State & Local Government Audit Manager

SEK CPAs & Advisors•Chambersburg, PA

103d

About The Position

Are you looking for a great place to continue growing your career? At SEK, you will find just that, especially if you are… Technically Skilled: Demonstrates deep expertise in GAAP, GAAS, and audit standards. Empathetic & Empowering Leader: Mentors and develops team members while understanding team challenges and fostering a positive work environment. Proactive & Deadline Driven: Manages multiple audit engagements and team members efficiently and effectively within strict deadlines. Analytical & Solution-Oriented: Identifies potential risks and delivers innovative, practical solutions to address them effectively. Articulate & Engaging Communicator: Provides reports and communications in a clear and concise manner while ensuring active listening with team members, clients, and other stakeholders to understand concerns and provide thoughtful, relevant feedback We are seeking an experienced Audit Manager (State & Local Government) to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will oversee the audit and financial reporting engagements for local governments, ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of financial statements and reports. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, client-focused, and has a passion for public service. This role reports directly to the Partner and requires collaboration across multiple office locations and team members. Local travel to client sites is necessary to support engagements and maintain strong relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting
Minimum of 6+ years of audit experience, preferably with a focus on governmental audits.
Active CPA License.
Leadership experience and desire to participate in leadership opportunities.
Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
Ability to deal appropriately with confidential information and to demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
Strong community orientation.
Ability to reason intelligently and use sound judgment.
Professional demeanor towards duties and responsibilities, particularly with regard to independence, professional ethics, and the exercise of professional judgment.

Responsibilities

Lead Audit Engagements: Plan, execute, and oversee audit engagements for local government entities, including municipalities, school districts, and public authorities. Ensure that audits are conducted efficiently, meeting all required deadlines and client expectations.
Financial Statement Preparation & Review: Prepare and review comprehensive financial statements in accordance with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards. Ensure all statements are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations, including the timely filing of reports with state and federal authorities.
Lead and Mentor Audit Team: Provide leadership and guidance to audit staff, ensuring proper execution of audit procedures. This includes reviewing audit workpapers, coaching staff on complex issues, and providing constructive feedback to support professional development.
Risk Assessment and Audit Strategy Development: Perform risk assessments to identify areas of potential concern within clients’ financial operations. Develop tailored audit strategies that address identified risks while ensuring the highest standards of audit quality.
Internal Controls Evaluation: Assess and document the internal control systems of local government clients. Provide recommendations for improvements to strengthen financial controls and ensure operational efficiency.
Client Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients. Act as the primary point of contact throughout the audit process, addressing concerns and offering solutions to financial and operational issues. Provide value-added insights beyond the audit process, such as advice on accounting standards and financial management best practices.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal auditing regulations, including GAGAS (Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards) and Single Audit requirements (OMB Uniform Guidance). Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and communicate updates to both clients and internal teams.
Quality Control and Review: Oversee the quality control process for audits, ensuring all documentation is thorough and accurate. Perform final review of audit deliverables, ensuring alignment with firm and professional standards.
Training and Development: Contribute to the ongoing training of audit staff, providing workshops and technical guidance on evolving accounting standards, audit methodologies, and client-specific issues.
Client Advisory Role: Act as a trusted advisor for local governments, offering expert insights on financial reporting, accounting policies, and strategic financial planning. Assist clients in navigating complex financial scenarios, including bond issues, grant management, and budgeting challenges.
Collaboration with Senior Management: Work closely with partners and senior management to identify opportunities for service enhancements, process improvements, and firm growth initiatives. Provide input on strategic initiatives and contribute to the firm’s long-term planning.
Business Development Support: Assist with business development efforts, including participating in client proposals, presentations, and networking events to promote the firm’s services to potential governmental clients.