew me to Gravita is the chance to make a real difference at a firm with genuine ambition. Having worked in much larger firms, I know both what good looks like and where legacy systems slow firms down, so the opportunity here is to combine the two and build something effective that is designed to scale." Published: 2m ago
Grant Thornton Australia welcomes new NFP national leader. The mid-tier firm has appointed its audit and assurance partner of nearly 20 years as its national head of not-for-profit. Hannah Hiscox has been appointed as Grant Thornton's latest national head of NFP, effective Monday, 21 September 2026. Since her appointment, Hiscox has led audits for the firm's NFP clients, bringing her extensive knowledge of the NFP sector to quickly identify issues and develop insights to help clients navigate the sector's changing operating environment. After graduating from Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting in 2000, she joined Grant Thornton Australia the following year and has served the firm since then. She has over 17 years of experience in the firm's audit and assurance practice, with expertise in statutory audits, computerised auditing software, and preparing special and general purpose financial reports, the Grant Thornton Australia website read. Hiscox has advised organisations across health and aged care, community care, education, disability, membership-based organisations, social assistance, disability care and religious institutions. "I am excited to take on the lead role of our NFP industry group and build on the strong foundations already established by the team. Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty, not-for-profits are facing increasingly complex challenges to maintain financial sustainability," Hiscox said. "I look forward to working with our NFP industry specialists across the firm to help our clients address challenges, strengthen their financial position, and continue delivering important outcomes for their communities," Hiscox said. "Hannah brings outstanding sector expertise, strong client relationships, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Not-for-Profit organisations in today's market," said Fraser McNaughton, national head of industry at Grant Thornton Australia. "She has already made a significant contribution to our NFP industry team and broader financial sustainability initiatives, and I look forward to working closely with Hannah to strengthen our firm's industry-led approach," McNaughton said. This appointment follows a majority vote by Grant Thornton Australia partners to complete a $1 billion buyout agreement with multinational platform Grant Thornton Advisors LLC in August. Want to see more stories from trusted news sources? Make Accounting Times a preferred news source on Google. Click here to add Accounting Times as a preferred news source. Carlos Tse Carlos Tse is a graduate journalist writing for Accountants Daily, HR Leader, Lawyers Weekly.
Grant Thornton named one of Yello's Top 100 internship programs of 2026. September 21, 2026 CHICAGO - Grant Thornton has been recognized as one of Yello and WayUp's Top 100 Internship Programs of 2026, a distinction that recognizes organizations delivering exceptional internship experiences and meaningful opportunities for students launching their careers. Grant Thornton's internship program spans eight to 12 weeks and includes orientation, service line-specific training, professional development opportunities and a robust support network that includes buddies, coaches and senior leadership advisors. The program is designed to help interns apply classroom learning in a professional environment, develop technical and professional skills and build connections across the firm. "We are intentional about creating an experience that helps interns contribute meaningfully while developing the skills and relationships that can shape their careers," said Missy Heusinger, talent acquisition and university recruiting leader at Grant Thornton. "Through client work, coaching, mentorship and professional development opportunities, interns become part of our team from day one." The program also emphasizes connection and belonging through networking opportunities with mentors and firm leaders, volunteer activities, Business Resource Group programming and other community-building experiences. This recognition further underscores Grant Thornton's investment in the next generation of professionals. Earlier this year, the firm received Adobe's inaugural Early Career Engagement Award and the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Technology Excellence Award, both recognizing innovative programs and experiences that help students and early-career professionals succeed. "The future of Grant Thornton will be shaped by the talent we inspire, develop and empower today," said Jeanna Shapiro, chief people & culture officer at Grant Thornton. "Our interns bring fresh perspectives, curiosity and bold ideas that strengthen our firm while gaining meaningful experience, trusted relationships and opportunities to grow. By investing in their potential and empowering them to make an impact from day one, we are helping launch rewarding careers and build the innovative, inclusive and future-ready firm our clients and communities need." About the Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform The Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform is a group of firms within the Grant Thornton International Limited network that connects priority markets and operates with aligned standards, technology and delivery expectations. Firms remain locally led and legally separate. The Grant Thornton International Limited network provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. The platform is currently home to almost 20 aligned firms stretching from the Americas across Europe and the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. These firms bring together almost 25,000 professionals to deliver cross-border solutions powered by advanced technologies, a shared commitment to quality and a growing reputation as the industry's employer-of-choice. The platform firms operate as separate legal entities. About Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC Grant Thornton Advisors LLC provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. It is one of two specialized entities known collectively as Grant Thornton in the US, alongside Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Grant Thornton LLP is a CPA firm, while Grant Thornton Advisors LLC is not. "Grant Thornton" refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.
Sam Mills joins Grant Thornton as turnaround partner. 18 September 2026 Consultancy.uk Sam Mills joins Grant Thornton as a turnaround and restructuring partner. He brings two decades of restructuring and turnaround expertise to the firm's advisory team. "This is a great time to join the Grant Thornton turnaround and restructuring team with such a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work at pace," said Mills. "I'm drawn to the firm's growth ambitions and its tech-enabled approach to client delivery, which I think will make a real difference for clients and colleagues alike." With more than 500 professionals across its Manchester and Liverpool offices, Grant Thornton's North West team remains a priority growth market for the firm. Mills' arrival reflects this, as the Manchester-based professional is the third senior appointment in the region in as many months. Mills also joins a growing national turnaround and restructuring practice, following the other recent appointments of David Pike as head of London, Ian Guthrie as head of real estate advisory, and Nick Toone in its value creation and turnaround team. Kevin Coates, Grant Thorton's UK head of turnaround and restructuring, added, "We are delighted that Sam has joined the firm at such an exciting time in the firm's growth story. Sam has spent two decades helping CFOs and boards at the point where decisions actually matter, and that experience will strengthen how we support clients through periods of stress and fast-paced turnaround." As a qualified chartered accountant (ACA), Mills has held leadership roles in the Big Four, as well as senior finance roles in industry and a number of secondment positions with high-profile clients. His varied experience has given him a rounded, practical perspective on the pressures facing management teams during periods of change. Pete Terry, Grant Thornton's practice lead for the North West of the UK, concluded, "Sam brings deep, hands-on restructuring experience and a track record of supporting businesses and their stakeholders through complex, high-pressure situations. His appointment reflects the scale of our ambition in the North West: building a team that understands the full spectrum of financial and operational challenge."
Grant Thornton wins Brandon Hall group(tm) Gold HCM Excellence award(r) for compliance training excellence. September 15, 2026 CHICAGO - Grant Thornton has earned a Gold Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Award in the Best Compliance Training category for its Annual Compliance Season Training Suite, an innovative learning program that helps strengthen compliance, accountability and risk awareness across the firm's growing multinational platform. Grant Thornton's Training Suite provides professionals with practical guidance on critical topics including information security, privacy, code of conduct, personal independence and workplace respect. Through immersive scenarios and interactive content, the suite of programs helps employees understand how compliance requirements apply to the situations they encounter in their day-to-day work. "Across the firm, teams came together to design the Annual Compliance Season Training Suite to move beyond traditional compliance training and create learning experiences that are practical, engaging and relevant to the real-world situations our professionals encounter every day," said Wendy Wright, head of learning and effectiveness at Grant Thornton. "Our goal was to make complex regulatory and ethical requirements easier to understand and apply, helping our people make better informed decisions and uphold the highest professional standards." Designed to support approximately 10,000 professionals across the U.S. and India, the Training Suite has helped strengthen consistency and accountability across the organization, while learner engagement increased across almost all courses. Building on that success, Grant Thornton plans to continue enhancing and standardizing compliance learning across its multinational platform. "Creating a strong, values-driven culture requires ongoing investment in our people and their development, especially as our multinational platform continues to grow," said Jeanna Shapiro, chief people & culture officer at Grant Thornton. "We're proud to be recognized for a program that helps foster accountability, reinforces our values and supports our commitment to excellence." The Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards recognize organizations that successfully develop and deploy programs, strategies and solutions that deliver measurable business results and advance excellence in human capital management. The award was evaluated by an independent panel of Brandon Hall Group analysts, industry experts and practitioners based on business need, program design, innovation, adoption and organizational impact. About the Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform The Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform is a group of firms within the Grant Thornton International Limited network that connects priority markets and operates with aligned standards, technology and delivery expectations. Firms remain locally led and legally separate. The Grant Thornton International Limited network provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. The platform is currently home to almost 20 aligned firms stretching from the Americas across Europe and the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. These firms bring together almost 25,000 professionals to deliver cross-border solutions powered by advanced technologies, a shared commitment to quality and a growing reputation as the industry's employer-of-choice. The platform firms operate as separate legal entities. About Grant Thornton Grant Thornton Advisors LLC provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. It is one of two specialized entities known collectively as Grant Thornton in the US, alongside Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Grant Thornton LLP is a CPA firm, while Grant Thornton Advisors LLC is not. "Grant Thornton" refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.