Assurance Senior, Asset Management

BDO USA•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

BDO’s Asset Management and Private Equity Funds practice is a dynamic, rapidly growing nationwide practice serving private equity funds, venture capital funds, fund of funds, SBICs, BDCs, real estate funds, and other alternative investment vehicles. The Assurance Senior performs and coordinates audit work, applies accounting and professional standards, evaluates internal controls, researches complex accounting matters, and supervises Audit Associates. The role supports the planning and delivery of engagements in accordance with BDO policies, procedures, timelines, and budgets. The position includes applying GAAP, GAAS, SEC regulations, PCAOB guidelines, and BDO audit methodologies; preparing and reviewing financial statements and SEC filings; planning and conducting Section 404 internal control audits; researching and documenting accounting conclusions; and assisting engagement managers with audit strategy, planning memoranda, programs, and budgets. The Assurance Senior also provides performance feedback to Audit Associates and supervises their engagement assignments. Listed annual salary ranges are $81,500–$90,000 in Massachusetts and New Jersey, and $87,000–$100,000 in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. Individual salary offers depend on factors including qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
At least two years of experience auditing asset managers or onshore/offshore fund vehicles, including experience with industry-relevant regulations.
Actively pursuing completion of CPA licensing.
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 while working independently and in 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.
At least one year of prior supervisory experience.
CPA license.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Prior experience with assurance applications and research tools.

Responsibilities

Apply knowledge of transactional flows and key transactional cycles to complete audit work.
Document, validate, and assess the design and operating effectiveness of clients’ internal control systems.
Identify and communicate suggested improvements to client internal controls and accounting procedures.
Supervise and review the work of audit staff 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 to client situations.
Identify, analyze, and discuss alternative GAAP treatments with supervisors, engagement partners, and clients as needed.
Identify complex accounting issues and bring them to 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 the audit plan; apply GAAS to complex issues and consult others as appropriate.
Exercise audit skepticism and determine when to reduce or expand testing.
Use BDO audit manuals as appropriate and document deviations from BDO policy with approval.
Coordinate day-to-day audit work to ensure fieldwork is completed as planned, on schedule, in accordance with Firm policies and procedures, and within budget.
Apply BDO audit approaches and methodologies, including tools and technology, and identify and propose outcomes for critical issues.
Use internal and external research tools; research complex accounting matters, form an initial opinion on appropriate treatment, and consider and document implications for the client and engagement.
Document and organize complicated research findings in a usable format.
Assist the engagement manager in gathering information about the business and information systems, including accounting systems, to support audit strategy.
Develop draft Audit Engagement Planning Memoranda, audit programs, and budgets.
Collaborate with the engagement manager to establish individual audit staff responsibilities.
Perform other duties as required.