Associate Director - Forensic & Litigation Services

Whitley Penn; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid holidays

Paid PTO 25 days

Maternity & Parental Leave

401(k) with Profit Sharing

Discretionary Bonus

Becker CPA Review Course

Wellness Program

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Whitley Penn, a leading audit, tax, and advisory firm, seeks an FLS Associate Director in Houston. The role involves directing complex disputes, analyzing damages, and coordinating cross‑functional teams in a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidates have a CPA or equivalent credentials, 5+ years of leadership experience in accounting/finance, and strong expertise in litigation/expert services. You’ll mentor staff and collaborate with clients and attorneys on strategy and testimony.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics required; advanced degree a plus.
• CPA license preferred or other professional credentials as needed.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with leadership, preferably in consulting.

Responsibilities

• Calculate economic damages in diverse matters including IP, contracts, theft of trade secrets, and business disputes.
• Review and analyze documents; highlight relevant testimony for the team.
• Manage projects by setting objectives and delegating tasks to meet timelines.
• Identify issues and advise leadership with strategic recommendations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for attorneys/clients with supporting documents.
• Prepare testifying experts for depositions and trials with organized files.
• Develop outlines for testimony and demonstrative exhibits for trial.
• Review junior staff work for accuracy and timeliness.
• Attend client meetings to define scope and client expectations.
• Lead departmental training and internal development; coordinate training programs.
• Assist in recruiting and training material development.

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Accounting/Finance knowledge

Litigation/Expert services knowledge

MS Office

Communication skills

Ethics & compliance

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/economics

Job description

Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Forensic & Litigation Services ("FLS") Associate Director to join our team!

The FLS – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes department provides analysis, advice, and expert testimony to attorneys and clients involved in intellectual property and commercial disputes. The FLS Associate Director will direct, administer, and coordinate client assignments and work closely with team members and outside counsel to ensure that business strategies and tactics are effectively implemented and a high level of client services is achieved.

Whitley Penn has become one of the fastest growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional, personalized service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to Audit and Tax solutions, we offer a wider range of Advisory and Consulting services. We work in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. At Whitley Penn, we learn, innovate, and achieve by sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas, and working together. We’re looking for professionals who think like owners and want to be part of shaping a high-growth firm.

Position Details:

• Job Title: FLS Associate Director
• Classification: Full-time; Exempt
• Department: Forensic & Litigation Services – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes
• Location: Houston
• Office Expectations/Hours: Hybrid (Mon, Tues, Thurs in office); general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed

What You Will Do

• Calculate economic damages in different types of matters, such as litigation matters involving patent, trademark, and copy right infringement, theft of trade secrets, breach of contract, business valuation, solvency, fraud, business interruption, personal injury, wrongful death, and wrongful termination
• Assist in reviewing and analyzing documents; highlight and communicate relevant documents and testimony to team members; ensure all documents have been reviewed
• Effectively manage projects by setting internal objectives, delegating assignments, and ensuring objectives are met in a timely manner
• Identify issues, communicate with Managing Directors and Directors on the direction of the case, and make strategic recommendations, exercising strong analytical skills for details and risk
• Assist in delivering complete reports to the Managing Directors and Partners for review; the presented work product should be completed as if it is going to the attorneys/clients and should be accompanied by relevant supporting documents
• Help prepare the testifying expert for depositions and trials, ensuring the file is well-organized and all work papers and important documents are compiled in a binder for a quick and easy review by the testifying expert
• Work closely with the testifying expert in developing an outline for testimony and demonstrative exhibits for trial
• Review the work of Associates and Senior Associates and provide feedback for corrections and changes, if needed; ensure staff’s work is completed in timely manner
• Review formatting of schedules prepared (e.g. extra lines deleted, consolidation of information, etc.); spell check, foot, and cross foot numerical totals for accurate financial information analysis
• Attend client meetings with Partners, Managing Directors, and/or Directors to determine scope of engagement and continued client expectations
• Lead departmental training for associate-level professionals and foster a learning environment of continuous improvement; schedule in-house training, lunch and learns with Associates and all members of the team
• Assist in recruiting, developing training material, and acting as an instructor in professional development programs

What You Need to Get Here

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics; advanced degree in a related field a plus
• A CPA license is preferred and/or other suitable professional credentials or designations as needed
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting and/or finance culminating into a leadership role including management experience, preferably in a consulting environment
• A broad background and knowledge in litigation/expert services and the calculation of damages in different types of matters is required
• Proficiency in use of technology and accounting programs including MS Office
• Effective communication skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to manage and lead teams
• Ethics and compliance
• Problem solving skills

Why Whitley Penn

Our total rewards are incredibly competitive. We work hard and recharge so that we can be our best selves for our clients. Explore some of our benefits below:

• Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans)
• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance
• 17 Annual Firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4th and year end
• 25 days PTO
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401(k) with Profit Sharing
• Discretionary Bonus Program
• Firm Paid Becker CPA Review Course & Reimbursement for Exam Fees
• Health & Wellness Program
• Pet Insurance

Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to age, race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Whitley Penn is a participant in E-Verify please follow the link to review disclosure notifications: https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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