Senior Audit Associate

About the job 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.