Assurance Senior

BDO USA; Potomac (MD); On-site; USD 78,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA is seeking an Assurance Senior in Maryland to coordinate the day-to-day audit process, including planning, fieldwork and wrap-up. You will prepare financial statements with disclosures, apply GAAP, and document internal controls.

The role also serves as a client contact for routine inquiries and may participate in reviews and procedures. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Statistics (or CPA with another degree) and have 2+ years of audit experience,

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or statistics; or a bachelor’s in another field with CPA.
• Master’s degree in Accountancy is preferred.
• CPA exam eligible and pursued is required; CPA is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day audit activities, including planning, fieldwork and wrap-up.
• Review work of Audit Associates and supervise staff.
• Document and test internal controls and assess control environments.

Skills

Audit coordination

Verbal and written communication

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Statistics

CPA credential (required if non-accounting degree)

Master’s in Accountancy (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Assurance applications & research tools

Job description

Job Summary

The Assurance Senior will coordinate the day‑to‑day "in-charge" duties of planning, fieldwork, and wrap‑up, including preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying GAAP, and documenting, validating, testing, and assessing control systems. The role also acts as the client contact for basic questions and may be involved in reviews and agreed‑upon procedure engagements.

Responsibilities

Control Environment

• Apply knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of various factors on establishing or enhancing effectiveness, or mitigating the risks, of specific policies and procedures.
• Apply knowledge of transactional flow and key transactional cycles to complete audit work.
• Document, validate and assess the design and operating effectiveness of the client’s internal control system.
• Identify and communicate suggested improvements to client internal controls and accounting procedures to reduce risk.
• Supervise and review the work of audit staff.

GAAP

• Apply knowledge and understanding of governing principles; apply these principles to client transactions; document and communicate an understanding and application of these principles.
• Communicate financial statement disclosure requirements to clients.
• Draft complex sets of financial statements with disclosures.
• Recognize and apply new pronouncements to client situations.
• Identify, analyze and discuss alternative generally accepted accounting principles with manager, senior manager, engagement partner, and client.
• Identify complex accounting issues and bring them to the attention of superiors for resolution.
• Coach less experienced team members in new areas.

SEC and PCAOB

• Apply knowledge and understanding of SEC regulations and PCAOB guidelines; document and communicate the application of these principles.
• Read and review clients’ SEC filings, ensuring accuracy and completeness, and ensure all financial information is documented in the workpapers and through appropriate testing.
• Prepare required communications to the client and the audit committee.
• Plan and execute Section 404 internal control audits, including obtaining an understanding of the control environment, designing test plans, evaluating deficiencies, and assessing the overall financial reporting control environment.

GAAS

• Apply knowledge and understanding of professional standards and the application of the principles contained in professional standards; document and communicate an understanding and application of professional standards on an engagement.
• Formulate and communicate the audit plan.
• Apply GAAS to a variety of complex issues and consult others as appropriate.
• Employ audit skepticism and determine when to reduce or expand testing.
• Utilize BDO audit manuals as appropriate for the situation.
• Document deviations from BDO policy with approval.

Methodology

• Apply knowledge and application of BDO standards to guide effective and efficient delivery of quality services and products.
• Coordinate the day‑to‑day conduct of the audit plan, ensuring field work is executed and completed as planned, in accordance with timetable, firm’s policies and procedures, and within budget.
• Apply BDO audit approach and methodologies, including tools and technology, to execute the audit.
• Identify and propose outcomes to critical issues.

Research

• Seek or maintain information from authoritative sources and draw conclusions regarding a target issue based on the information.
• Utilize internal and external research tools and select methodology for routine research requests.
• Research complex areas of accounting, form an initial opinion on the correct treatment independently, and consider and document the impact on the client and audit engagement.
• Document and organize complicated findings in a usable format based on information obtained from accounting research manager, BDO Assurance Manual, Yahoo Finance, etc.
• Assist the engagement manager with gathering appropriate information about the business and information system, including the accounting system, to form an adequate basis for preparing the audit strategy.
• Develop the draft Audit Engagement Planning Memorandum, audit programs and budgets.
• Collaborate with the engagement manager to establish the responsibilities of individual audit staff for specific areas of audit work.
• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide verbal and written performance feedback to Audit Associates.
• Supervise the work assignments of Audit Associates within the assigned engagement team.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics, required OR Bachelor’s degree in other focus area and CPA certification, required.
• Master’s degree in Accountancy, preferred.

Experience

• Two (2) or more years of prior relevant audit experience and/or public accounting, private industry accounting or consulting/professional services experience, required.
• Prior basic supervisory experience, preferred.

License / Certifications

• Eligible to sit for the CPA exams upon starting employment, required and actively pursuing completion of the exams, required.
• CPA, preferred.

Software

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, preferred.
• Experience with assurance applications and research tools, preferred.

Language

• N/A.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding and experience planning and coordinating the stages to perform an audit of a basic public and/or private company.
• Knowledge of internal accounting controls and professional standards and regulations (GAAP, GAAS, Sarbanes‑Oxley, etc.).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt style and messaging to effectively communicate with professionals at all levels both within the client organization and the firm.
• Ability to successfully multi‑task while working independently and within a group environment.
• Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and ability to break down complex issues and implement appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to work in a demanding, deadline‑driven environment with a focus on details and accuracy.
• Solid project management skills.

Individual salaries are determined after consideration of numerous factors including candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
California: $88,000 – $105,000
Colorado: $80,000 – $85,000
Illinois: $82,000 – $90,000
Maryland: $78,000 – $93,000
Minnesota: $76,000 – $82,000
Massachusetts: $81,500 – $90,000
New Jersey: $80,000 – $95,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester: $80,000 – $115,000
Ohio: $75,000 – $82,000
Virginia: $88,000 – $98,000
Washington: $82,000 – $95,000
Washington DC: $80,000 – $100,000

About Us

BDO provides assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries. We are an ESOP company committed to delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, clients, and communities. We focus on flexibility, advancement opportunities, meaningful connections, curiosity, and authenticity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. BDO USA, P.A. is an EO employer M/F/Veteran/Disability.