Grant Thornton strengthens its people focus — including incentive units for top performers

Firm introduces novel and innovative changes to reward performance and grow careers

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Grant Thornton US (Grant Thornton) has announced a series of enhancements to its people-experience programs — designed to reward performance, attract talent and create new career-growth opportunities for its professionals.

The initiatives reflect Grant Thornton’s commitment to strengthening employee experience and building a career environment that stands apart in the professional services industry.

Incentive units and compensation clarity

Most notably, Grant Thornton is introducing a new compensation structure with greater transparency for its US professionals. The firm has launched a three-part compensation model consisting of base pay, a performance bonus and an ‘incentive unit’ program designed to reward top performers with a stake in the firm’s long-term success.

The incentive unit program represents a true differentiator among US professional services firms — one that gives team members below the partner level a bigger stake in the firm’s success. The program recognizes employees by aligning their rewards more closely with their individual contributions to growth, firm value and quality delivery.

Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and CEO of the Americas, explains that the incentive units are a game-changer for the firm’s almost 10,000 US professionals.

“We wanted to do something bold that truly reflects how much we value our people,” he said. “Incentive units aren’t just a new line item in a US compensation package; they’re a way of saying, ‘You’re helping shape our future, and we want you to share in that success.’ It’s about ownership, pride and building something meaningful together.”

At the same time, the firm is providing its client services professionals with clearer visibility into current compensation ranges and future earning potential, allowing them to see exactly how their career progression will benefit them financially.

Other new initiatives and offerings at Grant Thornton in the US include:

• Investing in professional development through a competency-based approach. Grant Thornton is reorienting its performance management system around key competency areas, ensuring professionals receive clear, actionable feedback and understand how they’re tracking against performance expectations and career goals.

• Empowering personalized growth through a next-generation learning platform. The firm is investing in a skill-forward, AI-powered learning management system that enables individualized learning paths tailored to each professional’s goals and strengths. This platform will help professionals stay ahead of emerging trends and continuously build capabilities for long-term success.

• Supporting employee wellbeing. Grant Thornton is helping ease the impact of rising costs by absorbing much of the increase in healthcare premiums and expanding access to lifestyle spending accounts, supporting life beyond work — alongside standing benefits such as retirement plans and ample dependent care.

“We’re investing in our people because we know that performance thrives in a culture built on trust, transparency and shared purpose,” said Peko. “These enhancements are about more than just compensation, they’re about building an environment where our people can grow, lead and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. This is how we build something truly enduring, together.”

Additionally, the firm is driving strategic technology initiatives that supercharge its professionals and create better client outcomes. Most recently, it announced a $1 billion investment in AI and advanced technologies, including a new enterprise resource planning system, a global resource management platform and firmwide access to Microsoft 365 Copilot.

According to Jeanna Shapiro, chief people & culture officer at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC: “Our new initiatives reflect our commitment to recognizing excellence while creating an environment where every individual can thrive and feel supported. By investing across the board — in people experience and wellbeing, total rewards and technology — we’re empowering our teams to grow their careers and deliver exceptional client outcomes, together. These initiatives are only the start; we are continuing to innovate and challenge ourselves to reimagine what it means to work at Grant Thornton while staying true to our roots.”

To learn more about Grant Thornton and its benefits for US professionals, visit www.grantthornton.com/careers.

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the US 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 January 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. With offices across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of more than 20,000 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.

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“Grant Thornton” refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.

Contacts

Lourdes Perez
T +1 305 341 8097

E Lourdes.perez@us.gt.com
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