Grant Thornton
Real Estate & Construction Advisory Senior Associate (Forensics)
Grant Thornton, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Overview
As a Real Estate & Construction Advisory Senior Associate, you will have the opportunity to grow and contribute to our global clients’ business needs through all phases of project and engagement management across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on real estate and construction. The work revolves around large and complex construction projects in the data center, energy, infrastructure, commercial real estate, and hospitality sectors, among others. You will plan, direct, and complete projects related to process improvements, vendor audits, risk and control assessments, investigations, litigation support, and project monitoring initiatives within the Forensics Advisory Services Practice – all with the resources, environment, and support to help you excel. From day one, you’ll be empowered by the greater Risk team to help clients make the moves that will help them achieve their vision and help you achieve more, confidently.
Responsibilities
Reviewing construction contracts, financial statements, job cost reports, internal policies, and process maps to identify cost savings, process inefficiencies, and strategic initiatives
Performing complex financial analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies across multiple sources of data and supporting documentation
Analyzing compliance with various labor requirements, including those required on prevailing wage jobs that are reliant on federal funding and/or pertinent to tax credit incentives
Assisting in matters involving fraud, waste, and abuse, including allegations of bribery, collusion, conflicts of interest, organized crime, and other scenarios posing legal or regulatory exposure to our clients
Conducting targeted research on regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, IRS authoritative guidance, accounting standards codification, and AICPA practice aids to support defensible conclusions on complex engagement needs
Communicate findings clearly and concisely to a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Coordinate with multiple stakeholders and third parties to understand the construction project control environment and propose recommended controls to address identified gaps
Run client engagements from start to finish, including planning, organizing, conducting, directing, and completing projects and services while managing projects to budget
Maintaining active communication with clients to manage expectations, ensure satisfaction, and become a trusted business partner
Working closely with engagement teams and managing and conducting forensic accounting procedures on multiple engagements concurrently
Collaborating across Grant Thornton service lines and with international colleagues to integrate diverse expertise and deliver comprehensive, high-impact client solutions
Managing, developing, training, and mentoring staff on projects and assessing performance for engagement and year-end reviews
Attend professional development, networking events, and training seminars regularly
Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality
Other job duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, MIS, or related field required
Minimum 2 years of related work experience in a similar consulting practice or function servicing real estate and/or construction clients at a national level required
CPA, CFE, CMA, CFA, CCA, CIA, PMP, PMBOK or other industry related certifications preferred
Preferred experience in management consulting, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and/or forensic engagements
Proven capabilities in performing advisory services in the real estate and/or construction industries
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with a focus on robust excel capabilities
Knowledge of various federal and state construction labor regulations and requirements, including the Federal Davis-Bacon Act
Excellent analytical, research, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to work on multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment
Exceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships
Ability to work additional hours as needed and travel to various client sites, both domestic and international
Can travel as needed. Expected travel is 10% - 25%
*Candidates may be asked to complete a skills assessment as part of the recruiting process.
The base salary ranges for this position are location-specific: New York, NY: $95,040 – $142,560
San Francisco, CA: $101,200 – $151,800
Chicago, IL: $88,000 – $132,000
#LI-CL2
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. We go beyond a career in professional services by offering more opportunity, flexibility, and support. It’s what makes us different, and being different makes us better. In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP (CPA firm) and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (non-attest offerings). In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational platform with Grant Thornton Ireland, offering Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax capabilities, backed by a large team and global reach. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, providing access to member firms in more than 150 global markets.
Team and Work Model
The team is ready to help you thrive. Here’s what to expect: Flexible work options with a hybrid model; in-person attendance at least two days per week at a GT office or client site.
Support for work-life integration and well-being.
Comprehensive benefits that recognize diverse identities and roles. See details at www.gt.com/careers.
Commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion. Learn more at www.gt.com/careers.
Next steps: If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to schedule. You can also explore other roles at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits
We offer personalized and comprehensive benefits. For an overview, visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits Interns: medical, dental, vision insurance; employee assistance; minimum of 72 hours paid sick leave; paid holidays.
Seasonal employees: medical, dental, vision; employee assistance; possible 401(k); minimum of 72 hours paid sick leave.
Discretionary annual bonus may be available to employees; interns and seasonal employees are not eligible.
Equal employment opportunities policy and ADA accommodations. Accommodation requests: HR@us.gt.com.
Los Angeles applicants: fair chance hiring compliance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a Real Estate & Construction Advisory Senior Associate, you will have the opportunity to grow and contribute to our global clients’ business needs through all phases of project and engagement management across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on real estate and construction. The work revolves around large and complex construction projects in the data center, energy, infrastructure, commercial real estate, and hospitality sectors, among others. You will plan, direct, and complete projects related to process improvements, vendor audits, risk and control assessments, investigations, litigation support, and project monitoring initiatives within the Forensics Advisory Services Practice – all with the resources, environment, and support to help you excel. From day one, you’ll be empowered by the greater Risk team to help clients make the moves that will help them achieve their vision and help you achieve more, confidently.
Responsibilities
Reviewing construction contracts, financial statements, job cost reports, internal policies, and process maps to identify cost savings, process inefficiencies, and strategic initiatives
Performing complex financial analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies across multiple sources of data and supporting documentation
Analyzing compliance with various labor requirements, including those required on prevailing wage jobs that are reliant on federal funding and/or pertinent to tax credit incentives
Assisting in matters involving fraud, waste, and abuse, including allegations of bribery, collusion, conflicts of interest, organized crime, and other scenarios posing legal or regulatory exposure to our clients
Conducting targeted research on regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, IRS authoritative guidance, accounting standards codification, and AICPA practice aids to support defensible conclusions on complex engagement needs
Communicate findings clearly and concisely to a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Coordinate with multiple stakeholders and third parties to understand the construction project control environment and propose recommended controls to address identified gaps
Run client engagements from start to finish, including planning, organizing, conducting, directing, and completing projects and services while managing projects to budget
Maintaining active communication with clients to manage expectations, ensure satisfaction, and become a trusted business partner
Working closely with engagement teams and managing and conducting forensic accounting procedures on multiple engagements concurrently
Collaborating across Grant Thornton service lines and with international colleagues to integrate diverse expertise and deliver comprehensive, high-impact client solutions
Managing, developing, training, and mentoring staff on projects and assessing performance for engagement and year-end reviews
Attend professional development, networking events, and training seminars regularly
Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality
Other job duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, MIS, or related field required
Minimum 2 years of related work experience in a similar consulting practice or function servicing real estate and/or construction clients at a national level required
CPA, CFE, CMA, CFA, CCA, CIA, PMP, PMBOK or other industry related certifications preferred
Preferred experience in management consulting, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and/or forensic engagements
Proven capabilities in performing advisory services in the real estate and/or construction industries
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with a focus on robust excel capabilities
Knowledge of various federal and state construction labor regulations and requirements, including the Federal Davis-Bacon Act
Excellent analytical, research, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to work on multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment
Exceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships
Ability to work additional hours as needed and travel to various client sites, both domestic and international
Can travel as needed. Expected travel is 10% - 25%
*Candidates may be asked to complete a skills assessment as part of the recruiting process.
The base salary ranges for this position are location-specific: New York, NY: $95,040 – $142,560
San Francisco, CA: $101,200 – $151,800
Chicago, IL: $88,000 – $132,000
#LI-CL2
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. We go beyond a career in professional services by offering more opportunity, flexibility, and support. It’s what makes us different, and being different makes us better. In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP (CPA firm) and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (non-attest offerings). In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational platform with Grant Thornton Ireland, offering Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax capabilities, backed by a large team and global reach. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, providing access to member firms in more than 150 global markets.
Team and Work Model
The team is ready to help you thrive. Here’s what to expect: Flexible work options with a hybrid model; in-person attendance at least two days per week at a GT office or client site.
Support for work-life integration and well-being.
Comprehensive benefits that recognize diverse identities and roles. See details at www.gt.com/careers.
Commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion. Learn more at www.gt.com/careers.
Next steps: If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to schedule. You can also explore other roles at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits
We offer personalized and comprehensive benefits. For an overview, visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits Interns: medical, dental, vision insurance; employee assistance; minimum of 72 hours paid sick leave; paid holidays.
Seasonal employees: medical, dental, vision; employee assistance; possible 401(k); minimum of 72 hours paid sick leave.
Discretionary annual bonus may be available to employees; interns and seasonal employees are not eligible.
Equal employment opportunities policy and ADA accommodations. Accommodation requests: HR@us.gt.com.
Los Angeles applicants: fair chance hiring compliance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr