Priya Sarjoo
Grant Thornton
Excellence in Leadership
Even as a young person, Priya Sarjoo loved problem solving. And she was always especially interested in how people work together, and in how to speed up work. "After college, I saw how my innate interests worked in the professional world when exposure to corporate operations led me to an MBA and a subsequent career in consulting," she says.
Sarjoo is National Managing Principal—Risk Advisory Business Line at Grant Thornton. She has more than 20 years of experience in accounting, risk management, internal audit, and internal controls and business process improvement. She has provided risk management and internal audit services including enterprise risk assessments, audit scoping, audit plan development, and audit executing and reporting to companies in a variety of industries.
"I'm most proud that I followed my instincts and ended up in a profession that allows me to continuously problem solve; I am also proud and incredibly grateful to be Grant Thornton's national leader for Risk Advisory," Sarjoo says. "It's a privilege to work with our extremely talented professionals—and I look forward to continuing to grow our Risk Advisory practice."
She has helped her clients with improving operational efficiencies, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, streamlining management reporting systems, developing and implementing internal audit functions and processes and evaluating internal controls environments.
"My starting point is understanding the culture of my clients' business. Having spent two years with Grant Thornton in Hong Kong working with local clients, I've learned how essential it is for good consultants to understand corporate context and be aware of non-verbal communication," she says.
Sarjoo has significant experience working with Board members and Board level Corporate Governance and Audit Committees to help them improve and develop their corporate governance practices. Her work with Board Committees includes working directly with directors to implement oversight, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, implement whistle-blower programs and assist with committee self-evaluations.
Sarjoo says two things have led to her success—curiosity and working at Grant Thornton. "My continuous curiosity in business has pushed me throughout my career—I've often said 'yes' to new and surprisingly unexpected opportunities. These have been some of my most enriching and fulfilling experiences," she says. "And Grant Thornton has allowed me to grow as a consultant, while simultaneously giving me time outside of work to help others. For example, I've been able to hold voluntary leadership roles at the North Texas Food Bank and in a professional association."
As far as winning Consulting's Top 25 Award, Sarjoo says it's proof that Grant Thornton has industry-leading professionals serving clients with excellence. "Grant Thornton CEO Brad Preber said it best: "Consulting is a team sport and I am grateful for the team I get to play on every day."
Q&A: What has motivated you to excel over the course of your career?
Sarjoo: My family has been a constant source of motivation. They have supported me in everything I work on—be it personal or career goals. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for their words of encouragement and thoughtful advice.
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