Audit, tax, and advisory firm Grant Thornton has announced a strategic partnership with software firm BlackLine Systems to bring software and professional services to mid- to large-size clients.

As part of the strategic alliance agreement, Grant Thornton will provide project management and process reengineering services surrounding the implementation of BlackLine's flagship account reconciliation and financial close software. “The goal is to provide clients the benefits of Grant Thornton's market reach, commitment to quality, and focus on practical solutions with near-term return on investment,” said Robert Schwartz, Business Advisory Services Partner at Grant Thornton.

BlackLine traditionally has been used by staff in accounting, finance and compliance departments in some of the world's largest organizations, such as AT&T, Boeing, Eurostar International, and Northrop Grumman.  Going forward, BlackLine believes Grant Thornton will help the company penetrate further into the largely untapped, dynamic middle market.

“We rely on business advisory firms such as Grant Thornton that have extensive experience in finance operations optimization to provide additional value to our clients,” said BlackLine Systems CEO Therese Tucker.  “We believe that Grant Thornton will be a key partner for us as we look to go after the enormous market of dynamic, growing mid-sized organizations in the United States.”

BlackLine's suite of financial software applications automates the entire financial close process and includes modules for balance sheet account reconciliations; task management; journal entry; transaction matching; variance analysis; and consolidation integrity manager.