Audit Manager

Hirewell; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5–10% performance bonus

Unlimited PTO

HSA contribution

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Hirewell in Chicago is seeking an Audit Manager to lead financial statement audits for a sophisticated middle-market client base, working directly with firm leadership. This hands-on role emphasizes ownership of engagements and development of junior staff.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in public accounting, a CPA license, and strong mentoring abilities, with experience serving PE-backed and complex clients. Hybrid work flexibility is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of public accounting Audit & Assurance experience.
• CPA license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 2+ years of supervisory or people-management experience.
• Private equity exposure is a plus, with strong middle-market foundation
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing Associates and Senior Associates.
• Demonstrated engagement and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial statement audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Own client relationships and ensure high-quality, timely delivery of engagements.
• Manage engagement budgets, deadlines, staffing, and priorities.
• Supervise, mentor, and coach Associates and Senior Associates.
• Provide technical guidance and develop the professional skills of junior team members.
• Work directly with Directors, Partners, and other firm leadership.
• Serve middle-market, PE-backed, and other sophisticated clients.
• Manage multiple engagements while maintaining strong client service.
• Contribute to growth and development of the Audit & Assurance practice.

Skills

5+ years public accounting Audit &

Hands-on audit leadership

Client relationship management

Mentoring junior staff

Engagement budgeting & planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA license

Job description

A growing, independent public accounting and advisory firm is seeking an Audit Manager to join its expanding Audit & Assurance practice. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced public accounting professional who is ready to take on greater ownership of sophisticated middle-market engagements, work directly with firm leadership, and play a meaningful role in developing the next generation of audit talent.

With nearly 30 years in business and approximately 180–200+ employees, the firm has built a strong reputation serving middle-market organizations while maintaining the resources and sophistication needed to support complex engagements.

Why This Opportunity?

• Sophisticated client base: Increasing exposure to middle-market, PE-backed, and search fund clients
• Direct leadership access: Work closely with Directors, Partners, and firm leadership rather than operating within layers of a large-firm hierarchy
• Career growth: Strong Senior Manager and Partner leadership with a focus on developing the next generation of firm leaders
• Greater ownership: Take meaningful responsibility for client relationships, engagements, teams, and project outcomes
• Growing practice: Join an expanding Audit & Assurance team with opportunities to contribute to the firm's continued growth
• Collaborative culture: A high-performing environment that values teamwork, professional development, and meaningful time away from work
• Independent platform: Join a firm that has deliberately chosen to remain independent rather than pursue private equity ownership

The Role

The Audit Manager will be a hands-on leader responsible for managing financial statement audit engagements while developing both client relationships and junior professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial statement audit engagements from planning through completion
• Own client relationships and ensure high-quality, timely delivery of engagements
• Manage engagement budgets, deadlines, staffing, and competing priorities
• Supervise, mentor, and coach Associates and Senior Associates
• Provide technical guidance and develop the professional skills of junior team members
• Work directly with Directors, Partners, and other firm leadership
• Serve middle-market, PE-backed, and other sophisticated clients
• Manage multiple concurrent engagements while maintaining strong client service
• Identify opportunities to improve engagement execution and client relationships
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the Audit & Assurance practice

Ideal Background

The strongest candidates will bring:

• 5+ years of public accounting Audit & Assurance experience, with the firm generally targeting candidates closer to the ~7-year level for Manager
• CPA license required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
• 2+ years of supervisory or people-management experience
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing Associates and Senior Associates
• Private equity client exposure
• Search fund experience is highly attractive, though candidates with the right middle-market foundation can be trained on the search fund model
• Demonstrated engagement and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple engagements, deadlines, and client relationships
• Strong technical, organizational, communication, and client-service skills
• Comfortable working directly with Partners and senior leadership
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to roll up your sleeves
• Desire to continue progressing toward senior leadership

Location & Flexibility

The firm has two Chicagoland offices:

• Downtown Chicago
• Lincolnshire

Chicago-area Audit professionals generally work onsite 3–4 days per week, with the team often closer to four days during periods of high engagement activity.

• 5–10% performance bonus
• Unlimited PTO
• HSA contribution
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Strong opportunities for professional development and advancement

Why Make the Move?

This is an opportunity for an Audit Manager who wants more than the traditional large-firm experience. You’ll have the sophistication of complex middle-market and PE-backed engagements, while gaining the visibility, ownership, and Partner interaction that can be harder to find at larger firms.

If you're looking to make the move from a larger accounting firm into an independent, growing platform where you can broaden your client exposure, lead teams, build relationships, and position yourself for long-term advancement, this could be an excellent next step.