Position Summary
The Senior Associate, Assurance will be responsible for planning and executing audit procedures for a diverse client base, supervising and reviewing the work of staff auditors, and serving as a key point of contact with clients during fieldwork. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, project management skills, and the ability to mentor junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute audit, review, and compilation engagements in accordance with firm methodology and professional standards (GAAS/PCAOB, as applicable)
- Perform and review internal control walkthroughs and testing to assess risk and evaluate the effect on audit procedures
- Execute substantive audit procedures across significant financial statement areas, exercising professional judgment in identifying issues and audit risks
- Supervise, coach, and review the work of Staff Auditors, providing timely feedback and ensuring quality and completeness of workpapers
- Coordinate directly with client personnel, including accounting and finance teams, to obtain audit evidence and resolve open items
- Communicate engagement status, issues, and findings to Managers and Partners throughout fieldwork
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP
- Research technical accounting and auditing issues, documenting conclusions in memos as needed
- Monitor engagement budgets and timelines, escalating issues that may impact deadlines or profitability
- Assist with training and onboarding of new Staff Auditors
- Stay current on evolving accounting standards (ASC) and auditing methodology, incorporating changes into engagement procedures
- Contribute to firm initiatives, including recruiting, training programs, and community involvement
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's in Accounting a plus
- CPA or actively pursuing CPA required
- 2-4+ years of progressive audit experience within public accounting
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and internal control concepts
- Prior experience reviewing the work of Staff Auditors preferred
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
- Proficiency with audit software (CaseWare, ProSystem fx Engagement, or similar) and Microsoft Excel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to travel to client sites as needed
Preferred Attributes
- Big 4 or national/regional public accounting firm background
- Experience with a specific industry niche (real estate, financial services, manufacturing, nonprofit) a plus
- Strong client relationship skills and interest in growing into a Manager role
- Track record of mentoring and developing junior staff
