Grant Thornton promotes Paul Rao to Head of Not for Profit
Grant Thornton has named Paul Rao as its new not for profit sector lead. He takes on the role following seven years with the firm, having most recently served as a director in business risk services.
Across the UK, not for profit organisations are coming under intense pressure, having to deliver more to people at a time of acute need, while at the same time facing cuts in government funding and falls in voluntary giving. Grant Thornton’s Not for Profit practice works with these groups to meet these challenges, offering innovative solutions to help develop new skills and open up sources of funding.
As Grant Thornton looks to sustain its crucial support of charities, educational organisations and universities, housing associations and many other not for profit organisations, it has installed Paul Rao as its new sector leader.
Rao now leads the firm’s charity and wider not for profit business risk services practice, delivering among others internal audit, risk management and governance services to clients in the sector.
Commenting on the news, Rao said, “Across the UK, charities are navigating an increasingly complex environment. The last year has brought further challenge with the impact of the pandemic. I’m looking forward to working with all of our amazing people to continue to assist our clients through these challenging times.”
Rao takes the position having spent seven years at the firm, having joined in 2014. Initially arriving as an Associate Director, he spent the last two years as a Director in the firm’s business risk services division. Prior to life with Grant Thornton, Rao was with Mazars for 12 years, latterly working as a Senior Manager there.
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) technical guidance working group and is also deputy chair of the north west committee at the IIA. Rao is also a Trustee with the Michael Carrick Foundation, the charity of former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick – helping create opportunities for disadvantaged young people from across Greater Manchester and Tyne and Wear.
