About Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL)
Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading professional services networks with member firms in over 130 countries, 76,000+ people and global revenues of $8.0bn+. Member firms offer a wide range of audit, tax, and advisory services to privately owned companies, publicly listed companies, public sector and not for profit organisations, both domestically and internationally.
Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) is the umbrella legal entity for the Grant Thornton global network of member firms. GTIL sets the strategic direction, convenes member firms, connects global communities, and protects the brand and reputation of the network. GTIL and the member firms will continually improve the sustainability of their operations and strive to make a positive impact on clients, people, markets, and the communities in which we operate, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At GTIL, we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe talent is everywhere. We actively source and encourage applications from all around the globe to encourage new ways of working and tackling complex challenges together.
Overall role purpose
The purpose of this role is to shape and execute the networks IFRS strategy as determined by the Global Leadership Team (GLT) and the Global IFRS Steering Committee (IFRS SC).
The Global IFRS Steering Committee consists of partners from members firms who are experienced in IFRS either through roles in national practice or accounting and advisory service lines.
In addition, GTIL has a small group of IFRS professionals who deliver against the strategy outlined by the IFRS SC.
In this regard, the role requires an individual who has a high level of technical knowledge on IFRS matters to execute on the strategy agreed with the IFRS SC for the network as it relates to financial reporting. This person will also possess sufficiently strong leadership characteristics and experience to represent the Firm in external forums including meetings with senior partners from the other large networks, standard setters and other key stakeholders of the profession.
Executing the Global IFRS strategy will require the effective bringing together of senior leaders for mutual success. It will also require regular collaboration with other stakeholders within and outside of GTIL.
The individual must be capable of operating across cultures and languages. This position will be virtual first requiring a small quantity of travel per year and it is important to be flexible in working hours to accommodate different time zones. As much of the public consultation aspects of this role will occur in London, it is preferable that that individual is either based in the UK or +/- 4 hour time difference.
Main responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Execution
* Lead the implementation of the Global IFRS Steering Committee (IFRS SC) strategy.
* Influence key stakeholders to align with and deliver IFRS goals and strategic priorities.
* Prioritise and oversee high-impact projects that advance the IFRS agenda.
* Drive project execution in collaboration with member firms to ensure strategic alignment.
Market Engagement & Business Development
* Partner with GTIL business development and marketing teams to ensure IFRS outputs are market-relevant, timely, and support broader campaigns.
* Align IFRS initiatives with service line and industry-level marketing strategies.
External Relations & Representation
* Build and maintain relationships with senior executives at standard-setting and professional bodies, including the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
* Represent Grant Thornton at IFRS-related forums, including Large Firm Networks and IASB meetings, as required.
Governance & Risk Management
* Collaborate with Quality & Risk Management to uphold the firm’s quality standards and risk objectives.
* Convene and lead IFRS SC and working group meetings (both in-person and virtual), including agenda design, action planning, and follow-up.
Team Leadership & People Management
* Manage the IFRS team’s daily operations to ensure focus on strategic and annual objectives.
* Oversee all aspects of people management, including recruitment, development, progression, and performance appraisals.
Person specification
* Hold a professional accounting qualification accredited by IFAC, such as membership with ACCA, ICAEW, AICPA, or an equivalent national accounting body.
* A positive, collaborative leadership style that is underpinned by integrity and a sense of accountability
* A consultative style that seeks the views of others but whom is ultimately comfortable with being a decision maker
* People leadership style that delegates and empowers but who holds their team to