Audit Senior – Irvine; CA

Oliver James Associates Ltd.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Associates Ltd. is partnering with a respected Irvine-based CPA firm to recruit an Audit Senior.

The role focuses on mid-market engagements, client exposure, and leadership access, offering meaningful development and career growth in a collaborative environment. You will work on complex audits across real estate, technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and nonprofits, balancing technical challenges with work‑life balance and partner accessibility.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of public accounting audit experience.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and auditing standards.
• Experience leading portions of audit engagements.
• Ability to supervise and develop junior team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• CPA license or active progress toward the CPA preferred.
• Experience with middle‑market, SEC, manufacturing, real estate, technology, life sciences or other complex clients is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Perform and review audit procedures across complex areas of financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements and related disclosures.
• Evaluate internal controls, accounting processes and risk areas.
• Serve as a key day‑to‑day contact for clients.
• Identify and communicate accounting and audit issues to managers and partners.
• Supervise, train and mentor Staff Accountants.
• Manage engagement timelines and deliverables.
• Participate in technical accounting research and complex audit matters.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with clients and engagement teams.

Skills

Public accounting

Audit

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license in progress or CPA preferred

Job description

Audit Senior - Irvine, CA

Location: Irvine, CA Industry: Public Accounting | Audit & Business Advisory Employment Type: Full-Time

Take the next step in your public accounting career.

Are you an experienced Audit Senior looking for a firm where you can work on complex, middle-market engagements while having genuine access to leadership, meaningful client exposure, and a better work-life balance?

We're partnering with a highly respected, independently owned CPA firm in Orange County that combines the technical sophistication of a larger accounting firm with the culture, accessibility and personal attention of a smaller organization.

This is an opportunity to join a team where your work is visible, your development matters, and you can build a long‑term career rather than simply move through the public accounting cycle.

Why consider this opportunity?

Work with sophisticated middle‑market clients

You’ll work with a diverse portfolio of public and private companies across industries including real estate, technology, life sciences, manufacturing & distribution, healthcare and nonprofits. Many clients have previously been serviced by major national firms, providing exposure to complex accounting and auditing matters.

More exposure. Less bureaucracy.

As an independent firm, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with experienced managers and partners rather than getting lost in layers of hierarchy. The firm emphasizes an entrepreneurial approach to client management, giving professionals meaningful ownership of their engagements and client relationships.

Build your technical expertise.

The team is known for deep technical expertise and challenging engagements. Audit Seniors are trusted with increasingly complex areas of the audit, client interaction, staff development and engagement execution.

A culture that genuinely values work‑life balance.

Work‑life balance is positioned as a core part of the firm’s culture—not simply a recruiting slogan. The firm offers flexibility, a collaborative environment and an emphasis on maintaining a fulfilling life outside of work.

Invested in your development.

Professionals have access to firm‑sponsored training, professional development and financial assistance for advanced degrees and professional certifications, including CPA exam support.

A firm recognized for its workplace culture.

The firm was named one of the 2025 Best Accounting Firms to Work For nationally and has also been recognized as a Best Place to Work in Southern California.

What you’ll do

• Lead and execute audit engagements from planning through completion
• Perform and review audit procedures across complex areas of financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements and related disclosures
• Evaluate internal controls, accounting processes and risk areas
• Serve as a key day‑to‑day contact for clients
• Identify and communicate accounting and audit issues to managers and partners
• Supervise, train and mentor Staff Accountants
• Manage engagement timelines and deliverables
• Participate in technical accounting research and complex audit matters
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with clients and engagement teams

What we’re looking for

• 3+ years of public accounting audit experience
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and auditing standards
• Experience leading portions of audit engagements
• Ability to supervise and develop junior team members
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• CPA license or active progress toward the CPA preferred
• Experience with middle‑market, SEC, manufacturing, real estate, technology, life sciences or other complex clients is a plus

Why make the move?

If you’re coming from a larger public accounting environment and want more ownership, stronger partner access, broader client exposure and a healthier long‑term career path, this could be an excellent next step.

You’ll get the opportunity to work on technically challenging engagements with sophisticated clients‑while being part of a firm where people know your name, leadership is accessible, and professional development is taken seriously.

Irvine location | Strong career progression | Complex middle‑market clients | Partner exposure | Work‑life balance | Professional development