Accounting & Audit Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Accounting & Audit Support Specialist reports to an audit CPA and provides accounting and administrative support for audit engagements. This position helps organize the CPA's workflow, coordinate client information, monitor deadlines, and prepare financial schedules and supporting documentation for review.

The ideal candidate combines practical accounting experience with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate needs and follow through independently. Relevant backgrounds may include corporate staff accounting, bookkeeping, or public accounting. Audit experience is helpful but is not required. A four-year accounting degree is not required for candidates with equivalent experience.

Essential Responsibilities

CPA Workflow and Administrative Support

• Coordinate the CPA's workflow by maintaining task lists, tracking assignments, and monitoring client deliverables and deadlines.
• Organize appointments, meetings, and client communications to support timely completion of work.
• Request, collect, and organize client records; identify missing information and follow up as needed.
• Prepare correspondence, maintain accurate client files, and document outstanding questions and next steps.
• Coordinate with other firm employees to keep work moving and communicate changes in priorities.
• Exercise discretion when handling confidential financial, client, and personnel information.

Audit Engagement Support

• Organize client financial records and prepare account schedules, reconciliations, and supporting workpapers for the audit CPA's review.
• Maintain engagement checklists, track client information requests, and monitor the status of audit assignments and deliverables.
• Assist with assembling, formatting, proofreading, and delivering financial statements, audit reports, and related correspondence under established firm processes.
• Assist with routine audit support procedures as assigned and directed by the CPA; identify discrepancies, missing documentation, and questions requiring the CPA's judgment.
• Follow firm procedures for documentation, quality review, and protection of client information.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years of relevant accounting or bookkeeping experience, including responsibility for general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and the ability to recognize and investigate discrepancies.
• Experience using QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments, competing priorities, and recurring deadlines.
• Clear, professional communication skills and the ability to maintain positive client and employee relationships.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow assignments through to completion.
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Associate degree in accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree is not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in a corporate staff accounting, full-charge bookkeeping, or similar role.
• Experience working in a public accounting firm or directly supporting an audit CPA. Prior audit experience is helpful but not required.
• Experience coordinating an executive's or professional's schedule, correspondence, priorities, or workflow.
• Familiarity with payroll processing, payroll tax reporting, and year-end reporting.
• Experience with audit workpaper software, document management systems, or accounting firm workflow software.
• QuickBooks certification.

Working Relationships and Expectations

This position reports to the assigned audit CPA and collaborates with audit, accounting, and administrative staff. Success requires reliable follow-through, timely communication, accurate work, and the ability to anticipate information and scheduling needs. Additional hours may be necessary during peak audit periods and other high-volume workload periods.

About Dana F. Cole & Company

At Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP, our greatest asset is our staff. Together, we provide high-quality work and build strong client relationships. Our accounting and support professionals are critical to the success of our firm and our clients.

We hire and develop individuals who value client satisfaction, quality work, and teamwork. We offer challenging assignments, a supportive learning environment, and opportunities to develop individual skills and career interests.

Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP provides tax, estate and financial planning, accounting and auditing, and business and management consulting services through offices in Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wyoming.

The firm offers competitive salaries, medical and disability insurance, a 401(k), and a Section 125 plan. Learn more at