Audit Supervisor: Public Accounting / Employee Benefits

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC; Northbrook (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Year-round flexible scheduling

Summer Fridays

Competitive compensation with bonus

Job summary

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC is seeking an Audit Supervisor for the Chicago North Suburbs with a hybrid work setup. Base salary ranges from $90,000 to $110,000, with total compensation between $92,500 and $121,000+.

The role emphasizes employee benefit plan audits, supervisory responsibilities, and direct collaboration with firm leadership. Ideal candidates bring 5–7+ years in public accounting, a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting, and CPA is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of public accounting audit experience.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or related field.
• CPA preferred.
• Employee Benefit Plan audit experience desirable.
• Strong technical accounting and audit skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee benefit plan audits and other assurance engagements from planning through completion.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff accountants.
• Develop engagement work plans, budgets, schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Monitor engagement progress and communicate directly with Managers and Partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients.
• Develop and tailor audit programs based on client needs and risk.
• Review and/or prepare financial statements, footnotes, and tax returns.
• Analyze complex transactions and unusual accounting situations.
• Identify potential issues and perform technical research.
• Manage engagement economics, including budgeting, billing, and resource allocation.

Skills

Public accounting experience

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Multiple engagements management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

CPA preferred

Job description

Audit Supervisor

Chicago North Suburbs | Hybrid
Base Salary: $90,000–$110,000 | Total Compensation: $92,500–$121,000+

We are conducting a search for an Audit Supervisor to join a highly respected, growing public accounting firm in the Chicago area. The firm is recognized as a Top 25 Chicago-area CPA firm, Top 200 firm nationally, and a Great Lakes Regional Leader.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public accounting professional who wants strong client exposure, direct interaction with firm leadership, and a clear path for continued advancement.

The position will focus primarily on employee benefit plan audits and privately held, for-profit clients, while providing exposure to a diverse mix of industries and engagements.

The Opportunity

As an Audit Supervisor, you will take a leadership role on client engagements from planning through completion. You will work directly with clients, supervise and develop staff, and collaborate closely with Managers and Partners.

Unlike highly segmented larger firms, this position provides exposure to the full scope of an engagement—from workpapers and financial statements through tax returns and final client deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead employee benefit plan audits and other assurance engagements from planning through completion.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff accountants.
• Develop engagement work plans, budgets, schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Monitor engagement progress and communicate directly with Managers and Partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients.
• Develop and tailor audit programs based on individual client needs and risk.
• Review and/or prepare financial statements, footnotes, workpapers, management letters, tax returns, and other attestation engagements.
• Analyze complex transactions and unusual accounting situations.
• Identify potential issues and perform appropriate technical research.
• Manage engagement economics, including budgeting, billing, resource allocation, and timely delivery.
• Prepare Form 990 and business tax returns associated with audit engagements.
• Develop strong, long-term client relationships through responsive and high-quality service.

What We're Looking For

• 5–7+ years of public accounting experience in audit and accounting.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or related field.
• CPA preferred.
• Employee Benefit Plan audit experience or specialization is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of taxation and business returns.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Strong technical accounting and audit skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.

Why This Opportunity?

This firm has built a strong reputation for combining the resources and sophisticated client work of a larger CPA firm with the accessibility and career opportunity of a more entrepreneurial environment.

Employees enjoy:

• Hybrid work environment
• Year-round flexible scheduling
• Summer Fridays
• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Strong professional development and continuing education
• Direct client and Partner interaction
• Diverse industry and engagement exposure
• Significant advancement potential
• Modern technology and resources
• Collaborative, supportive culture
• Firm-sponsored social events and team activities
• Business casual environment

The firm has experienced significant long-term growth and continues to expand, creating excellent opportunities for professionals who want to take on greater responsibility and become key contributors to the firm's future.

Compensation

Base Salary: $90,000–$110,000
Estimated Total Compensation: $92,500–$121,000+

Actual compensation will depend on experience, CPA status, technical expertise, employee benefit plan audit experience, and other relevant qualifications.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public accounting professional looking for more responsibility, greater client exposure, strong advancement potential, and a long-term career path without sacrificing flexibility.