Grant Thornton LLP, one of the six global, accounting, tax and business advisory organizations and U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd., was awarded first place in the Public Accounting Report's (PAR) second quarter audit rankings. Grant Thornton's rank marks the first time one of the four largest accounting firms has not won PAR's quarterly audit ranking.

The PAR's ranking that places Grant Thornton at the top of the accounting firms considers a combination of statistics including net gains in SEC clients, net gain in revenue audit, and net gain in assets audited, among others. To achieve the top ranking, Grant Thornton finished second quarter with a net gain of five clients, an approximate $5.3 billion in client revenue and a net gain of $5.1 billion in client's assets audited.

Along with the prestige of being the top ranked accounting firm, Grant Thornton continues its mission of growth by promoting three new partners to the Carolinas practice – Keith Malinowski in the Charlotte office and Joshua Elliott and Barbara Ryan in the Columbia office. Across the firm, Grant Thornton admitted 36 new partners and principals.

"Our Partners and principals consistently demonstrate their extraordinary ability to meet the needs of our public and private clients and are leaders in the accounting profession and in our community. We are proud of – but not surprised by -- the top ranking," commented Mike McGuire, Carolinas Managing Partner. "The talent, unique character and experience of our people distinguish us in the marketplace and demonstrate the distinctive difference we bring to each and every client."

About Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the six global accounting, tax and business advisory organizations. Through member firms in more than 80 countries, including 50 offices in the United States, the partners and employees of Grant Thornton member firms provide personalized attention and the highest quality service to public and private clients around the globe.