Audit Manager: Lead Engagements, Build Client Relationships

Clark Schaefer Hackett; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Schaefer Hackett in Columbus, OH, is seeking an experienced Audit Manager to lead multiple engagements from planning through completion, supervise budgets, timelines, and staff, and strengthen client relationships.

The role emphasizes mentoring, technical accounting expertise, risk assessment, and partnering with firm leadership on growth. CPA preferred but not required; candidates pursuing CPA encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of audit experience, preferably in public accounting.
• CPA preferred but not required; candidates pursuing CPA encouraged.
• Experience leading audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Strong technical knowledge of accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and risk assessment.
• Experience reviewing audit work papers, financial statements, and client deliverables for quality and accuracy.
• Strong client-facing communication skills with executives, business owners, leadership teams, and internal colleagues.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing audit professionals while supporting a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Excellent organizational, project management, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit engagements from planning through completion, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality delivery.
• Manage engagement budgets, timelines, staffing, workflow, and overall project performance.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination for client engagements, ensuring work aligns with professional standards and client expectations.
• Build trusted client relationships by identifying risks, addressing challenges, and offering practical, business-focused recommendations.
• Review work papers, financial statements, reports, and other engagement deliverables for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
• Coach, mentor, and develop audit team members while promoting accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Partner with firm leadership on practice development, client service initiatives, and opportunities to expand relationships.
• Balance technical audit responsibilities with client communication, team leadership, project management, and business development activities.

Skills

Audit leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Mentoring

Communication skills

Technical accounting

Risk assessment

CPA certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Job description

Clark Schaefer Hackett in Columbus, OH, is seeking an experienced Audit Manager to lead multiple engagements from planning through completion, supervise budgets, timelines, and staff, and strengthen client relationships.

The role emphasizes mentoring, technical accounting expertise, risk assessment, and partnering with firm leadership on growth. CPA preferred but not required; candidates pursuing CPA encouraged.