The Role
The Senior Associate will drive workforce transformation projects, collaborating across service lines to enhance HR and payroll processes, manage change initiatives, and develop engaging communication strategies for stakeholders.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 in Chicago, IL only is between $96,000 and $144,000.
The base salary range for this position in New York, NY only is between $103,000 and $155,000.
#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.
Top Skills
Camtasia
Canva
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft Office Suite
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The Company
What We Do
Forget what you think you know about professional services. We go beyond what’s expected and help others do the same. Grant Thornton is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. That means our network has more than 60,000 professionals in more than 135 countries who are ready to help public and private organizations of all sizes take on today’s challenges. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. Here, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result. We’re collaborators – obsessed with quality and ready for anything – who understand the value of strong relationships. It’s how we challenge the expectations of business and empower our people and clients to do it, too. One thing we won’t do? Grant Thornton LLP will never request money or any form of payment for services via social media. Please report any concerns at 1-800-810-3503. "Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
