Audit Manager

Vesta; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesta is seeking an experienced Audit Manager in Madison, Wisconsin. This role involves leading financial audits, managing engagements, and ensuring quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years in audit, possess a CPA, and demonstrate excellent analytical and communication skills. You will build strong client relationships while leading a team to enhance efficiency and innovation in audit processes.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of audit/assurance experience in the industry.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards.
• Proven experience leading engagements and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial statement audits from planning through issuance.
• Design and execute risk-based audit approaches tailored to clients.
• Manage timelines, risks, and resources across multiple engagements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Education

CPA

Tools

Audit technology

Data analytics tools

Job description

Description

The Audit Manager leads the delivery of high-quality audit and assurance services for clients, providing independent and objective assessments of financial statements, internal controls, and related processes. This role ensures audits are executed with integrity, technical excellence, and efficiency while enhancing the reliability of financial information for stakeholders.

Reports To

Shareholder

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial statement audits from planning through issuance
• Design and execute risk-based audit approaches tailored to clients
• Evaluate internal controls, governance, and risk management processes
• Review complex audit areas, financial statements, and disclosures
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, independence requirements, and firm methodology

Engagement Ownership & Delivery

• Own engagement success: planning, budgeting, execution, and completion
• Manage timelines, risks, and resources across multiple engagements
• Anticipate and resolve issues proactively; elevate when appropriate
• Ensure accountability across the engagement team for quality and deadlines
• Manage engagement economics (budget, realization, billing, collections)

Client Relationship & Business Insight

• Serve as primary day-to-day contact for client leadership (Controllers, CFOs, owners, E.D.’s)
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships
• Understand client operations, risks, and industry trends
• Communicate complex audit and financial topics clearly to stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to expand services and deliver additional value

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop team members
• Leverage team members’ strengths to drive performance
• Use work review as a tool to develop technical and professional skills
• Provide timely, constructive feedback and manage performance
• Address conflicts and lead difficult conversations when needed

Technology & Innovation

• Leverage audit technologies, data analytics, and digital tools to improve quality and efficiency
• Encourage innovation and adoption of new tools and processes
• Continuously improve engagement workflows and delivery methods

Qualifications & Experience

• CPA required
• 5–10+ years of audit/assurance experience (Industry)
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and auditing standards
• Proven experience leading engagements and teams
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with audit technology and data analytics tools (preferred)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Recognized as a technical resource in audit and accounting
• Able to independently resolve complex issues
• Builds credibility with clients through expertise
• Thinks like a business advisor, not just a compliance provider
• Communicates complex ideas clearly to non-technical stakeholders
• Leads teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability
• Embraces innovation, technology, and continuous improvement