Audit Director

About Elevate

Elevate LLC is a next-generation professional services platform built to partner with entrepreneurial, growth-focused accounting, tax, and advisory firms. Our mission is to empower firms and their leaders by providing capital, operational support, technology, and strategic guidance to help them scale while preserving their independence and culture.

A partner firm of Elevate located in Walnut Creek, California is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Audit Director to join its leadership team. This position is part of the firm's long-term succession strategy and is intended to develop the next generation of audit leadership for the practice. The successful candidate will work closely with existing firm leadership, assume increasing responsibility for client relationships and practice management, and serve as a key successor within the Audit & Assurance practice. The role's authority and responsibilities for attest engagements will be structured in accordance with applicable professional, licensing, independence, ownership, and firm governance requirements.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned public accounting professional interested in building a long-term career path toward executive leadership and potential partnership within Elevate's broader national platform, subject to applicable professional, licensing, ownership, and firm governance requirements. The ideal candidate will possess deep audit and assurance expertise and experience serving clients in the Construction, Real Estate, Professional Services, and High-Net-Worth (HNW) sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Audit & Assurance Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of complex audit, review, and attestation engagements.
• Serve as the Responsible Individual on significant client relationships, consistent with applicable professional standards and firm policies.
• Review financial statements, audit workpapers, and engagement deliverables to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Oversee engagement quality, risk management, and adherence to firm methodologies.
• Assist in shaping the strategic direction of the Audit & Assurance practice.

Industry Specialization

Develop and manage a portfolio of clients across:

• Construction contractors and related entities.
• Commercial and residential real estate organizations.
• Professional service firms, including law firms, consulting firms, and technology companies.
• High-net-worth individuals, family offices, trusts, and closely held businesses.

Leadership & Succession Development

• Partner closely with existing audit leadership to facilitate a seamless leadership transition over time.
• Assume increasing responsibility for client management, business development, and operational leadership.
• Mentor and develop Managers, Seniors, Staff Accountants, and offshore audit professionals.
• Build leadership bench strength and support talent development initiatives across the practice.
• Serve as a visible leader and culture carrier within the organization.

Practice Management

• Manage engagement profitability, realization, budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
• Participate in resource planning and capacity management.
• Drive process improvements, technology adoption, and efficiency initiatives.
• Support the firm's peer review, quality control, and compliance programs.

Business Development & Growth

• Maintain and expand relationships with key clients and referral sources.
• Identify opportunities to provide additional assurance, advisory, and tax-related services.
• Participate in networking and industry events.
• Assist with proposals, presentations, and prospective client meetings.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives for the firm and Elevate's broader platform.

Qualifications

Required

• Active CPA license.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive public accounting experience with significant audit and assurance responsibilities.
• Minimum 5 years of engagement management and leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, GAAS, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience leading complex engagements and managing multiple client relationships simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success developing staff and leading teams.

Preferred

• Significant experience in Construction and Real Estate industries.
• Experience serving Professional Service firms and closely held businesses a plus.
• Working knowledge of tax concepts and experience identifying tax-related considerations and service opportunities in assurance client relationships.
• Familiarity with High-Net-Worth clients, trusts, and family office structures.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed or offshore teams.
• Prior responsibility for business development, client acquisition, or practice growth initiatives.

Desired Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Executive presence and leadership maturity.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Strategic thinking and sound business judgment.
• A commitment to developing people and building high-performing teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a growth orientation.
• Desire and capability to succeed into a senior leadership position within the firm.

Compensation for this role is based on experience and is aligned with market rates, and includes consideration for future equity and partnership opportunities for the right candidate. We value our team members and are committed to their success and well-being. As part of our comprehensive benefits and compensation package, we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401(k) plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Firm Holidays
• Discretionary Performance Bonus

Eligibility for benefits is determined based on position, hours worked, and other criteria. Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

Elevate and its related subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. The Firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons in connection with hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation or other conditions of the employment relationship regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, philosophy/religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, political affiliation or belief, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.