Grant Thornton: Careers, Internships, Salaries and Consulting Services

Grant Thornton is a leading professional services firm known for its expertise in audit, tax, and advisory services. With a global network of offices and a focus on client success, Grant Thornton offers diverse career opportunities for aspiring consultants and finance professionals.

In this article, we will explore Grant Thornton’s services, career paths, culture, salaries, internships, and leadership, giving you a complete overview of what the firm offers.

Key Insights:

• Grant Thornton is a global professional services firm delivering audit, tax, and advisory consulting in more than 140 countries.
• Grant Thornton careers provide flexible paths across audit, tax, and advisory with mentorship and early client exposure.
• Grant Thornton internship and leadership programs offer hands-on experience, skill development, and career preparation for students.
• Grant Thornton salary ranges are competitive, with consultants averaging $91,739 and managers earning more than $160,000 annually.
• The firm’s culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity and inclusion programs, and international consulting opportunities.

What is Grant Thornton and what services does it offer?

Grant Thornton is a global professional services firm providing audit, tax, and advisory consulting services to clients across multiple industries. Its offerings include advisory solutions, digital transformation, ESG consulting, mergers and acquisitions support, and corporate finance advisory.

The firm serves organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate complex business challenges. Key services include:

• Audit and Assurance: Independent financial audits, compliance, and risk management services.
• Tax Consulting: Corporate, international, and indirect tax planning and compliance.
• Advisory Services: Strategy consulting, business transformation, and operational improvement.
• ESG and Sustainability Consulting: Guidance on environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
• Digital Transformation: Technology integration, digital assets, and analytics solutions.
• Mergers and Acquisitions Support: Due diligence, valuation, and integration planning.
• Human Resource Services: Organizational design, workforce strategy, and HR advisory.

Grant Thornton’s global consulting network enables professionals to work on diverse projects and industries, from healthcare and technology to real estate and financial services. This breadth of services positions the firm as a well-rounded choice for candidates looking to gain experience in multiple consulting areas.

What is the history of Grant Thornton?

Grant Thornton was founded in 1924 as Alexander & Co. by Alexander Richardson Grant and has since grown into a global professional services firm. The firm initially focused on accounting services in the United States and later expanded internationally through mergers and partnerships, creating a global consulting network.

Over the decades, Grant Thornton has evolved from a U.S.-based accounting practice to a full-service advisory and consulting firm, serving clients across industries worldwide. Key milestones in the firm’s history include:

• 1924: Alexander Richardson Grant establishes Alexander & Co. in Chicago.
• 1960s: Expansion begins with mergers in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
• 1980s-2000s: Growth of advisory and tax services alongside audit operations.
• Present: Global network spans 140 countries, with more than 56,000 employees, including 17,390 in the U.S., offering audit, tax, advisory, and ESG consulting services.

The firm’s history reflects a focus on professional growth, client service excellence, and international reach, providing employees and clients with access to diverse markets and expertise.

What makes Grant Thornton different from the Big 4?

Grant Thornton is a global professional services firm that distinguishes itself from the Big 4 by offering a more flexible, client-focused approach while maintaining high-quality audit, tax, and advisory services. The firm combines international reach with a collaborative culture, making it appealing for candidates seeking exposure without the scale of a Big 4 firm.

Key differences include:

• Firm Size and Structure: Smaller than the Big 4, enabling closer client relationships and more hands-on experience for employees.
• Career Flexibility: Offers diverse career paths in advisory, audit, tax, and ESG consulting with earlier client exposure.
• Culture and Work Environment: Emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and work-life balance compared to larger, more hierarchical firms.
• Specialized Services: Focus on niche advisory services, digital transformation, and ESG consulting alongside traditional audit and tax offerings.
• Global Network: While smaller than Big 4 networks, Grant Thornton operates in 140 countries, providing international experience without the bureaucratic scale.

These factors make Grant Thornton an attractive choice for candidates who want broad professional experience, client interaction, and growth opportunities while benefiting from a supportive, inclusive workplace.

What career opportunities does Grant Thornton offer?

Grant Thornton offers a wide range of career opportunities across audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services, providing growth paths from entry-level to leadership roles. Careers at Grant Thornton are designed to give professionals early client exposure, diverse project experience, and opportunities to advance within a collaborative, supportive environment.

Key career opportunities include:

• Audit and Assurance Roles: Work with clients to ensure financial reporting accuracy, compliance, and risk management.
• Tax Consulting Careers: Support corporate, international, and indirect tax planning and advisory projects.
• Advisory and Consulting Positions: Engage in strategy, operations, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, and ESG projects.
• Leadership Tracks: Opportunities to move into senior management, partner roles, or specialized advisory positions.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Flexibility to explore different service lines or industry-focused practices over time.

Employees at Grant Thornton gain practical experience, mentorship, and professional development, making it an attractive option for those aiming to grow within a professional services firm while maintaining a balanced work environment.

Does Grant Thornton offer internships and leadership programs?

Grant Thornton offers structured internships and leadership programs to give students and early-career professionals hands-on experience in audit, tax, and advisory services. These programs provide mentorship, client exposure, and skill development to prepare participants for long-term careers in professional services.

Key programs include:
Internships:

• Available in winter, summer, and fall for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide exposure to real client projects, feedback from mentors, and networking opportunities.

Empower Program:

• Designed for freshmen and sophomores on a five-year track.
• Encourages applications from Black, Hispanic, Latinx, or Native American students.
• Preferred majors: accounting, information systems, or data analytics.

Sophomore Program:

• Focuses on shadowing and understanding specific service lines.
• Helps students explore audit, tax, and advisory careers early.

Leadership Program:

• Open to sophomores and juniors, including prior program participants.
• Develops leadership skills and prepares candidates for future management roles.

These internships and programs allow you to gain practical experience, develop consulting and technical skills, and build relationships within the firm before transitioning to full-time roles.

What is the company culture at Grant Thornton like?

Grant Thornton has a collaborative and inclusive company culture that emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and diversity. Employees often highlight the firm’s supportive environment, focus on work-life balance, and opportunities to engage in meaningful client projects and social impact initiatives.

Key aspects of the culture include:

• Collaboration and Mentorship: Teams work closely, with senior staff guiding juniors through projects and career development.
• Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Active efforts to hire and support women, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people of color.
• Social Responsibility: Initiatives include partnerships with NGOs and community programs to promote positive social impact.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and supportive management help employees manage busy seasons while maintaining personal time.
• Employee Engagement: Regular team-building activities, networking events, and professional development workshops.

This culture makes Grant Thornton appealing for candidates seeking a professional services firm that balances high-quality client work with personal and professional growth. The supportive consulting firm culture also strengthens long-term career development and exit opportunities.

How competitive is the Grant Thornton interview process?

The Grant Thornton interview process is competitive, emphasizing both behavioral and case-based questions to assess candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit. Interviewers focus on understanding your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and potential to succeed in audit, tax, and advisory roles.

Key components of the process include:

• Application Screening: Review of resumes and cover letters to assess academic background, relevant experience, and alignment with firm values.
• Behavioral Interviews: Questions about past experiences, teamwork, leadership, and interest in professional services.
• Case Interviews: Candidates may be asked to analyze real-world business scenarios, demonstrating analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Final Interviews: Often with managers or partners to evaluate overall fit and career aspirations.

Preparation Tips: Practice case interviews, understand the firm’s services, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with Grant Thornton’s culture.

What are Grant Thornton salaries and compensation like?

Grant Thornton salaries vary by role, experience, and location. If you’re asking “How much does Grant Thornton pay consultants,” the answer is around $91,739 annually. Entry-level and mid-level employees also benefit from performance-based bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within the professional services firm.

Typical salary ranges include:

• Audit Associate: Around $67,647 annually
• Consultant: Approximately $91,739 annually
• Senior Associate: Around $102,469 annually
• Manager: Approximately $169,212 annually

In addition to base salaries, Grant Thornton provides benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development programs. While salaries may be slightly below top-tier MBB consulting firms, the comprehensive compensation package and growth opportunities make the firm attractive for aspiring consultants.

What are the key office locations and global presence of Grant Thornton?

Grant Thornton operates a global network of offices in 140 countries, providing employees and clients with access to diverse markets and international consulting opportunities. The U.S. member firm alone has over 50 offices, enabling professionals to work across multiple regions and industries.

Key office locations include:

• United States: Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Washington D.C., and more
• Global Presence: Offices in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and other international hubs
• Regional Hubs: Enable cross-border projects and collaboration across advisory, audit, tax, and ESG services

This extensive network supports clients worldwide while offering employees exposure to international projects, cross-functional teams, and the opportunity to build a global professional network.

What industries and clients does Grant Thornton serve?

Grant Thornton serves a wide range of industries, offering audit, tax, and advisory services tailored to the unique needs of each sector. Its clients include startups, mid-sized companies, and large multinational corporations across diverse markets.

Key industries served include:

• Financial Services: Banking, asset management, insurance, and private equity consulting
• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Hospitals, medical device companies, and pharmaceuticals
• Technology and Telecommunications: Software, hardware, and digital services firms
• Real Estate and Construction: Development, investment, and advisory services
• Retail and Consumer Products: Supply chain, operations, and market strategy support
• Energy and Manufacturing: Renewable energy, industrial production, and operational consulting
• Not-for-Profit and Education: Higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations

By serving such diverse clients, Grant Thornton provides employees with opportunities to work on complex projects across multiple sectors, gaining experience that strengthens their professional expertise and versatility.

Who is the current leadership of Grant Thornton and notable partners?

Grant Thornton is led by CEO Seth Siegel, who oversees the firm’s strategy, growth, and global operations. Leadership includes senior partners and executives who guide audit, tax, and advisory practices while fostering the firm’s collaborative culture and professional development programs.

Key leadership highlights include:

• CEO: Seth Siegel, responsible for overall strategic direction and global operations
• Notable Partners: Includes industry-specific leaders driving advisory, ESG, and M&A services
• Global Leadership: Regional managing partners in key markets such as the U.S., UK, Australia, and India
• Leadership Development: Programs to cultivate future partners and senior executives within the firm

Grant Thornton’s leadership emphasizes client service excellence, innovation in professional services, and mentoring employees, creating a strong foundation for career growth and international consulting opportunities.

Conclusion

Grant Thornton stands out as a global professional services firm offering careers in audit, tax, and advisory consulting, supported by strong culture, leadership, and international reach. From internships to senior roles, the firm provides opportunities for growth while serving diverse industries worldwide. For candidates seeking professional development and broad consulting exposure, Grant Thornton remains a strong career destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Grant Thornton pay well?
A: Grant Thornton pay is competitive, with salaries varying by role, location, and experience. Many employees report that a Grant Thornton salary is in line with other professional services firms offering audit, tax consulting, and advisory work.

Q: Which is better, Deloitte or Grant Thornton?
A: Whether Deloitte or Grant Thornton is better depends on career goals. Deloitte offers Big 4 scale, while Grant Thornton provides strong audit and advisory services, consulting opportunities, and a mid-tier firm culture with more personalized career growth.

Q: What is the Big 4 salary?
A: The Big 4 salary varies by position and country, but consultants and auditors often start between $65,000–$90,000 in the U.S. These firms typically offer higher pay than mid-tier firms like Grant Thornton but also come with more competitive hours.

Q: Which is better, EY or Grant Thornton?
A: Choosing between EY or Grant Thornton depends on fit. EY is a Big 4 firm with global consulting network scale, while Grant Thornton careers may offer more access to client work, flexible culture, and opportunities in areas like ESG consulting and corporate finance advisory.

Q: Which Big 4 is most prestigious?
A: Among the Big 4, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are often compared for consulting, but in accounting and professional services, PwC and Deloitte are usually considered the most prestigious. Grant Thornton, while not Big 4, remains a respected global consulting network.