Director – IFRS (Global role in a virtual working environment)

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 account for the outputs and objectives.

An excellent communicator. Someone who has strong communication skills one to one, in public speaking and across the various technology enabled media that form part of today’s working environment. Fluent in English.

Self-starter with the ability and confidence to develop and implement their own projects and workload

Ability to work well with people from different disciplines and cultures

Ability to be agile and respond positively to change and contribute with an innovative mindset

Good organization and time management skills and an ability to manage multiple projects

Evidence of a global mindset including an understanding of the external forces impacting our future sustainable growth

Experience Essential

Proven leadership skills that demonstrate an ability to engage, influence and collaborate with senior business leaders and stakeholders

Experience of developing services and bringing them to market

Technical experience in IFRS gained in a professional services, industry or representative association environment

A history of producing Thought Leadership in the area of accounting

An ability to speak about IFRS in a public forum arising from public speaking opportunities, academic lecturing or representing an organisation’s views on the IFRS related matters

Experience of inputting into the standard setting process through either authoring or reviewing comment letters / public consultations to accounting or other industry bodies

People management experience spanning the hire to retire spectrum

Strong relationship skills and cultural awareness, the ability to work well with people from different disciplines and cultures

Experience Desirable

Previous experience of working within a global professional services environment and with international stakeholders

Experience in a variety of communication media, including social media

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.

AI disclaimer

At GTIL, we understand that AI tools can be valuable resources during the application process. If you make use of AI, we encourage you to do so responsibly. We also want to hear your unique views and perspectives and look forward to hearing them during any interviews. AI should not be used for interview responses, test answers or note-taking. If you wish to use AI for note-taking, you must disclose this in advance. Alternatively, you may request a copy of the transcript at the start of the call.