Director – Global Statutory Audit

We are Grant Thornton. We go beyond business as usual, so you can too.

Grant Thornton Ireland has nearly 3,000 people in 9 offices across Ireland, The Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Bermuda, with a presence in over 149 countries around the world, and a global network of over 73,000 people.

In 2024, Grant Thornton Ireland announced a merger with Grant Thornton US, bringing together two strong member firms with shared values and complementary strengths. This strategic alignment further enhances our global capabilities and creates even greater opportunities for our people and our clients.

At Grant Thornton, we work as trusted advisors, bringing local knowledge and national expertise, with a global presence, to help businesses succeed – wherever they are located.

About the Global Statutory Audit Team

Our Global Statutory Audit department is a specialist team that delivers centrally coordinated audit solutions to multinational companies (MNCs). We act as the single point of contact for large-scale international engagements, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across jurisdictions.

As a Director, you will play a pivotal leadership role, driving the strategy and growth of the Global Statutory Audit offering, managing key international client relationships, and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery. You will work closely with Partners and Associate Directors to shape the future of the practice, mentor senior leaders, and contribute to thought leadership in the global statutory audit space.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Shape and execute the strategic direction of the Global Statutory Audit offering, aligned with firm-wide growth priorities.

• Act as a trusted advisor to multinational clients, providing insights on global audit and compliance risks, regulatory change, and industry developments.

• Drive operational excellence across multi-country engagements, ensuring consistency, scalability, and innovation in audit delivery.

• Represent Grant Thornton in global networks, industry groups, and external forums to build brand presence and thought leadership.

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead a high-value portfolio of complex cross-border global statutory audit engagements, coordinating teams across multiple jurisdictions.

• Act as the primary senior point of contact for C-suite and board-level stakeholders of multinational clients.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with global finance teams, boards, regulators, and external auditors.

• Provide insight and constructive challenge on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry developments affecting global businesses.

• Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively, mindful of cultural, linguistic, and regulatory nuances.

• Identify and convert opportunities to expand service offerings, supporting clients on their international growth journey.

Team Development & Culture

• Mentor, coach, and develop Associate Directors, Managers, and other senior leaders within the team.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across geographically dispersed teams.

• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to build a high performing, engaged global team.

Quality & Risk Management

• Oversee technical reviews and ensure compliance with relevant audit and accounting standards (IFRS, UK/Irish GAAP, US GAAP as relevant).

• Partner with the firm’s Quality and Risk function to strengthen global quality processes and manage engagement risk.

• Champion the adoption of technology and innovative tools to enhance audit quality and efficiency.

Commercial & Business Development

• Lead proposals, pitches, and pursuits for global and multi-territory audit mandates.

• Build and maintain a strong network of internal and external stakeholders worldwide to generate new business opportunities.

• Monitor market trends, global regulatory changes, and competitor activity to keep the firm ahead of the curve.

Skills and Attributes

• ACA/ACCA (or equivalent) qualified with 8+ years’ post-qualification experience, ideally within a top 10 professional services firm.

• Proven experience leading cross-border group audits and managing complex global engagements.

• Deep technical expertise in IFRS and Irish/UK GAAP (knowledge of US GAAP and PCAOB standards is highly desirable).

• Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining C-suite relationships and delivering strategic advice to multinational clients.

• Commercially astute with a growth mindset and strong business development experience.

• Exceptional leadership and people development skills, with experience managing teams across multiple geographies.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

• Proficient in leveraging technology and data analytics in global audit delivery.

Life at Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton, we’re creating a workplace where our people can thrive—personally and professionally. Our culture is rooted in collaboration, respect, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Reward and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, flexibility, and career development – from hybrid working and healthcare to professional development programmes and leadership coaching.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion are core to our culture. We believe teams made up of varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives lead to better outcomes for our people and our clients. We champion diversity of thought and ensure every voice is heard.

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