Audit Partner - Chicago

Cherry Bekaert • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Do you have a passion for building? Have you been described as having a “growth mindset?” If so, please keep reading. Cherry Bekaert, consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, is proud to have been recognized in 2025 by Accounting Today as a Best Tech Firm for leadership in AI governance and data strategy. The firm was also named the #1 Firm in the Southeast, a Top Five Hedge Fund Auditor, and one of the Top 20 Accounting Firms in the U.S. Our strategy is to be digitally driven, industry-aligned, and focused on the middle market. As our firm expands, we’re seeking an Audit Partner to help us continue to build our commercial audit strength in our Chicago Assurance practice. In this highly visible role, you’ll be responsible for helping to build the Chicago audit practice that serves middle-market, private equity backed and public companies. We're looking for a results-driven, market-facing partner who will contribute to expanding the practice by using their strong professional network, and by engaging in business development opportunities with other firm leaders. Exceptional business development experience and client relationship skills are necessary. Our ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of middle market commercial industries including Private Equity , Technology, and/or Life Sciences. This position will be based in our Chicago-Adams St. office, and a strong existing network in Chicago, including private equity relationships, is required. Limited travel should be expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Masters preferred.
• Must be CPA certified and have an active CPA license.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience with a large local, regional or national public accounting firm.
• The candidate’s strongest traits must be in client service and business development, leading to growth.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• No agencies.
• A strong existing network in Chicago, including private equity relationships, is required.
• Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.
• Cherry Bekaert will not provide work sponsorship for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Our ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of middle market commercial industries including Private Equity , Technology, and/or Life Sciences.
• Masters preferred.

Responsibilities

• Consistently grow the practice through expansion of services to existing clients, cross selling with other advisory practices, and obtaining new clients.
• Execute the Firm and Audit Service Line vision, strategy, and goals for the Chicago audit practice, as well as support other leaders in their execution of the strategic plan.
• Develop professionals within the practice while building a talent pipeline.
• Drive consistency, collaboration and communication among Service Line, Market Leaders, Shared Service Leaders, Advisory and Industry Leaders as well as with other stakeholders.
• Help drive economic results throughout the practice as evidenced by key performance indicators.

Benefits

• Entrepreneurial environment focused on professional development, career advancement, and performance and rewards opportunities.
• Supportive partnership group with a “one firm” mentality and a commitment to colleagues’ success.
• Big firm resources and bench strength; small firm flexibility and openness to new ideas.
• Defined metrics and targets that eliminate ambiguity.
• Flexible work arrangements with generous PTO, including a firmwide week off for the 4th of July.
• medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level