Audit Manager

Syntax Talent Solutions; Lutherville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions is seeking an Audit Manager to lead complex real estate audit engagements, including HUD and LIHTC work, from planning through completion. You will supervise engagement teams, ensure quality, and serve as the primary client contact across multiple industries, shaping outcomes and the growth of the audit practice.

The role demands 5–8+ years in public accounting with strong audit and assurance focus, hands-on leadership, and solid GAAP knowledge.

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of progressive public accounting experience with a strong focus on audit and assurance services.
• Experience managing audit engagements and teams, including review and sign-off responsibilities.
• Real estate audit expertise including HUD and LIHTC engagements.
• Strong communication skills with clients, and ability to lead staff development.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards for private entities.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution and completion of audit engagements.
• Oversee real estate audits including HUD/LIHTC.
• Review workpapers, financial statements and deliverables.
• Coach and develop audit staff.
• Coordinate engagement timelines and budgets.
• Serve as primary client contact.
• Collaborate with partners to refine processes.

Skills

Audit leadership

Real estate audits

Team management

Client communication

GAAP knowledge

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA license preferred

Master's degree a plus

CPE in real estate/HUD

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