Transaction Accounting Senior Associate (M&A Advisory)

Elliott Davis • Nashville, TN

1d

About The Position

Elliott Davis provides 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 post-close transaction accounting engagements, helping clients address accounting and financial reporting matters arising from acquisitions and divestitures. Work includes opening balance sheets, purchase accounting support, net working capital analyses, post-close purchase price adjustments, final closing statements, and other transaction-related accounting advisory projects.

The role involves direct collaboration with private equity sponsors, portfolio company leadership, attorneys, lenders, quality of earnings providers, and other transaction advisors. It includes significant client interaction, technical accounting work, and business development opportunities. The position also manages engagement economics and delivery, develops and mentors associates and interns, and contributes to methods and technology-enabled solutions that improve service quality and efficiency.

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.
• Client-service orientation and strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight transaction timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with private equity-backed companies.
• Forward-thinking mindset and interest in using technology and AI to improve service delivery and engagement efficiency.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative leadership style, growth mindset, and desire to mentor developing professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality client service that meets or exceeds client expectations.
• Lead multiple transaction accounting engagements simultaneously, including opening balance sheets, NWC true-ups, purchase price adjustments, and final closing statements.
• Manage all phases of post-close accounting workstreams from planning through delivery.
• Review purchase agreements and transaction documents to identify accounting considerations, NWC 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 under ASC 805 and related purchase accounting guidance.
• Evaluate historical accounting practices and recommend adjustments needed to comply 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 discussions with clients and transaction counterparties 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.
• 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