Supports compensation program design, administration, and evaluation through market benchmarking, pay equity analysis, salary administration, incentive planning, reporting, and data-driven recommendations. Partners with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders while managing compensation survey submissions, developing dashboards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to job architecture, market studies, process improvements, and system enhancements.
Grant Thornton is seeking a Compensation Senior Associate to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
Job Summary
The Compensation Senior Associate supports the design, administration, and evaluation of compensation programs through data-driven analysis and market insights. This role partners with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to provide compensation recommendations, conduct market benchmarking, support annual compensation planning, and ensure pay practices are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct compensation analyses to evaluate market competitiveness, internal equity, pay trends, and compensation program effectiveness.
- Perform market pricing and benchmark positions using survey data and external labor market information.
- lead/manage the survey submission process. Manage participation in third-party compensation surveys, including job matching, data submission, and results analysis.
- Develop reports, dashboards, and analytics to support compensation decisions and leadership reporting.
- Support pay equity analyses and identify opportunities to improve compensation outcomes.
- Administer compensation programs, including base pay, incentive plans, salary structures, and job evaluations.
- Support annual merit, bonus, and incentive planning processes, including budget modeling, communications and reporting.
- Partner with HR and business leaders to provide compensation guidance and recommendations.
- Ensure compensation practices comply with company policies and applicable regulations.
- Participate in compensation projects, including job architecture, market studies, process improvements, and system enhancements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in compensation, total rewards, workforce analytics, finance, or a related analytical function.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data visualization skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with HRIS, compensation, and reporting tools.
- Knowledge of compensation principles, market pricing, salary administration, and pay equity concepts.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently while collaborating effectively across a matrixed organization.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business recommendations.
The base salary range for this position is between $88,000 and $132,000. 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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