Job Description
Grant Thornton is seeking a Corporate Development Analyst to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Corporate Development Analyst to join our dynamic team within a leading, private equity-backed professional services firm. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in financial analysis, M&A execution, and strategic project management, and will play a critical role in supporting the firm’s growth initiatives, including acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
- Independently conduct advanced market research and competitive analysis to identify acquisition targets and strategic opportunities.
- Synthesize complex industry data and trends into actionable insights for senior leadership.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of long-term strategic plans and growth initiatives.
M&A and Investment Activities
- Build and maintain sophisticated financial models for potential acquisitions and investments, including scenario analysis and sensitivity testing.
- Lead valuation analyses using multiple methodologies (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions), and present findings to senior team members.
- Coordinate and support comprehensive due diligence processes, including liaising with cross-functional teams (legal, finance, operations, HR) to gather and analyze relevant information.
- Draft and review investment memos and presentations for executive leadership and board review.
Project Management & Execution
- Manage multiple concurrent corporate development projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Track project progress, proactively identify risks or bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to ensure successful execution.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations, reports, and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate complex analyses and recommendations clearly and concisely to senior management and cross-functional teams.
Continuous Improvement & Best Practices
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and methodologies within the corporate development function.
- Mentor junior analysts and contribute to team knowledge sharing and professional development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
- 2–4 years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or consulting, preferably within professional services or knowledge-based industries.
- Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with M&A due diligence and integration is highly desirable.
The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Chicago, IL office only is between $96,000 and $144,000 per year.
The base salary range for this position in the firm's New York, NY office only is between $103,700 and $155,500 per year.
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.
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 Team
The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
- Whether it’s your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm’s hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
- Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
- We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
- When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- 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.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HR@us.gt.com.
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
