Assurance Senior

BDO USA•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Assurance Senior coordinates day-to-day in-charge duties for audit planning, fieldwork, and wrap-up, including preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying GAAP, and documenting, validating, testing, and assessing control systems. The role serves as a client contact for basic questions and information and may also participate in review and agreed-upon procedure engagements. The Assurance Senior applies knowledge of internal controls, GAAP, SEC and PCAOB requirements, GAAS, firm audit methodology, and research practices to deliver effective and efficient audit services. Responsibilities include coordinating audit execution, handling complex accounting and audit matters, developing planning documentation and budgets, and supporting engagement managers. The role supervises Audit Associates and provides performance feedback.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in another focus area and CPA certification.
At least two years of relevant audit experience and/or experience in public accounting, private industry accounting, or consulting/professional services.
Eligible to sit for the CPA exams upon starting employment and actively pursuing completion of the exams.
Solid understanding and experience planning and coordinating the stages of an audit of a basic public and/or private company.
Knowledge of internal accounting controls and professional standards and regulations, including GAAP, GAAS, and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style and messaging to professionals at all levels within the client organization and firm.
Ability to multitask successfully, working independently and within a group environment.
Strong analytical and diagnostic skills, including the ability to break down complex issues and implement appropriate resolutions.
Ability to work in a demanding, deadline-driven environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
Solid project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accountancy.
Prior basic supervisory experience.
CPA certification.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with assurance applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day audit planning, fieldwork, and wrap-up, ensuring work is completed according to the timetable, firm policies and procedures, and budget.
Apply knowledge of transactional flows and key transaction cycles to complete audit work.
Document, validate, and assess the design and operating effectiveness of clients’ internal control systems.
Identify and communicate improvements to client internal controls and accounting procedures.
Supervise and review audit staff work and provide verbal and written performance feedback to Audit Associates.
Communicate financial statement disclosure requirements to clients and draft complex financial statements with disclosures.
Recognize and apply new accounting pronouncements, identify and analyze alternative GAAP treatments, and raise complex accounting issues with superiors for resolution.
Coach less experienced team members in new areas.
Review clients’ SEC filings for accuracy and completeness and ensure financial information is documented in workpapers and supported by appropriate testing.
Prepare required communications to clients and Audit Committees.
Plan and execute Section 404 internal control audits, including understanding the control environment, designing test plans, evaluating deficiencies, and assessing the financial reporting control environment.
Formulate and communicate audit plans, apply GAAS to complex issues, exercise audit skepticism, and determine whether to reduce or expand testing.
Apply BDO audit approaches, methodologies, tools, and technology; document approved deviations from firm policy; and identify and propose outcomes to critical issues.
Research accounting matters using internal and external sources, form initial opinions on appropriate treatment, and document the effects on the client and engagement.
Document and organize complex research findings in a usable format.
Assist the engagement manager in gathering information about the business and information system, including the accounting system, to support the audit strategy.
Develop draft Audit Engagement Planning Memoranda, audit programs, and budgets.
Collaborate with the engagement manager to assign individual audit staff responsibilities.
Serve as a client contact for basic questions and information and participate in review or agreed-upon procedure engagements as needed.
Perform other duties as required.