Audit Manager : Not for Profit Accouting

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Summer Fridays

Technical training

Leadership development

Mentoring

Job summary

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC is seeking an experienced Audit Manager specializing in Not-for-Profit organizations to lead a growing assurance practice in the Greater Chicagoland area. The role offers ownership of engagements, opportunity to mentor staff, and pathways toward Partnership with a respected CPA firm.

The ideal candidate will manage diverse nonprofit engagements, build strong client relationships, ensure high-quality deliverables, and stay current with nonprofit accounting standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; Master's degree a plus.
• 5–7+ years of audit experience in a public accounting firm.
• Experience managing audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GAAS.
• Experience supervising and developing audit staff.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage audit engagements for nonprofit clients.
• Oversee all phases of audit engagements from planning to final deliverables.
• Develop audit strategies, budgets, staffing plans and timelines.
• Review financial statements, footnotes and audit workpapers.
• Ensure engagements comply with professional standards.
• Mentor and develop audit staff and coordinate staffing.

Skills

Audit management

Relationship management

Team leadership

GAAP knowledge

GAAS knowledge

Not-for-profit expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree preferred

CPA designation preferred

Job description

Audit Manager – Not-for-Profit Practice

Public Accounting | Greater Chicagoland Area | Direct Hire

The Opportunity

Our client, a highly respected and established CPA firm in the greater Chicagoland area, is seeking an experienced Audit Manager specializing in Not-for-Profit organizations to join its growing audit and assurance practice.

Recognized as a regional leader in public accounting, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional audit, tax, and advisory services to a diverse client base.

This opportunity is ideal for a public accounting professional looking to take ownership of client engagements, lead and mentor audit teams, and develop long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations.

The firm offers a collaborative, supportive environment with excellent advancement opportunities, including a potential path to Partner, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an emphasis on work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Engagement Management

• Lead and manage audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, including educational institutions, charitable organizations, foundations, associations, healthcare organizations, and social service agencies.

• Oversee all phases of audit engagements, including planning, fieldwork, financial reporting, and final deliverables.

• Develop audit strategies, engagement budgets, staffing plans, and timelines.

• Review financial statements, footnotes, audit workpapers, management letters, and other attestation deliverables.

• Ensure engagements are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable professional standards.

• Identify and resolve complex accounting and auditing issues through research and consultation.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned nonprofit audit clients.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and high-quality service.

• Provide practical recommendations to improve financial reporting, internal controls, and operational efficiency.

• Communicate engagement progress, findings, and recommendations to client leadership.

• Work directly with Partners on engagement strategy and client development.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and mentor audit associates and senior accountants.

• Review staff workpapers and provide technical guidance and constructive feedback.

• Coordinate engagement staffing, scheduling, budgets, and resource allocation.

• Support the professional development and advancement of audit team members.

Nonprofit Accounting & Compliance

• Apply nonprofit accounting principles and relevant financial reporting requirements.

• Review or prepare Form 990 filings in conjunction with nonprofit audit engagements.

• Assist with agreed-upon procedures, special projects, and other assurance engagements.

• Maintain awareness of evolving accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and nonprofit industry developments.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field; master's degree a plus.

• 5–7+ years of audit experience within a public accounting firm.

• Demonstrated experience managing audit engagements from planning through completion.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and financial statement preparation.

• Experience supervising, reviewing, and developing audit staff.

• Excellent client relationship management, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple engagements, deadlines, and priorities.

Preferred

• CPA designation strongly preferred.

• Previous audit experience with nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations.

• Familiarity with nonprofit financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance requirements.

• Experience preparing or reviewing IRS Form 990.

• Knowledge of nonprofit tax matters and related regulatory requirements.

Compensation, Benefits & Career Development

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain experienced public accounting professionals.

Highlights include:

• Competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits.

• Clear opportunities for professional advancement, including a potential path to Partner.

• Direct interaction with firm Partners and senior leadership.

• Diverse and established nonprofit client portfolio.

• Ongoing technical training, leadership development, and mentoring.

• Year-round flexible scheduling and summer Fridays.

• Supportive, team-oriented culture with an emphasis on work-life balance.

• Modern technology and efficient, paperless audit processes.

• Business casual work environment.

• Firm-sponsored social events and team-building activities.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Audit Manager who wants to build a long-term career with an established CPA firm while specializing in the nonprofit sector.

Unlike environments where managers are limited to engagement execution, this position offers meaningful client ownership, direct Partner exposure, opportunities to influence practice growth, and a clear path toward greater leadership responsibilities.

For the right candidate, this represents an opportunity to grow professionally while working with organizations that make a meaningful impact in their communities.