Audit Senior - Non-for-Profit

Grassi; Needham, Chelmsford (MA, MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work-life balance initiatives

Competitive base compensation with eligibility for raises

CPA assistance

CPE opportunities

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

Grassi, a leading accounting firm, seeks a Non-for-Profit Audit Senior Associate for its Needham office. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead audit engagements for not-for-profit organizations, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering high-quality audit reports.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a minimum of 3-5 years of audit experience, and strong leadership and communication skills. Grassi offers competitive compensation and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive audit experience; previous experience in public accounting required.
• Proven ability to supervise and lead staff while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading audit engagements for not-for-profit organizations from planning through completion.
• Acting as the primary client contact during engagements, building strong client relationships.
• Supervising, training, and mentoring staff and interns.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Accounting software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master’s Degree in Accounting

CPA license or pursuing CPA

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

QuickBooks

CaseWare

ProSystem fx Engagement

Job description

After more than 40 years of business growth and industry change, Grassi has redefined what it means to be an advisor and accountant to today’s businesses and individuals. Nationally ranked as one of the largest and fastest-growing accounting firms in the nation, Grassi is a leading provider of advisory, tax, and accounting services across key sectors including construction, architecture and engineering, not-for-profit, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, financial services, real estate, and more. Several publications have ranked us among the top accounting firms to work for, highlighting our strength in work‑life balance, culture, and wellness categories.

With over 550 employees and nine offices spanning the New York Metropolitan Area, Long Island, the Northeast, Florida, New England, and an international presence in Italy, we are strategically positioned to serve clients locally and globally. In 2023, Grassi became an employee‑owned company by implementing an ESOP, establishing our independence and empowering our people to drive the firm’s future success. The ESOP ensures that equity partners and all Grassi U.S. employees have the exclusive opportunity to own the firm’s stock, making them integral to the company’s future.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Non‑for‑Profit Audit Senior Associate to join our team in any of the following office locations: Chelmsford, MA; Needham, MA. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing firm.

Our Senior Auditors work closely with staff on all phases of project and engagement management for multiple clients. They are primarily responsible for planning and executing day‑to‑day audit activities for all client engagements which include meeting time constraints and client deadlines and thorough knowledge of first level of review of basic audit work reports produced by junior audit staff.

Responsibilities

• Leading audit engagements for not‑for‑profit organizations from planning through completion, including scoping, risk assessment, execution of audit procedures, and delivery of final reports
• Acting as the primary client contact during engagements, building strong client relationships, and addressing accounting and audit‑related inquiries with a focus on the unique operational and regulatory environment of not‑for‑profits
• Supervising, training, and mentoring staff and interns, reviewing work for accuracy and quality, and providing timely, constructive feedback to support team development
• Reviewing audit workpapers and financial statements to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, especially as it applies to not‑for‑profit entities and applicable regulatory and grantor requirements
• Evaluating internal controls and compliance with federal, state, and donor‑specific requirements, particularly in relation to restricted funds, grants, and government funding (e.g., Uniform Guidance / Single Audit requirements)
• Preparing and reviewing audit documentation, including working papers, financial statement disclosures, and auditor reports tailored to the needs and standards of not‑for‑profit clients
• Performing and reviewing testing procedures for common NFP areas such as contributions and grants, program service expenses, functional expense allocation, and endowments
• Researching and resolving technical accounting and compliance issues using authoritative literature and firm resources, with attention to evolving nonprofit reporting and disclosure standards
• Collaborating with managers and partners to develop effective, risk‑based audit strategies that address the structure and funding models of not‑for‑profit entities
• Supporting performance evaluations and contributing to staff development initiatives within the audit team
• Managing engagement timelines and budgets, ensuring high‑quality service delivery within established deadlines and resource constraints
• Working across multiple engagements concurrently, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills
• Ensuring compliance with all professional standards, firm methodologies, and sector‑specific reporting requirements, including Yellow Book and Uniform Guidance when applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; Masters Degree in Accounting preferred
• Minimum of 3‑5 years progressive audit experience; previous experience in public accounting required
• CPA license preferred or actively pursuing CPA certification
• Proven ability to supervise and lead staff while working collaboratively in a team environment
• The willingness and ability to work additional hours, as needed, and travel to various client sites
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, initiative, and leadership skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Accounting software such as QuickBooks, CaseWare, ProSystem fx Engagement, CCH, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and consistently demonstrates respect for others
• Ability to travel as needed
• S. work authorization required; we do not sponsor or transfer work visas

Why Grassi?

Flexibility: Our work‑life balance initiatives include generous paid time off, flexible “Dress for Your Day” dress code, telecommuting options, flex‑time policies, and summer hours, enhanced by our Floating Summer Friday’s program, which allows team members three extra Fridays off during the summer months in addition to their PTO.

Company Culture: Here at Grassi we are dedicated to creating an environment for our team members that is positive, productive, and aligns with our company’s high standards of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. We work closely with our DEI Council and Grassi Women’s Council to organize events throughout the year to bring the firm together for open dialogue and awareness of global diversity issues. Through our charitable initiative, Grassi Gives Back, we proudly support organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Autism Speaks, Long Island Cares, and many of our nonprofit clients.

Benefits Package: Competitive base compensation with eligibility for a raise and bonus each June or December based on performance metrics and level. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, employer contribution to life insurance, 401(k) plan, ESOP, and client and employee referral bonus program.

ESOP Owned: The ESOP ensures that equity partners and all Grassi U.S. employees have the exclusive opportunity to own the firm’s stock, making them integral to the company’s future. Unlike many other ESOPs, Grassi’s is privately funded, with no outside investors or private equity firms involved in the plan.

CPA Incentive: Financial assistance toward the achievement of the CPA certification which includes the cost of the CPA study materials, CPA exam registration and sitting fees for all 4 parts (up to 2 x per part), plus the CPA application and licensing fees. Paid study time during work hours, additional paid time off to take your scheduled exam and a bonus paid upon passing the CPA exam.

Learning and Development: We offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) opportunities, including both technical and soft skills training. These opportunities are available through internal courses and external programs led by well‑known industry instructors, all at no cost to our employees.

Wellness Resources: Discounted gym memberships and various wellness initiatives and programs such as the CALM app that helps our team members lower stress, decrease anxiety, improve focus, and get more restful sleep.

Compensation for this role is determined based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to your relevant experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. We strive to offer competitive, equitable pay, that reflects the value each team member brings to the organization. In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes performance‑based incentives, wellness and retirement programs, and opportunities for continuous professional development.

Salary ranges are provided to offer transparency and may vary depending on final candidate qualifications and local market conditions. The Massachusetts ranges are from $80,000 to $110,000.

As set forth in Grassi’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.