Job description
About the Role
The Audit Director – State & Local Government serves as the liaison between partners, clients, and professional staff. You will manage multiple auditing and accounting engagements, oversee engagement workflow, and ensure compliance with firm policies and accounting standards. This role plays a pivotal part in maintaining client relationships, developing staff, and driving business development initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Client & Engagement Management
- Maintain client relationships year-round and possess a thorough understanding of client operations and controls.
- Serve as engagement partner or report directly to the engagement partner, signing attest opinions as assigned.
- Oversee all phases of audits, reviews, and accounting engagements, ensuring compliance with GAAP, GASB, GAAS, and Government Auditing Standards.
- Identify potential engagement issues, implement solutions, and update partners as needed.
- Ensure engagements are scheduled, staffed, and completed in accordance with firm policies.
Technical Expertise
- Serve as a subject matter expert in state and local government audits, including cities, counties, and special districts in California and/or Oregon.
- Stay current on governmental accounting and auditing standards.
Leadership & Staff Development
- Supervise and mentor engagement teams; review work papers and reports.
- Provide on-the-job training and conduct performance evaluations and career counseling.
- Assist in recruitment, including interviewing Assurance & Advisory candidates.
Business Development
- Act as a representative of the firm in networking and business development.
- Generate new business through client relationships, referrals, and community involvement.
- Lead prospective client opportunities, prepare fee estimates, and attend prospect meetings.
Compliance & Administration
- Ensure compliance with firm policies, billing, and collections procedures.
- Uphold firm-wide standards for quality, efficiency, and professional ethics.
Qualifications
10+ years of public accounting experience, including 2+ years at the Senior Manager level.
Significant experience auditing state and local governments (cities, counties, special districts) in California and/or Oregon.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
Active CPA license.
Demonstrated ability to develop and secure new business for a CPA firm.
Strong knowledge of:
- U.S. GAAP
- GASB Standards
- U.S. GAAS
- Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book)
Proven leadership skills in directing, reviewing, and training staff.
Ability to travel to client sites as needed.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work environment: office, home, and client site.
- Same-day travel for client engagements, meetings, or seminars.
- Occasional overnight travel for client work or professional events.
- Overtime may be required throughout the year; heavier workload expected August–February for Not-for-Profit and Government clients.
Why Join Us
- Fast track to partnership with clear advancement opportunities.
- Hybrid and flexible work environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- Opportunity to lead government-sector audit engagements for a top-ranked CPA firm.
- Strong firm culture with emphasis on professional growth and client service.
