Audit Associate

Talley LLP; Santa Ana (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Talley LLP in Orange, California, is seeking an Audit Associate to support audit engagements for privately held clients. You will work with the Audit & Assurance Manager and engagement teams, performing planning through completion and learning GAAP and firm standards.

This role offers hands-on client interaction, professional development, and a hybrid work culture built on collaboration and accountability, with opportunities for growth within Talley's tax, legal, and consulting disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required.
• CPA eligibility preferred or actively pursuing CPA licensure.
• 1–3 years of public accounting or relevant accounting experience.
• Basic understanding of GAAP and auditing principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Experience with CCH Engagement or Knowledge Coach is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with audit and assurance engagements from planning through completion.
• Perform audit testing and document procedures in accordance with firm standards.
• Prepare workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and related disclosures.
• Participate in walkthroughs, risk assessments, and internal control testing.
• Ensure work is completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain professional communication with clients and engagement teams.
• Respond promptly to requests for information and documentation.
• Develop an understanding of client operations, systems, and business processes.
• Demonstrate professionalism and a client-service mindset throughout engagements.
• Collaborate with managers, seniors, and peers; accept coaching and feedback.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

CPA eligibility or pursuing CPA licensure

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

Audit Associate

Talley LLP | Orange, California

About the Firm

Talley LLP and its affiliated entities, Talley Law Group, LLP ("TLG"), Talley Capital Group, LLC ("TCG"), and Talley Wealth Management, LLC ("TWM") (collectively, "Talley"), form a full-service financial, tax, legal, and consulting organization serving entrepreneurially driven businesses and their owners. Talley partners with clients as business advisors, not just service providers, constantly seeking innovative ways to strengthen their bottom line.

Talley LLP was founded in 1989 with the mission of helping entrepreneurially driven businesses, their owners, and high-net-worth individuals manage their financial affairs and achieve their business objectives profitably and efficiently. Our professionals strive to become each client's Most Trusted Advisor (MTA) by delivering global solutions to complex challenges and opportunities.

Our services include:

• Audit & Assurance services, including financial reporting
• Tax compliance, planning, and proactive advisory services
• Business consulting
• Estate planning, business planning, M&A, and tax law services through TLG
• Outsourced accounting, controller, and CFO services
• M&A, growth-through-acquisition, and operational consulting through TCG

Talley is a boutique firm with 70+ U.S.-based professionals and 20–30 offshore/outsourced team members. Headquartered in Orange, CA, the firm has grown rapidly and continues to be recognized as a leading Orange County professional services provider. We embrace a hybrid work culture built on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional client service.

Position Summary

The Audit Associate will work closely with the Audit & Assurance Manager and engagement teams to support the execution of audit and assurance engagements for privately held businesses and high-net-worth clients across a variety of industries.

This role is ideal for an accounting professional seeking to build a strong foundation in public accounting while gaining hands‑on exposure to audit procedures, financial reporting, client interaction, and professional development within a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Audit & Assurance Support

• Assist with audit and assurance engagements from planning through completion
• Perform audit testing and document procedures in accordance with firm standards
• Prepare workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and related disclosures
• Participate in walkthroughs, risk assessments, and internal control testing
• Ensure work is completed accurately and on time

Technical & Analytical Responsibilities

• Apply GAAP and auditing standards to engagement assignments
• Analyze financial data and identify inconsistencies or unusual trends
• Research accounting and audit-related issues as assigned
• Utilize firm technology and audit software to improve efficiency and accuracy

Client Service

• Maintain professional communication with clients and engagement teams
• Respond promptly to requests for information and documentation
• Develop an understanding of client operations, systems, and business processes
• Demonstrate professionalism and a client-service mindset throughout engagements

Team Collaboration & Development

• Collaborate effectively with managers, seniors, and peers
• Accept coaching and feedback to support professional growth
• Participate in internal training and continuing education opportunities
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field required
• CPA eligibility preferred, or actively pursuing CPA licensure
• 1–3 years of public accounting or relevant accounting experience
• Basic understanding of GAAP and auditing principles
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work
• Experience with CCH Engagement or Knowledge Coach is a plus

Travel

• Ability to travel to client sites as needed

Compensation

• Competitive and commensurate with experience

Why Talley?

• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
• Exposure to a diverse and sophisticated client base
• Mentorship and career development opportunities
• Integration across tax, legal, and consulting service lines
• Commitment to innovation and emerging technologies
• Opportunity for long‑term growth and advancement within the firm