Assurance Manager

Dean Dorton•Lexington, KY

23h

About The Position

Dean Dorton is seeking an Assurance Manager to oversee engagements from start to finish, managing client relationships and internal engagement teams to ensure the quality and timeliness of client deliverables. The Assurance Manager will lead engagement teams, provide technical guidance, and contribute to assurance and firm non-charge initiatives. This role involves managing all aspects of assurance engagements and risk assessments, including budgeting, scheduling, executing processes, championing team members, prioritizing tasks, and managing deadlines. The manager will review workpapers and financial statements, prepare assurance files, and serve as the main point of contact for clients, proactively addressing their needs and advocating for firm services. They will create and execute assurance plans, design tests, identify scope, and plan schedules. A strong technical understanding of accounting principles, regulations, and assurance methodologies is essential, as is the ability to coordinate with engagement teams for timely completion. The role requires staying updated on technical advancements and industry trends, training and mentoring staff, and championing firm culture. Building technical expertise, leadership, and client management capabilities are key. Effective communication, strong relationship management, and adherence to firm policies are also crucial. The position involves meeting productivity goals, participating in firm events, and contributing to non-charge activities such as recruiting, process development, training, and business development. Serving as a career advisor and participating in community activities are also part of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, or related field.
Five to six years of experience in an assurance or accounting related role.
CPA licensure required.
Other certifications demonstrating specialization (e.g., Certified Internal Auditor) may be required.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of assurance engagements and risk assessments, including budgeting and scheduling, executing processes and procedures, championing team members, prioritizing tasks, and managing internal and external deadlines.
Review workpapers and financial statements, preparing assurance files and binders for assurance director review.
Manage client relationships by serving as a main point of contact for the client and proactively address client needs while advocating for firm services (including cross-selling).
Create and execute assurance plans, including designing of appropriate tests, identifying scope, and planning schedules for engagements using proper leveraging.
Obtain strong technical knowledge of accounting principles, regulations, and assurance methodologies, ensuring adherence of these within client engagements.
Coordinate with engagement teams to ensure timely completion of tasks to meet client expectations and deadlines.
Stay up to date on technical updates and industry trends, sharing relevant information and insights with internal team members and external clients.
Begin to specialize in specific industries or niches.
Train, develop, and mentor staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment.
Be a champion for firm culture and core values.
Engage in research and technical discussions, seeking guidance when needed.
Build technical expertise, leadership skills, and/or client management capabilities.
Communicate effectively, setting clear expectations and responsibilities for engagement teams and clients.
Utilize strong relationship management skills to build rapport with internal team members and external stakeholders.
Adhere to firm policies while completing firm administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and new client proposals.
Maintain compliance of assurance continuing education requirements (e.g., Yellow Book, EBP).
Meet productivity goals.
Participate in firm-sponsored events and activities.
Participate in team and firm non-charge activities of interest, such as: Recruiting activities, including interviewing and evaluating candidates.
Evaluating and developing internal processes, procedures, and guidelines.
Contributing to the development of training materials and leading training sessions.
Joining an internal committee or initiative.
Serving as a career advisor to assurance team members, monitoring team member performance, providing feedback, and facilitating growth opportunities.
Assisting in business development efforts, including attending industry events, networking with potential clients, and promoting the firm's services.
Actively seeking out opportunities to participate in local community activities by volunteering or joining an external board/committee.