Transaction Accounting Senior Associate (M&A Advisory)

Elliott Davis • Charleston, SC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Elliott Davis is a provider of transaction, accounting, and finance advisory services to private equity firms, portfolio companies, and founder-led businesses in the lower middle market and middle market. The Transaction Accounting Senior Associate leads transaction-related accounting engagements throughout the post-close lifecycle, helping clients address accounting and financial reporting matters arising from acquisitions and divestitures. The role covers opening balance sheets, purchase accounting support, net working capital analyses, post-close purchase price adjustments, final closing statements, and related accounting advisory projects. It involves significant client interaction, technical accounting work, and business development opportunities.

The associate works with private equity sponsors, portfolio company leadership, attorneys, lenders, quality-of-earnings providers, auditors, tax advisors, and other transaction professionals. The role manages engagements from planning through delivery, including project economics, budgets, staffing, and timelines; reviews transaction documents and accounting practices; develops and mentors junior staff; and contributes to methodologies and technology-enabled solutions.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in public accounting, transaction advisory services, accounting advisory, audit, or corporate accounting.
• Significant experience with M&A transactions, purchase accounting, net working capital analyses, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience reviewing purchase agreements and interpreting transaction-specific accounting provisions.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including business combinations under ASC 805.
• Prior project management and staff supervision experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• CPA required.
• Strong financial statement analysis and accounting research capabilities.
• Advanced Excel skills, including large-data-set analysis and financial modeling.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting platforms.
• Interest in leveraging technology and AI to improve service delivery and engagement efficiency.
• Client-service orientation and strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight transaction timelines.
• Collaborative leadership style, growth mindset, and desire to mentor developing professionals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with private equity-backed companies.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality client service that meets or exceeds client expectations.
• Lead multiple transaction accounting engagements, including opening balance sheets, net working capital true-ups, purchase price adjustments, and final closing statements.
• Manage post-close accounting workstreams from planning through delivery.
• Review purchase agreements and related transaction documents to identify accounting considerations, net working capital definitions, and adjustment mechanisms.
• Perform and supervise analyses of working capital, debt, cash, transaction expenses, accruals, reserves, and other purchase price adjustment components.
• Oversee preparation and review of opening balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805 and related purchase accounting guidance.
• Evaluate historical accounting practices and recommend adjustments for compliance with GAAP and transaction documentation.
• Coordinate with client management, private equity sponsors, auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and other third-party professionals.
• Manage engagement economics, project budgets, staffing, and delivery timelines.
• Develop and mentor associates and interns through coaching, technical review, and on-the-job training.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development across the firm's service lines.
• Help develop transaction accounting methodologies, templates, and technology-enabled solutions to improve quality and efficiency.
• Prepare and present analyses and conclusions to executives, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead client and counterparty discussions to negotiate and resolve accounting-related purchase price adjustment matters.

Benefits

• Generous time away and paid firm holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's.
• Flexible work schedules.
• 16 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, and 4 weeks of paid caregiver leave once eligible.
• Health and wellness benefits, including wellness coaching and mental health counseling.
• One-on-one professional coaching.
• Leadership and career development programs.
• Access to Beyond, a program offering personal and professional experiences.

What This Job Offers

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