CFO Advisory, Accounting Advisory, Senior Associate (GPS -State & Local Government)

As a Senior Associate in CFO Advisory Services, you will play a critical role in delivering accounting advisory engagements to state and local governments, higher education institutions and not-for-profits clients. You will support clients in navigating complex financial reporting, operational challenges, and value creation initiatives. This role combines technical accounting expertise, financial analysis, and business acumen to drive performance improvement and support transformational change.As a Senior Associate, you can expect to support the following types of projects:Implementation of new accounting standards (GASB)Assist clients with issues related to GASB 68,75, 87,96 applicationKnowledgeable with adjustments and creating roll forwards of recent GASB standardsComplex financial statement close processes (posting accruals, reclass capital assets, debt amortization)Help drafting (or reviewing) Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs)Cash to modified accrual or full accrual conversionsProcess improvement and organizational designClient interviews and stakeholder engagement to gather insights and validate assumptionsLarge data set manipulation and problem solvingValidation of information between multiple sources of financial informationWhat you need for this role:Bachelor's Degree in AccountingMinimum 4 years of relevant experience within a public accounting firm, or public sector environment performing external audit, consulting, or in the accounting and finance functionStrong knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GASB)Prior experience with audit, accounting, and/or consulting standards (GASB, AICPA, GAS including Yellow Book)Ability to navigate Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFRs)Ability to travel if needed (less than 25%)Preferred skills and experience:Licensed CPA (or in process of completing) (NICE TO HAVE NOT REQUIRED)State & Local Government experience (NON FEDERAL) (NFP nice to have not required)Experience with financial statement close process or proposing / reclassifying journal entriesAbility to troubleshoot and solve account reconciliation issuesThrives working in a deadline-driven environment with a focus on details and accuracyAbility to adapt to rapidly changing environments successfullySolid organizational skills, especially the ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on detailsTeam player able to move to effectively delegate work assignments as neededAbout UsRanked among the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country and consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, Cherry Bekaert delivers innovative advisory, assurance and tax services to our clients. At Cherry Bekaert we create shared success through teamwork, energy, and expertise. We approach today’s toughest business challenges with a client-first mindset, working together to create exceptional value. We are all committed to making a difference for our people, our clients, our community, and our professions. To meet this commitment, Cherry Bekaert will provide you with the space to pursue growth and development opportunities that will guide and support you at each stage of your personal and professional journey.What you can expect from us: Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respectThe opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages youA collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional developmentCompetitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeingFlexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of workOpportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different culturesBenefits Information:Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.Pay Range: Pay From: $105, 000 to $130,000About Cherry BekaertCherry Bekaert, ranked among the largest assurance, tax and advisory firms in the U.S., serves clients across industries in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For more details, visit Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws. This role is expected to accept applications for at least five calendar days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.   Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Cherry Bekaert will not provide work sponsorship for this position. Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC are members of Allinial Global, an accountancy and business advisory global association. Visit us at  and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  2026 Cherry Bekaert. All Rights Reserved.SummaryLocation: Chicago, IL - Adams Street; Atlanta, GA; Arlington, VA; Richmond, VA; Raleigh, NC; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Austin, TX; Orlando, FL; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; Tysons Corner, VA - Boone Boulevard; Greenville, SC; Coral Gables, FL; Alpharetta, GA; Tampa, FL; Nashville, TN; Virginia Beach, VA; Rockville, MD - Blackwell RoadType: Full time