Manages the design, implementation, administration, and analysis of employee compensation programs. Leads benchmarking, salary structures, annual compensation cycles, pay equity and regulatory compliance reviews, data analysis, HRIS support, stakeholder consulting, offer guidance, communications, and compensation-related projects. Partners with HR and business leaders to provide strategic recommendations and ensure competitive, accurate, and compliant compensation practices.
Grant Thornton is seeking a Compensation Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
As an integral member of our People & Culture (P&C) team, the Compensation Manager will have a hands-on role responsible for the design, development, management, and administration of employee compensation programs and processes. Partnering with cross-functional stakeholders in the P&C community and across the business, the Compensation Manager will support the evolution and administration of the Firm’s compensation strategy to support business objectives and firm strategy.
Your day-to-day may include:
- Design, implementation and administration of compensation programs, processes and analysis including day-to-day management
- Lead compensation benchmarking process including survey participation, market analysis, salary range and structure development and pay position review
- Administer key annual processes which include salary administration, budget modeling, market competitiveness review, development of compensation guidelines and education/training materials, system setup and user support, synthesis of planning results for senior leadership
- Act as a subject matter expert and provide strategic consult to HRBP’s and business leaders on all thing’s compensation
- Consult with internal business leaders to understand roles/skillsets, emerging markets, business challenges and resulting compensation and incentive plan needs. Translate that business perspective to provide input on design of compensation and reward programs, policies, practices/procedures, systems, reporting and communications.
- Provide quantitative and qualitative analysis to synthesize and interpret large sets of data. Leverage results to provide data drive insights and strategic recommendations to inform decision-making.
- Identify external marketplace trends and provide expertise in competitive practices to strengthen compensation programs in alignment with the Firm’s value proposition
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to provide guidance on offers (experienced hire and campus)
- Communicate compensation strategies and recommendations to key stakeholders, including senior leadership
- Oversee and update all compensation related communications and materials
- Identify and perform root cause analysis to ensure accuracy of data feeds, system programing and reporting as needed
- Monitor federal, state, and local compensation laws and regulations to ensure compliance. Leverage in-depth knowledge of compensation regulations to conduct initial review for compliance related to pay equity, pay transparency, minimum wage and overtime salary threshold regulations.
- Lead all aspects of assigned projects, including developing project plans, engaging internal and external stakeholders, seeking input from relevant sources, identifying and mitigating risks and tracking and communicating progress to bring projects to successful completion
- Other duties as needed
You have the following technical skills or qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, finance, economics, mathematics, or other business-related areas
- Minimum of 7 years of compensation-focused experience. CCP certification is a plus.
- Position requires broad but sound knowledge of:
- Compensation theory, concepts, practices, and trends
- Compensation program design, implementation, and administration
- Compensation analysis including gathering and analyzing market data and external data sources, job evaluation and grading, job matching, market pricing
- Consulting skills with stakeholders at all levels (including senior leadership) in areas of compensation and reward
- Advanced skills in MS Office Excel, Word and PPT, and HRIS applications. Experience with Oracle HCM a plus.
- Extensive experience with Excel/data manipulation including ability create and modify complex reports, logic formulas and macros
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong analytic skills with focus on quality
- Ability to take initiative and operate independently
- A reputation for discretion, integrity, judgment, responsiveness, and strong attention to detail
- Ability to work additional hours as needed
- Ability to travel on occasion as needed
The base salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $180,000. 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 UsAt 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 TeamThe 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
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 [email protected].
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 a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Downers Grove, Illinois, USA Office
3333 Finley Rd, Ste 700, Downers Grove, United States, 60515
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