Grant Thornton is seeking a Client Relationship Executive (Director) to join the team in Raleigh, NC.
The Client Relationship Executive (CRE) initiates, qualifies (ensures the prospect fits with the firm’s strategic direction), and develops new business with target organizations to meet or exceed pre-agreed-upon sales goals. As a relationship-oriented sales executive, this position is responsible for generating new business opportunities for Grant Thornton across all service lines within a specific geographic market and designated industry verticals. The CRE, working under the direction of a regional sales leader, focuses on a defined list of assigned targets and a select number of existing accounts where there is significant potential for additional revenue expansion. Additionally, the CRE works closely with local office leadership to align pursuit efforts to target account lists and market priorities/initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Originate new sales opportunities by consistently and systematically initiating sales calls and contacts; pursue prospects to secure meetings and win referrals.
- Meet sales production targets and goals with minimal oversight and direction.
- Project executive presence; build effective and collaborative relationships with senior Partners and C-Suite executives.
- Identify key decision makers at client and prospect organizations at the C-Suite and Board levels.
- Possess the ability to have enterprise-level conversations in areas such as Growth, Risk, Profitability & Performance Management.
- Identify winning strategies by understanding the client’s needs; coach Grant Thornton teams through the pursuit life cycle.
- Participate in Grant Thornton services sales presentations and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects.
- Execute account strategy and plan that best leverages Grant Thornton’s resources to meet the prospect’s business needs and issues.
- Participate in trade organizations and informal networks to develop, build, and sustain robust professional relationships.
- In partnership with marketing, execute events and other outreach campaigns to identify and engage targets and build the Grant Thornton brand in the marketplace.
- Work with local office service line leaders to maximize cross-selling opportunities.
- Negotiate and participate in pricing strategy to make Grant Thornton competitive.
- Regularly (daily) and consistently use CRM system to ensure that data reporting, customer information, and sales activity/pipeline are up to date.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree/MBA is a plus.
- Ability to immediately leverage existing network of Boards of Directors, C-Suite Officers, and private investors.
- Over 5 years of business development/sales experience in professional services and/or complex solution selling environments selling at the Board of Directors and C-Suite level.
- Proven record of driving targeting efforts, building relationships, and influencing buying decisions.
- A fundamental understanding of accounting concepts is required; prior experience in an Accounting or Finance role is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in assigned industry vertical.
- Impeccable written and verbal communication skills.
- Broad-based knowledge of Grant Thornton’s offerings, services, and applicability to business triggers.
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:
- 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.
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.
