Forensic & Investigations Associate Director – Disputes and Contentious Valuations in Manchester

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities achieve their goals. Forensic and Investigation Services (FIS) at Grant Thornton is a multi-disciplinary team including specialists in disputes and investigations, contentious valuations, competition, cyber, digital forensic and financial crime. We collaborate with other teams across the UK and international network supporting cross-disciplinary projects such as asset tracing and recovery, contentious insolvency, economic consulting, regulatory matters and transactions.

You will get the opportunity to utilise your accountancy and valuation skills to quantify the loss on a range of commercial and contentious valuation disputes. The role involves an integration of accounting, financial analysis and litigation and arbitration support skills, advising on quantum and valuation issues across a range of complex and high stakes matters.

We're happy to talk about flexible working options including bespoke hours or job shares, we'll support you to balance your work and non-work commitments.

As an Associate Director, you will be leading and delivering a mix of work across quantum of damages and contentious valuation matters. You might be involved in the following activities:

• Taking responsibility for, and being the main client contact on, quantum and valuation engagements
• Quantifying the financial impact of alleged breaches of contract or duty, including lost profits, diminution in value and business interruption losses across a wide range of commercial disputes
• Advising clients involved in transaction disputes, including post-acquisition disputes, warranty and indemnity claims and expert determinations
• Preparing and reviewing contentious business valuations in the context of litigation, arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings
• Developing financial models and analyses, and explaining the impact of our conclusions clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Producing expert witness reports for court, arbitration tribunals, regulatory enquiries and other proceedings
• Managing, developing and coaching team members across quantum and valuation workstreams
• Working closely with legal teams, corporate finance colleagues, economists and other specialists as part of a multidisciplinary approach
• Contributing to proposals, business development and marketing activities, including building relationships with law firms and in‑house legal teams

Given the nature of much disputes work, there may be the opportunity for some international travel.

Joining us as an Associate Director in our disputes and contentious valuations practice, the minimum criteria you'll need is experience managing quantum or valuation engagements within a professional services firm, boutique forensics practice or valuation house. The role requires a strong analytical mindset, the ability to critically assess and challenge financial information, and close attention to detail.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don't worry if you don't tick every box — we'll provide training and help you develop in your role:

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word, including experience building and reviewing financial models
• Experience of drafting Expert Witness reports and/or Expert Determinations in the context of quantum or valuation disputes
• Familiarity with valuation methodologies (DCF, market multiples, net assets) and their application in a contentious context
• Experience of managing teams in delivering disputes or valuation workstreams
• Flexibility to work across a range of industries, sectors and dispute types
• Ability and enthusiasm to develop relationships with professionals at clients and instructing law firms

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work. We’re also committed to supporting you through different life stages, with a range of family friendly and wider leave policies.

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance. The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society.

It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.