Audit Manager

Syntax Talent Solutions, LLC; Lutherville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions, LLC is seeking an Audit Manager to lead real estate and HUD/LIHTC engagements within a respected public accounting firm. This hands-on role focuses on planning, execution, and client service, guiding engagement teams and ensuring high-quality deliverables across industries.

The ideal candidate has 5–8+ years of public accounting experience, CPA preferred, strong GAAP knowledge, and a proven ability to mentor staff while maintaining a direct, client-focused leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field.
• CPA license preferred; candidates actively pursuing CPA licensure will be considered.
• Master's degree in Accounting or Taxation is a plus.
• Relevant continuing professional education (CPE) in audit, assurance and real estate/HUD topics is advantageous.
• 5-8+ years of progressive public accounting experience with a strong focus on audit and assurance services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution and completion of audit and assurance engagements, ensuring compliance with professional standards and firm methodologies.
• Manage real estate audits, including HUD and LIHTC engagements, overseeing fieldwork and resolving complex technical issues.
• Review workpapers, financial statements and related deliverables prepared by staff, providing clear feedback and guidance.
• Supervise, coach and develop audit staff and seniors, supporting their technical growth and performance on engagements.
• Maintain a hands-on role in testing key real estate audit areas such as rent rolls, prepaid expenses/insurance, fixed assets and HUD-related compliance.
• Coordinate engagement timelines, budgets and resource allocation, proactively addressing issues to keep projects on track.
• Serve as a primary client contact during engagements, addressing questions, presenting findings and strengthening long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with partners and other managers to refine audit processes and contribute to department initiatives.

Skills

Audit leadership

GAAP knowledge

Real estate audits

HUD/LIHTC experience

Client communication

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

CPA preferred

Master's in Accounting/Taxation

Tools

QuickBooks

Job description

Step into a key leadership role where your audit expertise and real estate experience can directly shape client outcomes and the growth of a high-performing audit team. This is a hands-on position within a well-respected public accounting environment, offering exposure to diverse industries while maintaining a strong focus on real estate and HUD/LIHTC engagements.

About the Role:

As Audit Manager, you will lead complex audit and assurance engagements from planning through completion, with a particular emphasis on real estate clients and HUD/LIHTC work. You will oversee engagement teams, drive audit quality and efficiency, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients across multiple industries. Your work will have a direct impact on client relationships, staff development, and the overall strength of the audit department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution and completion of audit and assurance engagements, ensuring compliance with professional standards and firm methodologies
• Manage real estate audits, including HUD and LIHTC engagements, overseeing fieldwork and resolving complex technical issues
• Review workpapers, financial statements and related deliverables prepared by staff, providing clear feedback and guidance
• Supervise, coach and develop audit staff and seniors, supporting their technical growth and performance on engagements
• Maintain a hands-on role in testing key real estate audit areas such as rent rolls, prepaid expenses/insurance, fixed assets and HUD-related compliance
• Coordinate engagement timelines, budgets and resource allocation, proactively addressing issues to keep projects on track
• Serve as a primary client contact during engagements, addressing questions, presenting findings and strengthening long-term relationships
• Collaborate with partners and other managers to refine audit processes and contribute to department initiatives

Key Requirements:

• 5-8+ years of progressive public accounting experience with a strong focus on audit and assurance services
• Demonstrated experience managing audit engagements and teams, including review and sign-off responsibilities
• Strong technical understanding of real estate audit areas, including rent rolls, prepaid expenses/insurance, fixed assets and HUD regulations
• Proven ability to remain hands-on with engagement work while functioning as a leader within an audit department
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing staff in a public accounting environment
• Broader assurance background including reviews and compilations across multiple industries
• Comfortable working directly with clients, communicating complex audit matters clearly and professionally
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards applicable to private entities
• Real estate audit experience specifically with HUD and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) engagements
• Exposure to nonprofit, manufacturing, construction and general contractor clients
• Tax knowledge, particularly understanding how audit and accounting findings impact tax reporting
• QuickBooks experience in an assurance or accounting context
• Background in regional or midsized public accounting firms (e.g., CLA, CohnReznick, Novak Francella or similar)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field
• CPA license preferred; candidates actively pursuing CPA licensure will be considered
• Master's degree in Accounting or Taxation is a plus
• Relevant continuing professional education (CPE) in audit, assurance and real estate/HUD topics is advantageous