SENIOR ASSURANCE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Senior Assurance Manager who cannot interpret PCAOB standards in real time leaves audit teams issuing reports against an outdated framework. Standards do not stay still. This role owns the technical methodology layer of a public accounting firm's assurance practice, translating GAAS requirements, standard-setter exposure drafts, and independence policy into daily engagement decisions across a portfolio of external audit clients. It operates at the manager-to-partner boundary, where client relationship stewardship and departmental quality oversight converge.

As the Senior Assurance Manager, you lead external audit engagements from risk assessment through report issuance, ensuring each engagement meets PCAOB and AICPA standards while advancing the firm's client base. You supervise associates and managers across simultaneous engagements, reporting into firm partnership while serving as the primary point of contact for clients and standard-setter communications.

Career Impact: Owning PCAOB methodology and drafting comment letters to the AICPA and IAASB builds a level of standard-setter visibility that most audit professionals only reach at the partner level.

Business Impact: Audit clients depend on this role's real-time technical judgment to issue defensible reports — a gap here delays delivery and exposes the firm to regulatory scrutiny.

Growth Opportunity: The Senior Assurance Manager seat is the direct pipeline to audit partner, with scope expanding from engagement execution to firm-wide business development and departmental strategy.

• Lead external audit engagements from planning through report issuance, applying PCAOB and AICPA standards throughout.
• Design risk-based audit approaches for complex areas including inventory pricing, tax provisions, and receivable allowances.
• Review financial statements and audit workpapers to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and GAAS requirements.
• Monitor engagement budgets, timelines, and team productivity across multiple simultaneous client engagements.
• Mentor and develop associates and managers, providing performance feedback and on-the-job technical coaching.
• Partner with firm leadership to develop client strategy, expand service offerings, and support new business development.
• Draft and communicate technical guidance on assurance, attest, and independence matters to engagement teams and clients.
• Coordinate information flow between clients and audit teams to ensure timely, complete delivery of all engagement deliverables.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience.
• Eight or more years of public accounting experience, with at least four years supervising audit engagement teams.
• Active CPA license, or eligibility to obtain licensure upon hire in the state of employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. GAAP, U.S. GAAS, and PCAOB auditing standards applied to external audit engagements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously within budget and deadline constraints.
• Experience leading teams, mentoring staff at multiple levels, and delivering structured performance development feedback.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings clearly to client management.

• Experience with acquisition accounting, including goodwill, intangible asset valuation, impairment testing, and stock-based compensation.
• Background drafting responses to standard-setter exposure drafts issued by the AICPA, PCAOB, or IAASB.
• Demonstrated record of contributing to business development through client expansion, networking, or new engagement origination.
• Prior experience as an in-flight or engagement quality control reviewer on PCAOB-regulated audit engagements.

• Engagement delivery rate: percentage of audits issued on time and within approved budget.
• PCAOB or peer review findings per engagement cycle, reflecting methodology application accuracy.
• Staff retention and promotion rate within supervised teams, measuring coaching and development effectiveness.
• Client portfolio growth measured by number of new engagements originated or expanded year over year.
• Independence policy exception rate, reflecting the consistency and rigor of independence consultation decisions.
• Typical tools: audit management platforms (commonly CaseWare or similar); data extraction and analytics software (commonly IDEA or similar).

• Base Salary Range: $130,000 to $175,000 annually, depending on market and firm size.
• Bonus: Performance-based annual bonus, typically 10 to 20 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Partnership track consideration at larger regional and national firms; equity not standard at this level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm.
• PTO: 15 to 25 days annually, plus firm holidays and busy-season flexibility policies.
• Common Perks: CPA licensure support, CPE reimbursement, professional association memberships, and client entertainment budget.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants; employment is contingent on verification of eligibility to work under applicable federal law. A comprehensive background check is conducted as a condition of hire. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Senior Assurance Manager owns the development and application of Firm methodology across PCAOB, AICPA, and IAASB standards, serving as an in-flight reviewer on select PCAOB engagements to deliver real-time audit quality coaching. Supporting client service personnel on complex assurance, reporting, independence, and risk matters, this work strengthens the Firm's technical foundation and ensures methodology keeps pace with rapidly-developing standard-setter activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply Firm methodology addressing multiple standard setters including PCAOB, AICPA SAS, SSARS, and SSAE.
• Consider current and developing standards and identify and apply appropriate changes to Firm methodology, including for rapidly-developing matters and their effects on engagements.
• Consult actively with Firm client service personnel on complex assurance, reporting, and risk matters.
• Serve as an in-flight reviewer on select PCAOB engagements to monitor audit quality and provide real-time coaching before audit reports are issued.
• Consult actively with Firm client service personnel on independence matters and develop and apply independence policies.
• Develop and present trainings on assurance-related topics with an emphasis on effective communication and practical execution.
• Draft comment letters to standard setters such as the AICPA, PCAOB, and IAASB on assurance, attest, and independence exposure drafts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting.
• CPA required.
• 8–10 years of experience including previous experience with matters noted above.
• Industry knowledge across Consumer & Industrial, Financial Sponsors and Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Public Sector, Real Estate, Renewable Energy, and Technology & Media.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Embedded within the audit practice, the Senior Assurance Manager manages a portfolio of engagements to deliver high-quality audit services while maintaining full accountability for engagement quality, budget, and timeline. Working closely with clients and firm leadership, this role builds long-term client relationships and supports professional development activities including training, staff recruitment, and performance management.

Core Functions

• Manage a portfolio of engagements to deliver high-quality audit services.
• Maintain full accountability for audit engagements and closely monitor the engagement process against budget and timeline.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Review and provide key technical expertise to ensure audit work quality is in compliance with professional standards and requirements.
• Undertake a role in professional development activities such as training, staff recruitment, and performance management.

Qualifications & Experience

• CA (Singapore) member and already registered as a Public Accountant or in the process of completing registration.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience with at least 8 years in a managerial capacity.
• Experience working on US-listed companies with excellent working knowledge of US GAAP, US GAAS, PCAOB, and SEC requirements.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, audit standards, and accounting principles.
• Strong audit technical and FRS knowledge with experience providing on-the-job training to staff when required.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills with the ability to multitask effectively across competing priorities.
• Excellent communicator with strong command of English, business acumen, and a positive, agile attitude toward challenges.

Reporting to Firm leadership, the Senior Assurance Manager holds shared responsibility for the overall operation of the Assurance department across staff management, project service, and delivery, serving as the primary client contact for assurance and review engagements. Partnering with department staff at all levels, from interns through managers, this role shapes audit quality, drives Firm-wide initiatives, and enables a client base built on outstanding service and continuous improvement.

Primary Duties

• Report departmental performance to management, offer strategy and resource utilization suggestions, and identify new processes to help efficiency.
• Serve as one of the department's technical experts, researching applicable U.S. GAAS and GAAP standards and communicating updates to the department and clients.
• Serve as departmental role model by adopting CDH core values and the Firm's Five Star philosophy in client service, team communication, and continuous improvement.
• Hire, supervise, train, mentor, and develop all levels of department staff from interns through managers, and participate in firm-wide leadership activities.
• Meet with potential or existing clients to develop the client base and assume overall responsibility in all phases of multiple audit and review engagements including planning, internal control analysis, and reporting.
• Manage engagement budgeting, workload delegation, and monitoring, with strong knowledge of U.S. GAAS requirements across key audit areas.
• Prepare and review financial statements and other reports using U.S. GAAP and GAAS, and complete or supervise audit planning including inherent risk, control risk, and engagement-specific risk assessment.
• Apply U.S. GAAP and GAAS to complex testing areas, use analytics for financial statement reviews, collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls or fraud, and design and perform audit tests.
• Report audit results to clients' management including business strategies, practices, and policies, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
• Attend professional development and training sessions regularly, maintain and expand knowledge base, and engage in business development and networking.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Current CPA license.
• Minimum 8 years of related experience in public accounting with specialization in privately-held manufacturing and distribution clients.
• Experience with U.S. GAAP, GAAS, and SOX, along with project and client management.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, and data extraction software used for audit efficiency.
• Strong project management and organizational skills to oversee multiple simultaneous engagements and supervise multiple staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel to clients within the Firm's market area.

Sitting at the intersection of internal audit and government contract compliance, the Senior Assurance Manager leads an oversight function that delivers recommendations and guidance on financial and business processes to meet FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements. Operating across BWXT business units, site management, LLC Boards, and audit and compliance functions, this role builds a culture of compliance and strengthens the internal control environment against non-compliance risk.

Duties

• Serve as a subject matter expert providing recommendations and guidance on financial and business processes to meet government contract compliance objectives.
• Assist supported groups in complying with FAR, CAS, CFR, and other government rules and regulations.
• Interpret and implement CAS, contract requirements, DCAA directives, Federal Travel Regulations, and other government guidance.
• Perform assessments, provide recommendations, and build constructive relationships with agencies, regulators, and customers.
• Assist with risk assessments, audit planning, proposals, and contract transitions.
• Provide oversight of internal control evaluations using a systematic approach to evaluate and improve risk management, internal controls, and compliance processes.
• Support the BWXT VP of Internal Audit, CFO, or other management as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field; postgraduate degree preferred.
• CIA, CFE, CPA, CMA, CISA, PMP, or other relevant certification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience.
• Proficient in corporate governance, GAAP, financial and operational fraud risk management, and antifraud and anti-corruption internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support control evaluations and design, implement, and optimize internal control structures.
• Ability to create an atmosphere of trust, maintain an independent and objective position, and self-report conflicts of interest.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with no dual citizenship and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE clearance.
• Ability to travel and assume long-term assignments as needed.

A key member of the engagement team, the Senior Assurance Manager leads audits of complex financial statements and client deliverables using a risk-based approach, building industry specialist knowledge to recognize accounting and auditing issues across inventory pricing, tax provisions, and related areas. Collaborating across client organizations and internal engagement personnel, this role enables profitable client relationships and supports team development through mentoring, supervision, and performance feedback.

Accountabilities

• Coordinate audits of complex financial statements, related disclosures, and other client deliverables to provide timely, high-quality client service.
• Develop an understanding of the client's business and needs and become an industry specialist.
• Collaborate with the engagement manager on audit approach and execute on the plan using a risk-based approach.
• Recognize industry-specific accounting and auditing issues including inventory pricing, receivable discounts, tax provisions, and determine the appropriate audit approach.
• Provide insightful feedback on financial statements and prepare client deliverables such as board communications, deficiency letters, and management letters.
• Supervise associates, monitor productivity and adherence to work plans and budgets, and identify performance improvement opportunities for team members.
• Anticipate and address client concerns, manage information flow between client and audit team, and communicate significant accounting and auditing matters to senior engagement personnel.
• Keep abreast of industry developments and ensure professional development through ongoing education.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree or equivalent from an accredited university.
• CPA designation.
• 8+ years of current or recent experience in a public accounting environment.
• Experience leading teams, mentoring associates, and building profitable, sustainable client relationships.
• Ability to understand client and industry issues and utilize RSM's audit methodology to identify service opportunities.
• Understanding of GAAP and GAAS with experience directing team members across multiple simultaneous engagements.
• Experience with acquisitions including purchase accounting, goodwill, intangibles, impairment, stock-based compensation, and equity preferred.

Delivering high-quality assurance outcomes depends on the Senior Assurance Manager, who conducts detailed file reviews across audit and review engagements under ASPE, ASNPO, PSAS, and special reporting frameworks while supporting Engagement Quality Control Reviews and firm-wide standardization. Based within a national practice and collaborating across all offices, this role advances staff capability through mentoring and coaching and enables consistent, exceptional client service at the firm level.

Functions

• Conduct detailed file reviews for audit and review engagements under ASPE, ASNPO, PSAS, and special reporting frameworks.
• Plan and budget for assurance engagements and support their completion to meet all CPA and internal firm standards.
• Perform Engagement Quality Control Reviews and mentor and coach staff on a virtual platform throughout engagements.
• Collaborate with all offices to achieve exceptional client service through firm-level capacity management and identify efficiencies within the assurance engagement process.
• Research new or changing Canadian accounting and assurance standards, prepare presentations, and present information to staff.
• Support the Director of Assurance in developing and implementing standardization within the assurance department.

Experience & Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• 3+ years of extensive detailed file review experience in both audit and review engagements.
• Significant practical experience in Canadian accounting frameworks including ASPE, ASNPO, and PSAS, as well as CAS and other Canadian standards.
• Solid understanding of quality control, public accounting, and audited and reviewed financial statements relating to presentation and disclosure.
• Continued professional development in ASPE, ASNPO, PSAS, and CAS.
• Proficient with Caseware/Caseview, Jazzit, Keystone, Excel, and Profile.
• Experience with mentorship and delivery of development feedback within the engagement process.

As the Senior Assurance Manager, this role shapes client strategy and engagement approach in collaboration with Partners, covering risk assessment, audit plan programs, and oversight of external audit engagements to meet challenging client deadlines. The audit practice relies on this work to build new client relationships, lead Audit Managers and Staff, and execute a business development plan that sustains and expands the firm's market presence.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Partners to set client strategy and engagement approach, including risk assessment, audit plan programs, and review and approval of internal audit reports.
• Oversee external audit engagements to ensure client deadlines are met and deliver detailed analysis of findings to clients.
• Work closely with Managers to coordinate all analytical, technical, and research responsibilities.
• Provide leadership and supervision to Audit Managers, Seniors, and Staff.
• Develop and execute a business development plan including networking, new client development, and client expansion activities.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree with a major in Accounting or related field required.
• CPA required; if not yet licensed, must meet educational requirements to obtain CPA upon hire.
• Minimum 7 years of related experience, with previous experience in a public accounting firm preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory and training experience with proven ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously.
• Proven market-facing skills to develop new business and sustain excellent client relationships.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and marketing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with willingness and ability to travel to client locations.