Audit & Assurance Manager: Lead Engagements, Advise, Grow

Talnt; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Talnt is seeking an Audit & Assurance Manager to lead engagements from planning through issuance, build client relationships, and develop Seniors and Staff. You will influence across clients, people, and the practice, with a focus on delivering high-quality audits and advisory insights.

You will mentor teams, manage budgets and staffing, and collaborate with firm leadership on accounting, reporting, and business issues that matter to clients.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive public accounting audit and assurance experience.
• Current Audit Manager experience or demonstrated experience at Manager level.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Strong command of GAAP, GAAS, financial reporting, risk assessment, internal controls, and audit methodology.
• Proven experience leading engagements from planning through issuance.
• Experience managing engagement budgets, staffing, deadlines, realization, and multiple client relationships simultaneously.
• Ability to review complex financial statements and audit documentation while providing clear technical direction to engagement teams.
• Confidence working directly with CFOs, Controllers, business owners, and other senior client leadership.
• Demonstrated success coaching, developing, and reviewing the work of Seniors and Staff.
• Exposure to SOX, SOC, internal audit, fraud risk assessment, technical accounting, or other advisory services is a plus.
• Commercial mindset with an interest in expanding client relationships and contributing to practice growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit, review, and assurance engagements from planning through completion and final issuance.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, building relationships with CFOs, Controllers, business owners, and senior management.
• Understand the business behind the financial statements and advise clients on complex accounting, reporting, internal control, and operational matters.
• Lead engagement strategy, risk assessment, audit execution, financial statement preparation, and resolution of complex technical issues.
• Review financial statements, disclosures, workpapers, and engagement documentation while maintaining a high standard of audit quality.
• Manage engagement economics, including budgets, realization, staffing, scheduling, deadlines, and overall profitability.
• Identify issues early, develop practical solutions, and communicate recommendations directly to clients and firm leadership.
• Research and apply complex GAAP, GAAS, and evolving accounting and auditing guidance.
• Lead, coach, and develop Seniors and Staff while creating clear accountability across engagement teams.
• Make staffing and delegation decisions that balance professional development with engagement efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships and introduce additional assurance, accounting, and advisory services.
• Participate in practice development, recruiting, internal initiatives, and other efforts that contribute to the growth of the firm.

Skills

Audit management

GAAP/GAAS

Client relationship management

Staff development

Budgeting & staffing

SOX knowledge

Leadership

Communication with CFOs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Job description

Talnt is seeking an Audit & Assurance Manager to lead engagements from planning through issuance, build client relationships, and develop Seniors and Staff. You will influence across clients, people, and the practice, with a focus on delivering high-quality audits and advisory insights.

You will mentor teams, manage budgets and staffing, and collaborate with firm leadership on accounting, reporting, and business issues that matter to clients.