Audit Associate

Primary Services; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Primary Services in Houston is seeking an Audit Associate to support risk-based internal audits for a leading energy utility. You will evaluate processes, controls, and risks, collaborate with stakeholders, and help strengthen enterprise risk management in a hybrid Houston environment with potential remote Fridays.

This six-month assignment offers hands-on experience beyond routine audits, with opportunities for permanent employment after completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field required.
• At least 1 year of professional audit experience, with operational or internal auditing preferred.
• Experience evaluating operational processes, internal controls, and business risks.
• Experience conducting audit testing, preparing workpapers, and documenting audit findings.
• Knowledge of risk-based audit methodologies, internal control frameworks, and compliance assessments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Public accounting or utility industry experience preferred.
• CPA, CIA, MBA, or plans to pursue an advanced professional credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support risk-based operational, financial, and compliance audits.
• Evaluate business processes, internal controls, and operational risks to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and execute audit testing procedures tailored to specific business activities and identified risks.
• Examine supporting documentation, analyze transactions, and prepare detailed audit workpapers.
• Review financial and operational data to identify discrepancies, control gaps, and emerging risks.
• Document audit observations, supporting evidence, and recommendations for corrective action.
• Assist in preparing audit scopes, reports, and findings for management review.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand processes, investigate findings, and identify practical solutions.
• Participate in internal control evaluations, risk assessments, and operational process improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analysis techniques and automated audit tools to evaluate business activities and control effectiveness.
• Support annual audit planning, special investigations, and management-requested projects.
• Maintain accurate audit documentation and monitor assigned testing activities to meet engagement deadlines.

Skills

Audit experience

Internal controls

Risk assessment

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CIA or MBA preferred

Tools

SAP

IDEA

Tableau

TeamMate+

Job description

Hybrid Schedule | Operational Audit Experience | Potential for Permanent Employment

Build your auditing career with a leading energy utility serving millions of customers. Gain hands-on exposure to complex business operations, internal controls, and enterprise risk management while working alongside experienced audit professionals. Enjoy a hybrid schedule in Houston with potential remote Fridays, plus the opportunity for permanent employment following an initial six-month assignment.

The Audit Associate will support risk-based internal audits for a large, established energy company, evaluating how business processes operate, identifying potential risks, and recommending improvements to strengthen internal controls. This role goes beyond routine audit checklists, offering the opportunity to develop audit procedures, investigate operational challenges, and apply independent judgment to complex business activities. The Audit Associate will collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments to support effective risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of risk-based operational, financial, and compliance audits.
• Evaluate business processes, internal controls, and operational risks to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and execute audit testing procedures tailored to specific business activities and identified risks.
• Examine supporting documentation, analyze transactions, and prepare detailed audit workpapers.
• Review financial and operational data to identify discrepancies, control gaps, and emerging risks.
• Document audit observations, supporting evidence, and recommendations for corrective action.
• Assist in preparing audit scopes, reports, and findings for management review.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand processes, investigate findings, and identify practical solutions.
• Participate in internal control evaluations, risk assessments, and operational process improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analysis techniques and automated audit tools to evaluate business activities and control effectiveness.
• Support annual audit planning, special investigations, and management-requested projects.
• Maintain accurate audit documentation and monitor assigned testing activities to meet engagement deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field required.
• At least 1 year of professional audit experience, with operational or internal auditing strongly preferred.
• Experience evaluating operational processes, internal controls, and business risks.
• Experience conducting audit testing, preparing workpapers, and documenting audit findings.
• Knowledge of risk-based audit methodologies, internal control frameworks, and compliance assessments.
• Experience developing or adapting audit procedures based on identified risks and business processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience analyzing financial or operational data to identify discrepancies and control weaknesses.
• Familiarity with SAP, IDEA, Tableau, or TeamMate+ preferred.
• Public accounting or utility industry experience preferred.
• CPA, CIA, MBA, or plans to pursue an advanced professional credential preferred.
• Ability to independently evaluate information, investigate process issues, and develop evidence-based audit conclusions.