Assurance Senior

BDO USA•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Assurance Senior coordinates the day-to-day in-charge duties of audit planning, fieldwork, and wrap-up, including preparing financial statements and 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 participate in reviews and agreed-upon procedures engagements. The Assurance Senior coordinates audit work in accordance with the audit plan, timetable, firm policies and procedures, and budget. The role applies GAAP, GAAS, SEC and PCAOB requirements, BDO standards, audit methodologies, tools, and technology. It includes researching accounting matters, documenting and communicating conclusions, identifying complex issues, and collaborating with engagement managers to plan and assign work. The position supervises Audit Associates, reviews their work, and provides verbal and written performance feedback. It requires communication with clients and colleagues, sound analytical and project-management skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a demanding, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in another focus area and CPA certification.
Two or more years of relevant audit and/or public accounting, private industry accounting, or consulting/professional services experience.
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 for professionals at all levels.
Ability to multi-task successfully while working independently and within a group environment.
Superior 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, including preparing financial statements and disclosures.
Document, validate, test, and assess the design and operating effectiveness of client internal controls.
Identify and communicate recommended 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 alternative GAAP treatments, and raise complex accounting issues with superiors and clients as appropriate.
Read and review clients’ SEC filings for accuracy and completeness, and ensure financial information is documented in workpapers and appropriately tested.
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 financial reporting controls.
Formulate and communicate the audit plan; apply GAAS, exercise audit skepticism, and determine when to reduce or expand testing.
Coordinate audit fieldwork to meet the plan and timetable, comply with firm policies and procedures, and stay within budget.
Apply BDO audit approaches and methodologies, including tools and technology, and identify and propose outcomes for critical issues.
Conduct routine and complex accounting research, form initial opinions on appropriate accounting treatment, and document impacts on clients and audit engagements.
Assist the engagement manager in gathering business and information-system details, developing the draft Audit Engagement Planning Memorandum, audit programs and budgets, and assigning audit work to staff.
Perform other duties as required.