What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Advisory Associate position at Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam CPAs?
Business Advisory Associate
Job Summary:
The Business Advisory Associate supports the firm’s growing consulting practice with a focus on ESOP accounting, M&A transaction advisory, and select fractional controller-level support. This role offers a unique blend of technical accounting, financial analysis, and consulting exposure. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in financial reporting and is eager to contribute to high-impact client engagements, including Quality of Earnings (QoE) projects and ESOP transaction support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in preparing and analyzing Quality of Earnings (QoE) reports for buy-side and sell-side transactions.
- Support financial due diligence, working capital analysis, and deal execution for M&A engagements.
- Contribute to ESOP consulting engagements, including feasibility studies, pro forma financials, accounting schedules, and audit preparedness.
- Perform financial statement and ratio analysis to assess client performance and risk factors.
- Provide limited fractional controller support, such as cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
- Collaborate with clients to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and decision-making tools.
- Prepare adjusting journal entries, reconcile key accounts, and support month-end closing as needed.
- Work with client accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, ERP platforms) to extract and validate financial data.
- Maintain clear documentation and work papers that support conclusions and meet internal quality standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or CPA-track preferred).
- 1–3 years of experience in public accounting, consulting, or corporate finance.
- Exposure to transaction advisory services, ESOPs, or financial due diligence is a strong plus.
- Working knowledge of core financial statements, GAAP, and common business metrics.
- Advanced Excel skills, including modeling, pivot tables, and scenario analysis.
- Experience with accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Sage, or other ERPs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of working directly with clients.
- Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.