Audit Senior Manager

Ascend Partner Firms • Chapel Hill, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Audit Senior Manager to serve clients across a range of industries — including small business, auto dealership, construction, real estate, retail, non-profit, and lead employee benefit plan audits. This is a dynamic, client-facing opportunity for an experienced audit professional who is eager for continued growth and thrives on direct client interaction. You will plan and execute assurance engagements, lead audit teams, and manage day-to-day client relationships while identifying opportunities to improve how the audit function operates. You bring excellent interpersonal skills, a team-oriented approach, and the judgment to serve as a trusted point of contact among firm leadership, clients, and staff.

As a Senior Tax Manager, you will lead and manage all phases of business client tax advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of business returns, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct tax research, and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience applying audit methodologies and techniques within public accounting
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• In-depth knowledge of employee benefit plan audits
• In-depth knowledge of family-owned for-profit businesses, including construction, real estate, and auto dealerships
• Experience overseeing, training, and mentoring staff
• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted client relationships and develop new business opportunities
• Ability to build and manage relationships internally and externally
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and operations
• Ability to optimize workflows and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department
• Strong operational mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and team development
• Strong project management, organizational, and change management skills
• Eagerness to explore and use new technologies to increase productivity and balance workloads
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book, and/or Single Audits.
• Experience performing Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute assurance engagements effectively
• Identify business process risks and develop recommendations based on audit findings
• Organize and monitor the progress of client engagements in relation to budgets and due dates
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and clients
• Manage a team of three or more professionals
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff on client engagements
• Manage day-to-day client relationships
• Serve as the communication channel among senior leadership, clients, and staff
• Deliver responsive, high-quality service that anticipates client needs and exceeds expectations
• Communicate audit progress, findings, and deliverables to clients clearly and proactively
• Serve as a trusted advisor, resolving client concerns promptly and ensuring a consistent, positive client experience
• Work with cross-service leadership to identify cross-sell opportunities
• Work effectively with the firm’s Chief Growth Officer to create and execute an individual client development plan
• Strengthen and retain existing client relationships to protect and grow the current book of business
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and overall department operations
• Optimize workflows, refine methodologies, and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the operational development of the audit

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary insurance options
• 401(k) matching
• Performance bonus
• 12 paid holidays
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Closed on Fridays during the month of June
• Commitment to professional development
• Equity Program eligibility at the Senior Manager level, plus top-performing Managers

What This Job Offers

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