Corporate research analyst

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading professional services networks with member firms in over 145 countries, 72,000 people and global revenues of $7.5bn. Member firms offer 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).

Overall role purpose

In our Go Beyond network strategy 2025 our vision is to become ‘the most valued network in the profession’.

The Risk management and independence function within Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) sets out to safeguard the Grant Thornton brand and reputation through systems and processes that identify and mitigate key business risks including compliance with applicable professional standards and regulation. The GTIL corporate research analyst will play an important role in advancing this ambition by facilitating the international relationship checking process and providing support to other team functions and projects as available and necessary.

The GTIL corporate research analyst will support the international relationship checking (IRC) process for GTIL member firms by researching the corporate family trees for prospective engagements and business relationships, processing identified entities via the Global Relationship System (GRS), and providing additional research support for risk based projects. The analyst also performs a quality assurance role for the team and independently works on ad hoc departmental projects as needed.

Location

UK

Main responsibilities

Compile corporate family trees and facilitate the International Relationship Checking (IRC) process

• research and compile corporate family trees per policy requirements using business databases and online sources such as SEC filings, annual reports, etc.
• utilize critical thinking skills to piece together information in order to identify accurate and complete corporate family tree structures for prospective clients
• apply understanding of corporate ownership structure and terminology (parent, subsidiary, brother/sister, etc.) to correctly identify prospective client relationships
• employ good judgement as to when an IRC must be returned for more information from the requesting member firm due to a lack of publically available family tree information
• communicate research notes professionally, thoroughly, and timely with member firm IRC contacts and engagement teams, who possess a diverse range of English language fluency and policy understanding
• apply effective time management skills to manage this time sensitive process (standard daily volumes include 200+ IRCs per day with an SLA of 24 hours for them team to research and process)
• collaborate with global research teams based in Canada, India, and the United Kingdom to understand research best practices and IRC processing guidelines
• report to Risk team leadership based in the United States
• understand the workflow and technical functions of the Global Relationship System (GRS), an online tool designed to automate IRC distribution and information gathering processes between GTIL and its member firms
• utilize advanced Excel data skills to clean, structure, and format family tree data for upload into the GRS system
• provide member firm clients with support to satisfy user requests and questions in a professional, courteous, and timely manner
• operate in an international setting with occasional meetings and calls occurring outside of normal business hours to accommodate member firm needs

Support GTIL Risk management and independence team processes and projects

• consistently demonstrate a thorough attention to detail and an independent work ethic
• consistently create quality deliverables and content
• provide support for the identification and development of departmental process improvements to increase efficiencies, compliance, and service quality
• assist with the maintenance and organization of departmental resources (libraries, training guides, etc.)
• lead the preparation, coordination, and delivery of IRC trainings to member firms
• perform quality audits of team research and processing and drive improvements where needed
• assist with the identification and remediation or non-compliance member firms
• support daily administration activities including user account creation & maintenance, user support queries, developing policy communication, etc.
• assist in various ongoing and ad hoc team projects as needed

Demonstrate the values and behaviours expected of GTIL Risk management and independence professionals

• maintain a collaborative working relationship with team members and internal clients
• adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict confidentiality in matters that require discretion, and exhibit our global CLEARR values, of collaboration, leadership, excellence, agility, respect and responsibility
• take ownership of personal development by regularly seeking and responding to feedback, participating in professional development and training opportunities as available and identifying and acting upon learning and development needs

Person specification

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, History, Library & Information Science or a related degree with a research-intensive focus

Experience – Essential

• Robust research skills and dexterity in utilizing internet search engines
• Solid critical thinking and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience communicating with professionals with a wide range of English language fluency
• Ability to collaborate with a global team operating from both Chicago, IL and Gurgaon, India
• Adheres to established schedules, work plans, and deadlines
• Flexible team player who embraces challenges and works proactively
• High level of professionalism and integrity
• Positive & can-do attitude, high energy with an inquisitive nature
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to take initiative, self-directed, and results-oriented
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to assume, prioritize, and execute multiple assignments

Experience - Desirable

• Experience with the Bureau van Dijk Hyper Ownership Viewer database
• Fluency in Spanish or French
• Exposure to working with a global organization with an awareness of and keen interest in cultural aspects impacting day to day activities
• Ability to comprehend and apply policy content to business process scenarios

Benefits

There are many benefits of being part of Grant Thornton International, working with a global and diverse team in a virtual setting is just one of them. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and believe it's one of our most valuable assets.

We also recognise the importance of time off at Grant Thornton International. Taking time away can lead to improved wellbeing and better productivity, which is why we don’t cap your leave. So if you need to take that extra Friday off (and Monday too), no problem.

We believe work is no longer a location, it is what we do. This should help all of us deliver our best work, while achieving the right balance in our lives. We want to build a culture of virtual inclusivity. One where all our people have the ability to choose what works best for them but also provides our people the best shared working experience utilising the digital tools we have available. GTIL will provide individuals with the necessary support and equipment to work effectively from home. We also have a collaborative space to offer should you prefer working outside of your home.

We fully understand the importance of balancing your life and we aim to support that with remote working and flexibility within your role. We understand the time you spend outside of work helps shape what you bring into work, so we encourage flexibility on both sides. However, if you prefer to work from the office, this is also something we offer.

We also understand the importance of working comfortably in a remote office - most likely your home, which is why we offer all staff a monthly home office allowance to ensure you're well equipped and able to undertake your role to the fullest.

These are just some of the benefits of working at Grant Thornton International. We also have a wide range of attractive core benefits including pension, health insurance, wellbeing programmes and much much more.