Audit Manager

Wertz & Associates; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Life insurance

Continuing education support

Professional development opportunities

Long-term advancement potential

Competitive compensation package

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Flexible hybrid scheduling

Job summary

Wertz & Associates invites applications for an Audit Manager role in Fort Smith, AR. This position leads audit engagements, mentors staff, and serves as a trusted advisor to diverse clients across industries while partnering with firm leadership on strategic initiatives.

The role emphasizes client relationships, technical excellence, and growth opportunities toward senior leadership within a respected public accounting firm that supports professional development and a flexible hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.
• Strong audit and assurance background.
• Proven leadership of engagement teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit, review, compilation, and consulting engagements from planning through completion.
• Manage engagement budgets, staffing, schedules, and client expectations.
• Review financial statements and engagement workpapers; ensure quality and compliance.
• Develop and maintain client relationships; act as trusted advisor.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Relationship management

Education

CPA license

Job description

Audit Manager, CPA

Assurance Leadership | Client Advisory | Team Development | Career Advancement

Compensation: $110,000–$145,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Growth Opportunities

Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Schedule: On-Site

Our client, a respected and growing CPA and advisory firm, is seeking an experienced Audit Manager to join its Fort Smith office.

This is more than a traditional audit management position.

It's an opportunity to work directly with business owners, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, nonprofit entities, construction companies, governmental organizations, and closely held businesses while leading assurance engagements, mentoring talented professionals, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.

The firm has earned a reputation for technical excellence, exceptional client service, and long-term relationships. As an Audit Manager, you'll play a key role in leading engagement teams, strengthening client partnerships, and helping organizations navigate increasingly complex accounting, reporting, and compliance matters.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• $110,000–$145,000 base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Established and respected public accounting firm
• Significant client-facing responsibilities
• Diverse portfolio of assurance and consulting engagements
• Opportunity to mentor and develop accounting professionals
• Direct access to firm leadership
• Continuing education and professional development support
• Clear path toward Senior Manager and Partner-track opportunities
• Collaborative and relationship-driven culture

Exceptional candidates with specialized industry expertise, significant engagement leadership experience, or a proven track record of developing client relationships may be considered above the posted compensation range.

About the Firm

Our client is a full-service public accounting and advisory firm serving businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Arkansas and surrounding markets.

Services include:

• Audit & Assurance
• Reviews & Compilations
• Business Advisory Services
• Tax Planning & Compliance
• Accounting Services
• Consulting Solutions

The firm is committed to helping clients achieve their goals while creating an environment where professionals can grow, lead, and build rewarding careers.

The Opportunity

As an Audit Manager, you'll serve as a primary liaison between clients, engagement teams, and firm leadership while managing a variety of assurance and consulting engagements.

You'll gain exposure to:

• Financial Statement Audits
• Reviews & Compilations
• Internal Control Assessments
• Risk Evaluation & Compliance
• Financial Reporting
• Business Advisory Services
• Client Relationship Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Practice Growth Initiatives

This role offers an outstanding blend of technical accounting expertise, client advisory work, and leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Assurance Engagement Leadership

• Lead audit, review, compilation, and consulting engagements from planning through completion
• Manage engagement budgets, staffing, schedules, and client expectations
• Review financial statements and engagement workpapers
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and firm quality requirements
• Identify risks and deliver practical recommendations to clients

Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships
• Serve as a trusted advisor on accounting and operational matters
• Communicate engagement findings and recommendations
• Deliver exceptional responsiveness and client service
• Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen client relationships

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop senior and staff accountants
• Provide technical coaching and professional guidance
• Assist with staff training and career development initiatives
• Promote collaboration and accountability across engagement teams
• Support recruiting and retention efforts

Practice Development

• Collaborate with firm leadership on strategic initiatives
• Assist with implementation of new accounting and auditing standards
• Promote process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Support client retention and practice growth efforts
• Contribute to the continued success of the assurance practice

Qualifications

Required

• Active CPA license
• 5+ years of public accounting experience
• Strong audit and assurance background
• Experience leading engagement teams
• Strong financial reporting knowledge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven project management and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously

Who Thrives Here?

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys building strong client relationships
• Wants meaningful leadership responsibilities
• Takes pride in mentoring and developing staff
• Enjoys solving accounting and business challenges
• Values collaboration and continuous learning
• Wants a clear path toward future advancement
• Enjoys balancing technical work with client-facing responsibilities

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Flexible hybrid scheduling
• Health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life insurance
• Continuing education support
• Professional development opportunities
• Long-term advancement potential

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

Many Audit Manager opportunities focus primarily on engagement execution and compliance.

This opportunity provides the ability to become a trusted advisor to clients while helping shape the future of the assurance practice. You'll work directly with business leaders, provide guidance on complex accounting matters, mentor developing professionals, and contribute to the continued growth of a respected public accounting firm.

The combination of leadership, client visibility, professional development, and advancement potential makes this an exceptional opportunity for an experienced assurance professional ready to take the next step in their career.

About Our Client

Our client is a respected public accounting and advisory firm known for technical excellence, long-standing client relationships, and a commitment to employee development. Through strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a focus on exceptional client service, the firm provides professionals with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to build rewarding long-term careers.