As a Senior Associate, support clients with workforce transformation, applying methodologies, managing change, and fostering stakeholder engagement across HR and operational initiatives.
Workforce Transformation Senior Associate
Grant Thornton is seeking a Senior Associate to help clients drive workforce transformation through strong governance, program leadership, process optimization, and change management across payroll, HR, and organizational transformation initiatives.
You will partner across service lines to support complex engagements, advise stakeholders, and support business development efforts which will shape the future of Workforce Transformation at Grant Thornton, ultimately helping organizations align people, processes, and technology to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Your day-to-day may include:
- Apply Grant Thornton methodologies and best practices across workforce transformation engagements, supporting initiatives related to organizational change, HR, payroll, and workforce operations.
- Support the development and execution of scalable approaches to manage workforce and operational change, including assessing impacts, readiness, and capability needs across stakeholders.
- Develop a strong understanding of client workforce operations, risks, governance structures, and business drivers, adapting delivery approaches to align with client culture and ways of working.
- Collaborate with engagement teams to design and execute integrated communication strategies that keep stakeholders informed, aligned, and engaged through clear messaging, appropriate channels, and feedback mechanisms.
- Prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations and facilitate a variety of forums, including project meetings, client workshops, requirements gathering sessions, and workforce transformation working sessions.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data related to workforce operations, HR, payroll, and organizational readiness to identify risks, opportunities, and insights, and communicate findings effectively to client and engagement leadership.
- Identify opportunities and constraints impacting readiness, capacity, and execution across workforce transformation initiatives; translate insights into actionable plans, roadmaps.
- Proactively manage assigned workstreams and tasks, address challenges, escalating risks as appropriate, and contributing to the successful, timely delivery of engagements in dynamic, fast‑paced environments.
- Support the management, coaching, and development of engagement team members, contributing to performance feedback for project and year‑end review processes.
- Support business development efforts by helping draft proposals, responding to client information requests, and participating in meetings with current and prospective clients.
- Contribute to practice and talent development initiatives across the Workforce Transformation service line, including internal initiatives, knowledge sharing, and team enablement efforts.
- Meet or exceed targeted utilization expectations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You have the following technical skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or other relevant degree required
- 3+ years of related work experience required, in a similar consulting practice preferred
- Change management, program management, financial, accounting, process improvement or other relevant certifications preferred (Prosci, CCMP, La Marsh, PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, CPP, etc.)
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and dynamic environment
- Experience in one or more areas of program/project management and/or organizational change management
- Experience in culture awareness, communications planning and/or execution, stakeholder engagement, job role design, training planning and/or execution, or other related areas
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Visio, Word, Excel, and Project)
- Demonstrated ability to leverage productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot or other AI tools) appropriately to accelerate work, improve quality, and support effective analysis and communication.
- Preferred skills within communication technologies and tools (Camtasia, Canva, Poll Everywhere, etc.)
- Travel: typically, 40-50% but occasionally up to 80%
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The base salary range for this position is between $110,400 and $140,760. 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.
#LI-SW1
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 LLP 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 condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Insurance • Payments • Software
Lead and develop a team of Enterprise Account Executives, manage sales pipeline and quotas, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive strategic sales initiatives for ePayPolicy's product offerings.
Top Skills:
Crm SystemsForecasting SoftwareSales Analytics ToolsSalesforce
Fintech • Mobile • Payments • Software • Financial Services
As a Risk Team Lead, you will manage Risk Specialists to mitigate risks in Correspondent Banking, ensuring compliance with AML/CFT regulations, coaching the team, and driving operational excellence.
Top Skills:
DowjonesLookerSalesforce
Fintech • Mobile • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Lead North American Digital Platforms vertical for Wise Platform: own P&L, win enterprise platform partnerships, build and manage a 4-person senior BDM team, drive pipeline hygiene, forecasting, and coordinate cross-functionally to close enterprise (> $500k ARR) embedded finance deals.
Top Skills:
APIsCRMEmbedded Finance Apis
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
