Accounting

Company Snapshot

• Year Founded: 1924
• Headquarters Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Ownership: Private; majority stake acquired by New Mountain Capital (2024)
• Key Executives: Elliot Findlay (COO), Anthony Bonaguro (Partner, CFO Advisory), Matthew Esposito (Principal, Accounting Advisory), Brandon Vaughn (Principal, Accounting Advisory)
• Number of Locations: Approximately 50+ offices in the U.S.; nearly 9,500 U.S. professionals
• Public Contact: 312-856-0200 (Chicago HQ); info@us.gt.com (published on official website)

Company Overview

Grant Thornton LLP is a leading U.S. member firm of a global network providing audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services to a broad range of clients, including franchise systems and multi-location businesses. With a focus on delivering practical solutions and high-quality service, the firm leverages extensive industry expertise and advanced technologies to support business performance, compliance, and growth objectives for multi-unit operators and franchise brands.

Services Offered

• Audit and Assurance: SEC-integrated audits, financial statement audits, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance for franchise systems and multi-location brands.
• Tax Services: Federal, state, local, international tax compliance and advisory, franchise-specific tax planning, and private wealth services.
• Accounting Advisory: Solutions for complex accounting/reporting issues, U.S. GAAP/IFRS application, and implementation of accounting changes for multi-entity and franchise operations.
• Technology \& Cloud Accounting: Cloud-based accounting, reporting automation, and KPI tracking designed to enhance agility and collaboration among distributed franchise units.

Value Proposition

• Industry Specialization: Serves a wide range of industries, with strong representation in Retail, Food and Beverage, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Technology, and Multi-Unit/Franchise operations.
• Key Benefits:
  • Enhances transparency and compliance across franchise networks (e.g., franchise royalty and fee reporting oversight).
  • Drives efficiency and real-time insight via technology-enabled solutions (such as cloud accounting and analytics dashboards).
  • Delivers tailored tax planning and advisory to address the unique needs of franchisees, franchisors, and multi-entity businesses.
• Franchise Expertise: Grant Thornton has a deep client base among multi-location and franchise brands, offers franchise-specific advisory, and regularly features case studies and thought leadership on multi-unit business challenges, demonstrating robust expertise in supporting franchise growth and compliance needs.