SENIOR AUDIT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Seven or more years in public accounting builds the technical foundation. Earning a Senior Audit Manager title means something different: owning a client portfolio, signing off on complex financial statement audits, and holding the engagement together when PCAOB scrutiny or SEC registrant complexity raises the stakes. This role carries direct accountability for audit quality, team development, and the commercial health of a book of business spanning manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, and other sectors. Engagement budgets, resourcing decisions, and client relationships all run through this seat.

As the Senior Audit Manager, you are accountable for the end-to-end delivery of external audit engagements, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, GAAS, IFRS, and PCAOB standards while meeting profitability and quality targets across a multi-client portfolio. You lead engagement teams of Senior Associates, Supervisors, and Managers, with visibility to partners on complex or escalated matters.

Career Impact: Leading PCAOB-compliant audits for SEC registrants and multi-national corporations positions a Senior Audit Manager as a recognized technical authority in financial statement assurance.

Business Impact: Clients in manufacturing, distribution, and consumer products depend on this role to identify material misstatements, control deficiencies, and emerging accounting risks before they reach the audit committee.

Growth Opportunity: The cross-industry portfolio exposure and people leadership experience at this level create a direct pathway to Audit Partner or Director, with expanded scope over firm-wide practice development.

Company Value: Firms hiring at this level consistently offer structured paths to partnership, national practice resources, and access to specialized subject matter experts across tax, advisory, and consulting lines.

• Lead multiple external audit engagements simultaneously, managing scope, budget, resourcing, and timely delivery.
• Own client relationships with CFOs, controllers, and audit committee members throughout the engagement cycle.
• Design audit strategies that address risk under US GAAP, IFRS, GAAS, and PCAOB standards for assigned clients.
• Review work product prepared by Senior Associates, Supervisors, and Managers to ensure technical accuracy and professional standards.
• Identify complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, purchase accounting, and deferred tax provisions early in the engagement.
• Mentor and evaluate engagement team members, providing timely performance feedback and career development guidance.
• Prepare and deliver client-facing deliverables including management letters, board communications, and deficiency reports.
• Drive business development by identifying opportunities for expanded services and contributing to proposals for new clients.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a business-related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Seven or more years of external financial statement audit experience in a public accounting firm, with demonstrated supervisory responsibility.
• Active CPA license or chartered accountant equivalent (ACA, ACCA, CA).
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, US GAAS, IAS, and PCAOB auditing standards.
• Proven ability to manage engagement budgets, billing, collections, and profitability across multiple concurrent clients.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing audit teams across simultaneous engagements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior client stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to client locations as engagement needs require.

• Experience auditing SEC registrants, multi-national corporations, or companies subject to PCAOB inspection.
• Prior exposure to complex accounting areas including acquisition accounting, goodwill impairment, stock-based compensation, or Employee Benefit Plan audits.
• Track record of contributing to business development, including proposal writing and expanding existing client relationships.
• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

• Engagement profitability margin, measuring budget management and realization across the managed client portfolio.
• Audit report issuance timeliness, tracking delivery against agreed deadlines for each client engagement.
• PCAOB or internal quality review findings rate, reflecting technical accuracy of work product reviewed and signed off.
• Staff retention and promotion rate within managed engagement teams, indicating coaching and development effectiveness.
• New business contribution measured by proposals participated in and incremental revenue from existing client expansions.
• Typical tools: audit management platforms (commonly ProSystem Engagement or similar); financial reporting software (commonly Microsoft Office Suite).

• Base Salary Range: $130,000 to $175,000 depending on firm size and market.
• Bonus: Performance-based, typically 10% to 20% of base salary.
• Equity: Not standard at this level; partnership track discussion may begin here.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; employer contributes a significant share.
• PTO: Typically 20 to 25 days annually, plus firm holidays.
• Common Perks: CPA exam support, continuing education reimbursement, flexible scheduling during off-peak seasons.

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

A background check, including verification of employment history and professional credentials, is a condition of employment for roles requiring CPA licensure and client-facing fiduciary responsibility. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Candidates must hold valid authorization to work in the United States.

The Senior Audit Manager owns end-to-end delivery of technology-related audits across a portfolio of large and complex clients, overseeing budgeting, resourcing, scoping, and quality of outputs while managing senior relationships with C-level staff and Heads of Technology Audit. This role leads people management, coaching, and business growth initiatives within the firm's Risk Line of Service, championing risk management activities and driving market-facing propositions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end delivery of technology-related audits across a portfolio of large and complex clients, including budgeting, resourcing, scoping, and quality of outputs.
• Manage senior client relationships with C-level staff, Internal Audit Managers, and Heads of Technology Audit throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Support clients in developing annual Tech Internal Audit plans and scoping individual audits.
• Collaborate with the wider Internal Audit practice to deliver a coherent service across technology and business audits.
• Take an active role in people management, coaching, and developing skills within the team.
• Lead initiatives to grow the business through winning new work and creating market-facing propositions.
• Promote the use of technology to enhance and improve ways of working.
• Champion risk management activities to protect the firm's brand and increase awareness of the Tech Audit team across the Risk Line of Service.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working in Tech Audit within an in-house Internal Audit/Risk and Compliance team or a professional services/consulting firm.
• Relevant Tech Audit or IT qualifications (e.g., CISA, CISM, CISSP, CIA).
• Broad understanding of IT risk, controls, and best practice frameworks such as ITIL and COBIT.
• Experience with technology systems and infrastructure including applications, operating systems, databases, and networks.
• Deeper subject matter expertise in one or two key technology areas such as IT governance, cloud, or IT service management.
• Strong organisational, report writing, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate succinctly to varied audiences.
• Excellent client-facing interpersonal skills including with senior stakeholders, and ability to foster relationships that generate commercial opportunities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, manage and coach individuals, and maintain high quality standards and attention to detail.

Embedded within a public accounting engagement team, the Senior Audit Manager delivers assurance and consulting services to large manufacturing, distribution, and consumer products clients while leading resolution of complex accounting business issues that impact clients' financial situations. Working closely with engagement partners and audit staff, this role manages engagement budgets, staffing, billing, and profitability targets across multiple simultaneous engagements under US GAAP, IFRS, and PCAOB standards.

Core Functions

• Collaborate to plan audit objectives and determine an audit strategy that appropriately addresses risk.
• Establish the expectations of the audit team and value of client services to be delivered.
• Lead multiple audit engagements simultaneously in a fast-paced, results-based environment and manage all engagement fieldwork for quality and timely delivery.
• Provide guidance on complex or specialised audit procedures and identify accounting and audit risks using US GAAP, IFRS, US GAAS, IAS, and PCAOB standards.
• Manage engagement budgets, staffing, billing, collections, and profitability targets.
• Anticipate and address client concerns, escalating issues to the engagement partner as needed.
• Understand clients' industries and recognise emerging business trends and key performance drivers.
• Support the development and professional growth of audit staff through knowledge sharing, training, and timely performance feedback.
• Develop a strategy for long-term professional relationships and centres of influence to drive business growth.
• Ensure ongoing self-professional development through technical specialisation and continuing education.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting or a business-related field.
• CPA active license.
• 8+ years of current or recent experience providing financial audit services in a CPA firm or professional services practice.
• Previous experience developing and executing audit strategies for manufacturing, distribution, large corporations, multi-national companies, or SEC registrants.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, US GAAS, IAS, and PCAOB auditing standards.
• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring audit teams across multiple client engagements simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and working knowledge of ProSystem Engagement and other audit preparation software.
• Strong record of developing and sustaining profitable client relationships, with excellent interpersonal, analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work additional hours as needed and travel to client locations.

Reporting to firm leadership, the Senior Audit Manager manages and supervises external Employee Benefit Plan audit engagements, including SEC registrants, in accordance with relevant regulatory and professional standards while overseeing engagement budgets, resourcing strategy, billing, and progress against milestones. Partnering with clients and internal teams, this role builds and manages client relationships, drives the client experience, and leverages KPMG's Audit Methodology to expand the client base and deliver complementary service offerings.

Primary Duties

• Manage and supervise the execution of external Employee Benefit Plan audit engagements, including SEC registrants, in accordance with relevant regulatory and professional standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of accounting literature, trends, and technical issues relevant to clients' industries.
• Oversee engagement management including budget, resourcing strategy, billing, collections, and progress against plan, timeline, and milestones.
• Set the culture for the engagement team and mentor members in their career development.
• Build and manage client relationships, driving the client experience and expanding the client base by identifying and growing the current portfolio.
• Understand and utilise KPMG's Audit Methodology and leverage complementary service offerings within the Centre for Audit Solutions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university; CPA licensed in home office state.
• Minimum seven years of current and/or recent financial statement audit experience within a public accounting firm, including a minimum of two years of Employee Benefit Plan audit experience, with demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Applied working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, U.S. GAAS, and PCAOB Auditing Standards.
• Proven ability to grow client portfolio and meet challenging client requirements while providing exceptional service.
• Adherence to the firm's values and code of conduct.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Sitting at the intersection of client service and technical audit delivery, the Senior Audit Manager leads diverse engagements across manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers in consumer-focused sectors, assessing risk and designing audit procedures grounded in RSM's methodology and GAAP, GAAS, and FASB regulations. Operating across the national and local Audit practice in Kansas City, MO, this role manages engagement profitability, develops team members, and identifies opportunities to introduce clients to expanded firm services.

Accountabilities

• Provide timely, high-quality client service including coordinating audits of complex financial statements, related disclosures, and other deliverables.
• Assess risk and design and communicate audit procedures to engagement teams using RSM's audit methodology and a risk-based approach.
• Manage multiple engagements, oversee engagement status, and ensure maintenance of milestones across all projects.
• Identify technical accounting matters early, recognise industry-specific auditing issues, and coordinate with firm specialists as needed.
• Prepare client deliverables such as board communications, deficiency letters, and management letters with insightful feedback.
• Review work product of Senior Associates, Supervisors, and Managers; communicate audit status to clients and assess resources needed for project completion.
• Anticipate and address client concerns and maintain year-round client contact to deepen relationships and serve as a trusted business adviser.
• Develop others within the firm through training, career development guidance, and identifying performance improvement opportunities for team members.
• Understand RSM's lines of business and identify opportunities to introduce clients to other services within the firm.
• Manage profitability of projects, develop growth strategy, and stay current on GAAP developments and firm standards.

Skills & Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• CPA or CA Certification.
• 8+ years of current or recent experience in a public accounting environment.
• Previous experience auditing consumer products companies with knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and FASB regulations.
• Experience with acquisitions including purchase accounting, goodwill, intangible assets, impairment issues, valuations, stock-based compensation, and equity.
• Proven record of building profitable, sustainable client relationships and directing teams across multiple simultaneous engagements.
• Willingness to travel 25% of the year depending on client needs.

A key member of the internal audit function, the Senior Audit Manager partners with operational teams to assess risk, conduct detailed audits, and draft written internal audit reports that clearly articulate scope, objectives, issues, and practical recommendations for remediation. Collaborating across business partners and cross-functional stakeholders, this role supports the annual risk assessment process and drives continuous process improvements to strengthen control frameworks across the organization.

Duties

• Partner with operational teams to assess risk and advise on controls related to emerging business and product risks.
• Build collaborative and trusting relationships with business partners and cross-functional stakeholders to identify risk mitigations and opportunities to add value.
• Support execution of the annual risk assessment and development of an approved annual audit plan.
• Conduct detailed audits and reviews to provide independent assurance that control frameworks and systems are functioning as intended.
• Identify internal control deficiencies and provide recommendations for improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Draft written internal audit reports clearly articulating scope, objectives, issues, risk, impact, root cause, and practical recommendations for remediation.
• Monitor and validate implementation of outstanding audit recommendations.
• Proactively evaluate risks and internal controls against changing regulations, compliance requirements, and market conditions.
• Drive innovative value creation and continuous process improvements through technology, process, and people.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA and/or CIA preferred.
• Minimum 6–8 years of internal or external audit experience with at least 2 years of management experience.
• Big 4 public accounting firm strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and risk-based audit approaches.
• Proven ability to influence change, lead projects, analyse data, and develop and communicate recommendations.
• Ability to analyse business processes and internal controls to formulate effective measures to improve control effectiveness and efficiency.
• Strong business judgement and problem-solving skills, with strong written and oral communication and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented, energetic, and flexible team player with the ability to adapt in a changing environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Sustained demand for audit services across indigenous and global multinational clients depends on the Senior Audit Manager, who leads and completes audits to agreed service levels while building and developing teams that maintain professional integrity, objectivity, and technical excellence. Based within Deloitte's Audit practice, this role services a portfolio of key clients across every business sector and works with departments including tax and consulting to deliver coordinated client solutions.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading and completing audits and ensuring timely completion of projects to agreed service levels.
• Build and lead teams effectively, maintaining service levels and professional standards.
• Contribute to the development and management of the Audit practice and service line initiatives.
• Maintain and develop existing client relationships and contribute to new business development opportunities.
• Service a portfolio of key clients and develop service offerings to meet client demands.
• Work with other departments such as tax and consulting to provide coordinated solutions to clients.

Professional Experience

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, BA Accty, or equivalent).
• Significant experience with expertise across a range of audit services.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of IFRS and ISA.
• Business acumen and insight to serve as an effective business adviser to clients.
• Experience managing and leading teams effectively.
• Outstanding communication (spoken and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Motivated self-starter with ambition to continue progressing a successful career.

As the Senior Audit Manager, this role directs and drives the success of multiple engagements while expanding the client base and supporting business development activities across a public accounting environment. The audit team relies on this work to attract and retain top talent, maintain open lines of communication with clients, and deliver cross-selling initiatives that extend services to existing clients.

Ownership Areas

• Direct and drive the success of multiple engagements.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent while keeping lines of communication open with staff and clients.
• Anticipate and address client concerns and escalate problems as they arise.
• Initiate cross-selling of business to other practices and promote new ideas and business solutions that result in extended services to existing clients.
• Develop an understanding of clients' businesses and become a functional expert in the area.
• Expand the client base and support business development activities.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field; MBA or advanced business degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of recent experience working in a public accounting environment.
• Experience working for a Big 4 or large regional accounting firm is a plus.
• Proven track record of attracting, hiring, retaining, and managing an audit team with experience communicating with senior client management.
• Technical proficiency in audit and accounting.
• Ability to manage within budgetary and time constraints while providing a high level of client satisfaction.

Senior Audit Manager directs fieldwork on financial statement audit and accounting engagements, monitoring progress against budgets and due dates while overseeing staff, seniors, and supervisors across a diverse mix of client industries at a professional services consulting firm on Long Island. The work directly supports client relationship management, engagement planning, and seamless liaison between Principals, clients, and staff within a quickly growing firm.

Job Functions

• Direct the work of staff, seniors, and supervisors assigned to client engagements.
• Direct fieldwork on financial statement audit and accounting engagements, monitoring progress against budgets and due dates.
• Supervise and review engagement planning.
• Train and evaluate staff, senior accountants, and supervisors, and review work before submission to Principals.
• Serve as a liaison among Principals, clients, and staff.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• 5+ years of related experience.
• Proficiency with computer platforms and applications.
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills.
• Experience handling a mix of industries.

The Senior IT Audit Manager shapes risk assessment performance, annual IT internal audit plan execution, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance documentation for a specialized client niche, serving as a trusted adviser who proactively identifies client issues and communicates solution options to Managing Directors. This role manages staff on engagement deliverables, leads new client development, and supervises and mentors staff on internal audit and SOX standards across billing, realization, and engagement budget responsibilities.

What You'll Do

• Recognise internal control weaknesses and non-compliance with internal procedures and policies that may result in inadequate or ineffective operations.
• Identify and communicate internal audit issues, technical matters, and improvement opportunities with Managing Directors and clients.
• Assume significant client responsibility as a trusted adviser, proactively identifying client issues and communicating solution options.
• Manage staff on engagement deliverables and complete technical and strategic reviews to ensure quality control standards are met.
• Lead new client development in partnership with upper management, including client meetings, presentations, and proposal development.
• Manage billing, realization, and overall engagement budgets for assigned clients, explaining variances as needed.
• Supervise, train, and mentor staff on internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley standards, conducting performance feedback and evaluations.
• Drive a team environment, demonstrate support of management decisions, and build a positive culture.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• CIA, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CCIE, CISM, CCSK, CPA, or equivalent certification required.
• 6+ years of IT audit experience, technical IT support experience, or related field; 4+ years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to manage all aspects of client engagements and prioritise multiple assignments against deadlines.
• Proficient use of applicable technology.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to travel based on client and business needs.

The Senior Audit Manager leads a portfolio of potential new clients and existing engagements, overseeing audit scheduling, staff development, engagement economics, and delivery of services that exceed client quality expectations across Deloitte businesses globally. This role consults and advises clients on technical accounting, auditing, and internal control matters while leveraging internal contacts and staying connected to market trends to develop innovative solutions.

Strategic Initiatives

• Develop a personal growth plan and strategy around a portfolio of potential new clients and new business.
• Identify, prepare, and participate in proposals for new clients and projects.
• Schedule audits, identify staff, assign workloads, and actively monitor and manage engagement economics.
• Supervise, develop, and motivate staff including coaching, career guidance, and integration of overseas delivery resources.
• Drive timely and effective delivery of services that exceeds clients' quality expectations while working effectively in an agile environment.
• Consult and advise clients on technical accounting, auditing, and internal control matters.
• Develop, maintain, and leverage internal contacts across Deloitte businesses and stay connected to market trends to develop innovative solutions.

Experience & Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualification or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience working with IFRS, UK GAAP, US GAAP, or equivalent reporting standards; PCAOB experience desirable.
• Proven leadership skills demonstrating strong judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to present client data clearly and concisely and develop effective client relationships built on rapport, trust, and confidence.
• Ability to manage and motivate teams at all levels, work independently across multiple assignments, and operate effectively in a fast-paced or virtual environment.

Reporting to firm leadership, the Senior Audit Manager advances audit quality by reviewing engagements to identify risks, coaching professional staff, and leading audit committee meeting presentations for a client base that includes public sector clients. Partnering with business development and marketing initiatives, this role builds personal referral sources, participates in speaking opportunities, and manages multiple concurrent engagements, billings, and resource needs within scheduled deadlines.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Assist with managing, developing, and coaching professional staff.
• Review audit engagements to identify audit risks and ensure completion in accordance with professional standards.
• Consistently identify engagement and operating improvement opportunities and provide timely and practical solutions.
• Build personal referral sources and actively participate in team marketing opportunities.
• Lead audit committee meeting presentations and participate in speaking and article writing opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA License required.
• At least 7–9 years of relevant audit experience, including knowledge and experience with audits of public sector clients.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent engagements, billings, and resource needs without disruption and within scheduled deadlines.
• Aptitude to recruit and develop firm associates and team members with innovative ideas for servicing clients.
• Strong communication skills to effectively relate to people of diverse backgrounds both verbally and in writing, with the ability to prioritise and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel to serve clients.

Senior Audit Manager manages a book of business and develops and maintains new client accounts at one of Atlanta's top public accounting firms, guiding the preparation, review, and sign-off of returns while conducting tax planning and advising clients on tax issues. Success in the position means serving as the go-to resource for client account growth, overseeing tax research, supervising projects, and ensuring all client information is obtained efficiently for timely return completion.

Areas of Ownership

• Develop and maintain new client accounts and manage the overall book of business.
• Guide in the preparation, review, and sign-off of returns.
• Conduct tax planning and advise clients on tax issues.
• Obtain all necessary client information for tax returns via email, face-to-face meetings, and telephone.
• Conduct tax research and supervise projects.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree is a plus.
• CPA license required (or JD; EA not accepted).
• At least 7+ years of experience in a public accounting firm.
• Experience with businesses, large corporations, non-profits, and/or publicly traded companies.
• Experience with reviews, write-offs on reviews, and assisting in building a book of business.