Operational Risk Intern Jobs in Hoffman Estates, IL

Risk Advisory Interns are responsible for delivering engagements which include business process and information systems controls assessments and testing to support regulatory, compliance, operation and other strategic engagements. Risk Interns will gain exposure to various areas of the practice by participating as an active member on consulting and compliance projects and by becoming an integral part of the delivery teams. As a Risk Intern your primary responsibility will be executing high quality Risk projects and services from beginning to end under the supervision of experienced Risk leadership. You will be responsible for efficiently managing your workload to budget and learning how to apply technical skills across our various Risk solutions. As a Risk Intern you will have opportunities to build client relationships by developing a deep understanding of our clients' businesses and delivering value through your insight and quality work. In addition, as a Risk Intern, you will focus on continuously developing your technical and professional skills to grow and expand your role in the Risk practice.
As part of our Risk team, you will help our clients assess their internal controls environment via Internal Audit, SOX Readiness / Compliance, and IT compliance or readiness projects. Risk Interns are exposed to various projects across Risk solutions, allowing the Interns to discover the advisory services most suited to their skills and interests. Risk Interns can expect to work closely with other staff, managers, and partners on all phases of the engagement lifecycle including planning, engagement management, and project wrap up. In addition, Interns are expected to actively contribute to Risk business growth by identifying business development opportunities, participating in marketing and brand initiatives, and assisting with development of Grant Thornton thought leadership.
Interested candidates should be self-starters, team oriented and should demonstrate strength in or a desire to build skills related to Grant Thornton's core values of: Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Agility, Respect and Responsibility. We are looking for candidates that would like to build a dynamic career marked by continuous skills development and progressive responsibilities.
Risk Interns are hired into either IT Risk or Business Process Risk.
Your day-to-day may include:
IT Risk:

• Performing detailed analysis to identify and assess compliance or opportunities for improvement, documenting conclusions, and providing recommendations
• Utilizing and continuously learning new technologies to collaborate with team members and enhance service delivery
• Utilizing various data collection techniques, selecting appropriate method and prioritization to fit project objectives and deliverables, and applying established analytical models to evaluate data, costs and benefits
• Evaluate and test IT controls and identify areas of risk
• Work with risk teams and the client to plan engagement strategy, define objectives, and address IT controls risks and issues
• Work with teams to learn about how to audit Artificial Intelligence
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of assigned client operations, processes and business objectives, and then utilize that knowledge on assigned engagements
• Apply firm methodology and technology to complete risk and control identification/assessment in coordination with your engagement team
• Gain a further understanding of the various IT frameworks such as NIST, COBIT, and ISO
• Contribute to the development of other team members through 360 feedback and ongoing collaboration
• Participate in recruiting efforts as needed
• Meet or exceed targeted billing hours (utilization)
• Assist practice leadership in creating proposals, budgets, and work plans
• Participate in other business development activities as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Business Process Risk:

• Work with our teams on how to leverage Artificial Intelligence in assignments
• Apply current knowledge of trends to identify business risk management issues and other opportunities for improvement
• Evaluate and test business processes
• Work with risk teams and the client to plan engagement strategy, define objectives, and address business process risks and issues
• Execute assigned client engagements from start to completion of information systems assessments and/or business process control reviews
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of assigned client operations, processes and business objectives, and then utilize that knowledge on assigned engagements
• Apply firm methodology and technology to complete risk and control identification/assessment in coordination with your engagement team
• Contribute to the development of other team members through 360 feedback and ongoing collaboration
• Participate in recruiting efforts as needed
• Meet or exceed targeted billing hours (utilization)
• Assist practice leadership in creating proposals, budgets, and work plans
• Participate in other business development activities as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

You have the following technical skills or qualifications:

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance (emphasis in Accounting or MIS), Business Management/Administration (emphasis in Accounting or MIS), Data Analytics, Internal Audit, Information Technology, MIS or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Desire to pursue CPA, CIA, or CISA license/certification preferred
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work additional hours as needed and travel as required
• Interest to work cross functionally throughout different business processes within an organization
• Excellent analytical, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills which can be deployed to solve complex client projects
• Effective project and time management skills for handling multiple priorities and simultaneous projects
• Strong orientation towards life-long learning, continual skills development, and rapid technology adoption
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a complex team environment
• Desire to pursue applicable professional certification as outlined above
• Exceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills. Additionally, excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

The pay rate for this position in the firm's Chicago, Illinois office is $37 per hour.
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
About the Team
The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we're taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here's what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.

• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm's 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton LLP to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HRHelp@us.gt.com.
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.