Senior Audit Associate

About the Role: The Audit & Assurance Senior is responsible for leading audit engagements, performing financial statement audits, reviews, and assurance services while providing exceptional client service across a variety of industries. This role combines technical accounting knowledge, risk assessment, financial reporting, and team leadership to deliver high-quality audit engagements in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and committed to helping clients strengthen financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities: Lead audit, review, and assurance engagements from planning through completion, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of client services. Prepare and review audit workpapers in accordance with professional auditing standards, firm methodologies, and regulatory requirements. Perform comprehensive risk assessments by evaluating client operations, industry trends, economic conditions, and internal control environments to develop effective audit strategies. Conduct substantive testing, analytical procedures, internal control evaluations, and audit documentation to support engagement conclusions. Work directly with clients to obtain financial information, conduct interviews with management, resolve audit issues, and maintain strong professional relationships throughout the engagement. Prepare financial statements, including cash flow statements, footnote disclosures, management representation letters, and communications with those charged with governance. Monitor engagement budgets, timelines, and project milestones, communicating potential risks, delays, or budget variances to engagement leadership. Research and apply current accounting and auditing standards, ensuring compliance with GAAP, GAAS, and applicable regulatory guidance. Review and resolve engagement review notes promptly while maintaining high standards of accuracy and documentation quality. Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior auditors and staff accountants, supporting professional development and knowledge sharing. Delegate engagement responsibilities effectively while maintaining overall accountability for audit quality and client satisfaction. Identify opportunities to improve audit efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and provide value-added recommendations to clients. Protect confidential financial information by adhering to information security policies, ethical standards, and professional confidentiality requirements. Perform additional audit, assurance, and advisory responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Degree completion or active progress toward completion is preferred. One to four years of experience in public accounting, audit, assurance, internal audit, or a related financial environment. Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), financial reporting, and audit methodology. Experience preparing audit workpapers, financial statements, audit documentation, and supporting engagement deliverables. Understanding of audit planning, risk assessment, substantive testing, analytical procedures, and internal control evaluation. Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills. Excellent organizational and project management abilities with experience managing multiple engagements and competing deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex accounting and audit concepts to clients and engagement teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Teams. Experience with audit software and financial reporting systems is preferred. Ability to travel locally and occasionally out of state to support client engagements. Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to a collaborative team environment. Desired Qualifications: Active pursuit of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or another relevant professional certification. Experience serving clients across multiple industries, including privately held businesses, nonprofit organizations, or middle-market companies. Familiarity with internal controls, SOX compliance, SOC examinations, fraud risk assessment, and internal audit engagements. Experience identifying process improvements, strengthening audit efficiency, and delivering value-added client recommendations. Knowledge of emerging accounting standards, audit technologies, data analytics, and financial reporting best practices. Commitment to continuous professional development and delivering exceptional client service through a consultative, advisory approach. #J-18808-Ljbffr