Jim Burton

Executive summary

Jim oversees the firm’s delivery of ESG & Sustainability services. In this role he develops strategies and reporting solutions to assist companies in implementing a comprehensive sustainability program. He is the current chair of the Assurance Services Executive Committee, a senior technical committee of the of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants focusing on advanced matters affecting the accounting profession including sustainability, control reporting, and innovation.

Over Jim’s 33-year career with Grant Thornton he has been a lead Audit partner delivering financial and non-financial assurance for multi-national clients with a primary focus on large accelerated filers and internal control over financial reporting. He has held several leadership positions in the firm’s Audit practice, including Chief Auditor from 2013-2021 where he was responsible for the adoption, interpretation, and application of auditing and attest standards. In addition, he has led the development and implementation of the firm’s assurance-innovation solutions, including tools, analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence. He was the managing partner of Grant Thornton’s Denver office from 2007-2013, responsible for operating performance, market development, and personnel in the geographic region.

Jim is a frequent speaker on audit and ESG matters and source for journalists seeking input on ESG, internal control, governance, and auditing matters. Jim was one of the primary authors of Guidance on Monitoring Internal Control Systems for COSO.

Professional qualifications and memberships

• Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting Credential Holder issued the IFRS Foundation (formerly SASB)
• Certified in Inventory and Resource Management through the Association for Supply Chain Management
• Certified Public Accountant in California and Colorado

Education

• Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree in accounting from San Jose State University