Audit Associate - Public Sector (Government / Not-for-Profit)

Whitley-Pen; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Firm Paid Medical Insurance

Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Profit Sharing

Discretionary Bonus Program

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

Becker CPA Review Course reimbursement

Job summary

Whitley Penn, a leading public accounting firm, is seeking an Audit Associate for the Public Sector team in Houston. You will work on government and not-for-profit engagements, learning the audit process, and building a professional network early in your career.

You will participate in training, interact with clients, and contribute to a collaborative culture focused on growth and high standards. Office-based role with standard hours and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of public accounting external audit experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
• CPA certification or CPA eligibility with certification in progress.
• Preferred knowledge of GASB standards.
• Preferred knowledge of GASB Basic Financial Statements for State and Local Governments.
• Preferred knowledge of risk assessment in governmental accounting environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be highly dedicated with a positive attitude and a team player who takes initiative.

Responsibilities

• Participate on projects and engagements, grow accounting and business knowledge, and learn the firm's audit engagement process.
• Perform external audit procedures on financial statements and internal controls.
• Identify, measure, and analyze data.
• Communicate with clients to gather information and manage assignments efficiently.
• Understand how engagement budgets relate to firm results and manage personal billable hours.
• Develop knowledge of the firm and its client service philosophy.
• Participate in community organizations/events through volunteer and networking opportunities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

GASB knowledge

Public-sector auditing

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Audit Associate - Public Sector (Government / Not-for-Profit)

Job Category: AUDIT

Requisition Number: AUDIT004807

• Posted : September 15, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Houston, TX 77098, USA

Description

Whitley Penn,oneofthe nation's leading audit, tax, and advisoryfirms, is looking for an Associate to join our Public Sector (Government/Not-for-Profit) Audit team! As an Audit Associate, you will be assigned to a variety of projects and client engagements. By working on multiple types of engagements with many professionals, you will have the opportunity to learn on the job and to begin creating your own business network early in your career. Additionally, you will take part in technical and professional training designed for your continued growth and learning. Our goal is to provide you with experiences that are educational and valuable.

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 wide 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.

• Title: Audit Associate - Public Sector
• Classification: Full-time; Exempt
• Department: Audit - Public Sector
• Location: Houston
• Office Expectations/Hours: Fully in-office/on client site position; general work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed.

What You Will Do

• Participate on projects and engagements, where you will grow your accounting and business knowledge and learn the firm's audit engagement process
• Perform external audit procedures on financial statements and internal controls
• Identify, measure, and analyze data
• Learn to communicate, build relationships, and proactively work with clients to gather information needed to conduct assignments in an organized and efficient way
• Learn how engagement budgets connect to firm financial results and how to manage your personal billable hours to engagement budgets
• Develop knowledge of the firm, including its professional capabilities and our client service philosophy
• Participate in community organizations/events through volunteer and networking opportunities

What You Need to Get Here

• 1 - 2 years of public accounting external audit experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred
• CPA certification or CPA eligibility with certification in progress
• Preferred knowledge of Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards
• Preferred knowledge of GASB Basic Financial Statements for State and Local Governments
• Preferred knowledge of risk assessment in the governmental accounting environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be highly dedicated with a positive attitude and a team player who takes initiative and has an eagerness to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge

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 4 th and year end
• 20 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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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.