Associate, Sustainability Reporting Advisory

Grant Thornton Australia is one of the world's leading independently-owned and managed accounting, advisory and consulting firms.

Our culture is underpinned by a commitment to our clients, people and communities, and our promise to ‘Reach for Remarkable’ by providing proven expertise, principled execution, and personalised experience.

In Australia, we’re proud to support the careers of over 1,500 remarkable people. With six offices nationally and partner firms in more than 145 markets, wherever you want to go, we can take you there.

The opportunity

As part of Grant Thornton’s national Sustainability Reporting Advisory team, you will be at the forefront of sustainability reporting and regulatory change in Australia and globally. You will support engagements across all aspects of sustainability reporting regulations, working with organisations as they respond to rapidly evolving reporting expectations. The Sustainability Reporting Advisory team is on a strong growth trajectory, responding to increasing client demand driven by mandatory reporting requirements and heightened board‑level focus on sustainability and climate‑related risks.

We support organisations to apply sustainability reporting standards and regulatory requirements – including AASB S1 and S2, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and related frameworks – in a way that is practical, proportionate and aligned to business strategy and decision‑making.

Operating as a truly national team, we collaborate closely with assurance, tax and advisory specialists to deliver integrated, commercially focused sustainability reporting solutions. Our work spans the full maturity spectrum, from early‑stage readiness and education through to first‑time and ongoing reporting, helping clients embed sustainability considerations into broader business, financial and risk frameworks.

With mandatory climate‑related financial disclosures now legislated in Australia, the team plays a critical role in education, capability building and technical leadership. We support clients as they prepare to report, while also strengthening sustainability reporting capability across Grant Thornton by contributing to the technical excellence of assurance practitioners and other service lines. Through this work, the team helps close the green skills gap both externally with clients and internally across the firm.

Your role

As an Associate, you will support the delivery of sustainability reporting advisory engagements while building strong foundational skills in sustainability reporting, technical analysis and client service.

You will work as part of project teams under the guidance of Senior Associates, Managers and Partners, contributing high‑quality analysis, research and drafting to support client outcomes. The role provides a strong platform to develop technical capability, professional judgement and confidence in a fast‑growing and highly visible area of advisory.

Key responsibilities

• Support the delivery of sustainability reporting advisory engagements through research, analysis and preparation of client deliverables.

• Assist with defined components of engagements, including data analysis, benchmarking, document review and technical research.

• Conduct research into sustainability reporting standards, legislation and regulatory guidance, and summarise findings for senior team members.

• Draft sections of client deliverables, technical memoranda and internal materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy and alignment with guidance provided.

• Support readiness assessments and reviews of sustainability reports, focusing on structure, clarity and alignment with relevant requirements.

• Collaborate with colleagues across service lines to support integrated advisory and assurance engagements.

• Assist with the preparation of client presentations, training materials and workshop content.

• Support proposal development and business development activities, including research and preparation of supporting materials.

• Contribute positively to team culture through collaboration, reliability and a willingness to learn.

You may also have opportunities to build exposure to specific technical areas through participation in internal working groups and national or international subject matter initiatives.

About you

You have:

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to understand and interpret technical guidance with appropriate support.

• A developing understanding of sustainability reporting and its interaction with financial reporting, accounting, risk management and business strategy.

• Well‑developed written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear, professional outputs for review.

• Experience in a professional services, consulting or advisory environment, with exposure to client delivery and stakeholder engagement (internal and external) that requires clear, timely and pragmatic communication.

• An interest in sustainability reporting and its interaction with financial reporting, accounting standards, risk management and business strategy.

• The ability to research, synthesise and clearly present information for senior review.

You are:

• Curious and motivated, with a genuine interest in sustainability reporting and regulatory change.

• Detail‑oriented, organised and committed to producing high‑quality work.

• Proactive and eager to learn, with the confidence to ask questions and seek feedback.

• Client‑focused, with an emerging understanding of how high‑quality advice supports decision‑making.

• A collaborative team player who contributes constructively to shared outcomes.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and managing priorities with guidance.

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, sustainability, economics or a related discipline.

• Eligible for a CA qualification is preferred.

• Exposure to financial reporting, audit, ESG or sustainability‑related work is beneficial but not essential.

• Familiarity with IFRS and AASB standards (including AASB S1 and S2) is advantageous, or a demonstrated ability to develop technical capability quickly.

• Awareness of other sustainability reporting frameworks such as IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, TCFD, GHG Protocol or GRI is advantageous but not required.

Career development

Grant Thornton offers clear development pathways, with structured learning, coaching and on‑the‑job experience to support progression toward Senior Associate and Manager roles over time. You will be supported to build technical capability, client delivery skills and professional confidence through formal training and exposure to national and global sustainability networks.

Location

This is a national role. Applications are open to candidates based in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Reach your remarkable

At Grant Thornton we do things differently because we understand that when you strive for better and care about what you do remarkable things are possible. We’re a dynamic and authentic mix of backgrounds, perspectives and ways of thinking. We’re driven by our shared purpose – we care for our people, clients and communities and support them to thrive.

With us, you’ll be exposed to challenging and rewarding opportunities – building your confidence and capabilities at every step. You’ll be supported, motivated and inspired by a team of passionate and caring collaborators and leaders. You’ll be empowered to build a career path that’s tailored to you and encouraged to make a meaningful difference. And we’ll make sure the excellence you deliver and the impact you make is always seen, felt and celebrated.

Remarkable perks that put you first:

• 9-day fortnight with no salary reduction

• Support to undertake CA or other postgrad study

• Structured learning and development at all career levels

• Fully funded gym membership | Health Insurance discounts

• And many more!

Need some help applying or participating in the recruitment process?

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for anyone who wishes to apply, and we warmly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, those in the LGBTQI+ community and individuals who identify as having disability or are neurodivergent.  Click here for recruitment support information and to learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Grant Thornton.

Should you have questions or require any adaptations or additional support for your individual circumstances so you may perform at your best during the application or recruitment process please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]

As we provide fair consideration and evaluation to a high volume of applications, we endeavour to provide feedback on your application at the earliest opportunity.

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