Forensic Royalty Audit Manager in London

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.

As a Manager – Forensic Accounting & Royalties, you will be directly exposed to the commercial workings of our clients’ industries. You will work across global territories and languages, providing forensically focused, data‑enabled, tailored third‑party contract reviews. International travel is expected.

You will operate across three core areas:

• Global Film & TV – work with the largest studios and producers on theatrical licensee reviews, royalty audits, and production cost grant certifications.
• Brands and Intellectual Property Owners – help maximise value from IP across core business models and merchandising programmes.
• Multinational Pharmaceutical and Tech companies – review complex commercial agreements to ensure clients receive what they are contractually due from third parties.

A look into the role:

• Be responsible for the oversight and delivery of third‑party reviews and manage a diverse portfolio.
• Apply a problem‑solving mindset to solve complex technical matters and develop tailored review strategies, including contract risk assessments.
• Oversee and develop your team to the highest standard, taking responsibility for personal development.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with team members, clients, and third parties.
• Take opportunities for wider departmental responsibilities – commercial oversight, operational excellence, pitching support, fostering a culture of continual development.
• Constantly strive to push yourself and the business further, knowing you’re supported through every stage.

Qualifications:

The minimum criteria include a professional qualification (ACA, ICAS, CA, ACCA, or CIPFA).

Skills:

• Developing work plans and testing approaches independently in a forensically focused or commercially focused contract compliance environment.
• Applying business acumen and commercial awareness to understand the implications of complex contractual terms and associated risks.
• Familiarity with intellectual property and licensing industry, including typical royalty structures, licensing agreements, and IP rights.
• Experience challenging third parties’ evidence and demonstrating professional scepticism in day‑to‑day work.
• Project management experience, including verbal and written status updates to clients and third parties, ideally on complex forensically focused projects.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and advanced data analysis tools (Alteryx, Python, SQL, etc.), data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau), and Generative AI.
• Preparing reports and articulating findings related to complex matters for C‑suite stakeholders.
• Exposure to engagement economics and delivering high‑quality work with commercial excellence.
• Developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Multilingual to a level of fluency that enables operation entirely in a different language.

Culture:

We embrace uniqueness. Our culture thrives on the contributions of all people. We never settle for what is easy, and we look beyond to deliver the right thing for everyone. Inclusive culture, respect, and freedom to bring your whole self to work are hallmarks of Grant Thornton.

Benefits:

We offer flexible working options and strive to balance work and life. The impact you can make goes beyond your day job – from secondments and local charity fundraising to investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move—purposefully driven, actively curious, candid but kind. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas, and go beyond expectations. People who want to proudly do what’s right for the firm, our clients, our people, and themselves.