Senior Audit Associate

Job Title: Senior Audit Associate

Location: Lincolnshire, IL

Work Arrangement: Hybrid / On-site

About the Organization

Our client is a well-established public accounting and advisory firm providing audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services to businesses and organizations across a diverse range of industries.

The firm works with privately held businesses, growing companies, and sophisticated organizations, providing comprehensive assurance and advisory services tailored to each client's needs. The organization emphasizes technical excellence, professional development, collaboration, and long-term client relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced audit professional to join a growing Audit & Assurance team, gain exposure to a variety of industries, and work closely with experienced managers, firm leadership, and clients.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Audit Associate to join the firm's growing Audit & Assurance team. This position will be responsible for performing and managing audit and assurance engagements while working closely with managers, firm leadership, and clients.

The ideal candidate will have a strong public accounting background, multiple busy seasons of audit/assurance experience, and the ability to independently manage assigned engagement responsibilities while maintaining a high standard of client service and audit quality.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in and manage assigned audit and assurance engagements.

Organize and manage assigned client engagements and engagement responsibilities.

Perform financial statement audit procedures in accordance with professional standards.

Prepare and complete engagement workpapers and assigned project components.

Communicate directly with clients and internal engagement teams.

Identify, research, and resolve accounting and audit issues.

Assist with planning and execution of audit engagements.

Ensure assigned engagements and deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.

Work closely with A&A Managers and firm leadership.

Provide clear and timely communication regarding engagement status and issues.

Support a high level of client service and engagement quality.

Gain exposure to clients across industries including construction, manufacturing/distribution, technology, and M&A/business combinations.

Assist with special audit and assurance projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.

Master's degree in Accounting or a related field is preferred.

3 years of public accounting experience.

3 busy seasons of audit/assurance experience.

At least 1 busy season at the Senior Associate or Supervisor level.

CPA or CPA eligibility is required; active CPA certification is preferred.

Strong understanding of accounting and auditing principles.

Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong project and time-management abilities.

Strong Microsoft Office and accounting/audit software skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Strong client-service mindset and professional communication skills.

Preferred Industry Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

Construction

Manufacturing / Distribution

Technology

Business combinations / M&A

Middle-market or privately held companies

Ideal Candidate Background

The ideal candidate will come from a Senior Audit Associate, Audit Senior, Assurance Senior, or Supervisor background within a public accounting firm.

Candidates should be comfortable performing financial statement audits, communicating with clients, preparing audit documentation, identifying accounting issues, and taking ownership of assigned engagement responsibilities.

Critical Recruiting Requirements

Candidates should meet the following core requirements:

✅ 3 years of public accounting experience

✅ 3 busy seasons of audit/assurance experience

✅ At least 1 busy season at the Senior Associate or Supervisor level

✅ Bachelor's degree in Accounting

✅ CPA or CPA eligibility

✅ Strong financial statement audit experience

✅ Strong client-facing and communication skills

✅ Ability to manage audit engagement responsibilities independently

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
Master's degree in Accounting or a related field is preferred.
3 years of public accounting experience.
3 busy seasons of audit/assurance experience.
At least 1 busy season at the Senior Associate or Supervisor level.
CPA or CPA eligibility is required; active CPA certification is preferred.
Strong understanding of accounting and auditing principles.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong project and time-management abilities.
Strong Microsoft Office and accounting/audit software skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong client-service mindset and professional communication skills.