Description

SUMMARY: Completes and runs engagements from the planning phase to meeting with the client at the conclusion. Responsible for developing strong client relationships that are nurtured throughout the year and developing younger staff by performing the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exhibits the technical knowledge and has the ability to direct fieldwork on assigned engagements from engagement planning to completion, including assuming responsibility for timely and accurate status reports, completion of work paper review including self-review, engagement follow-up of open items, monitoring of the completion of assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, and other similar responsibilities.
• Completes the disclosure checklist and draft financial statements independently.
• Demonstrates appropriate leadership skills including, but not limited to, timely and accurate communication with managers and staff personnel, identification of technical issues, identification of any staff issues or concerns, and other similar items.
• Monitors workload to meet billable hour and realization expectations.
• Applies technical knowledge to assess risk and evaluate clients internal control structure and accounting procedures.
• Stays current on new accounting pronouncements/standards and understands how these will impact the Firm’s clients.
• Performs accounting research to solve issues that arise during the course of audit or compliance engagements.
• Meets client deadlines for audit fieldwork and report issuance.
• Meets with client contact on questions, recommendations, and findings.
• Prepares workpapers, writes audit reports, management letters and other client deliverables.
• Maintains knowledge of accounting and audit requirements, ensures compliance with internal and external requirements, and stays abreast of any changes.
• Assists in training and developing staff.
• Has passed the CPA exam and maintains the required CPE for Firm and licensing standards.
• To accommodate needs of clients, 20-30% time may be spent traveling, with 10-15% being overnight travel.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing as well as upward and downward.
• Ability to interact and maintain professional relationships with staff as well as clients.
• Ability to handle multiple engagements simultaneously while maintaining consistency, accuracy and providing superior service.
• Must be well organized, detail oriented, and thorough.
• Exhibits strong analytical ability and diligently performs assigned tasks with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Must exhibit a high degree of professionalism including the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Must have a positive attitude and enjoy helping others grow professionally.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with professionals at all levels.
• Exhibits excellent client service skills including the identification of opportunities to provide additional services to clients and/or non-clients.
• Participates in Firm, professional and civic activities that contribute to the community and overall marketing effort of Heard, McElroy, & Vestal.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises lower-level Audit staff. Responsibilities may include training employees; planning, assigning, and overseeing work; and appraising performance.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in Accounting with strong academic track record (minimum GPA of 3.0); CPA certification required; four years of public accounting audit experience required.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, as well as have working knowledge of office equipment, computer hardware and peripheral devices. Proficient with computer audit applications and technology as well as Firm software applications and procedures. Proficient with on-line research products.

Other Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS), and audit procedures.

Firm Culture/Client Service:

Promotes the firm’s culture, including supporting Heard, McElroy & Vestal’s philosophy of developing a relationship with each client on a personal level, catering to their specific needs. Ability and judgment to interact and communicate appropriately with other employees, clients and management. Actively develops team members at all levels. Ability to serve clients, both internal and external (community/public) in a manner that will support superior client relations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk or use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Heard, McElroy & Vestal shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet the Firm’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in the Firm’s sole discretion.

Heard, McElroy & Vestal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively seek and employ qualified persons in all job classifications and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran/military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.