Senior Associate, Process Risk and Controls

RSM US LLP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM US LLP in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Associate in Process Risk & Controls to help identify and manage risk through effective processes and internal controls. You will work with client teams to strengthen governance, improve operational effectiveness, and deliver high-quality engagements.

The role offers opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration across engagement teams, with exposure to SOX compliance and risk-focused projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in audit, internal audit, or related internal control roles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to travel to meet client needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and prioritize risks across client organizations.
• Assist in developing risk assessments and related documentation.
• Test internal controls and evaluate control operating effectiveness.
• Develop testing plans, work programs, and process narratives.
• Build client relationships and support multiple engagements with high-quality service.
• Support leadership and mentoring within engagement teams.

Skills

Audit experience

Communication skills

Organization & time management

Travel flexibility

SOX knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

CPA or CIA (preferred)

Tools

Data analytics tools

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

As a Senior Associate in RSM's growing Process Risk & Controls practice, you will have the opportunity to leverage your experience while continuing to develop your leadership and consulting skills through meaningful client exposure, career development opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative culture. You will work alongside organizations to help identify, assess, and manage risk through effective processes and internal controls.

Our team frequently partners with internal audit functions, risk management teams, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance teams, and business leaders to help organizations strengthen governance, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance risk management practices. In this role, you will contribute to client engagements across a variety of business processes while building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

What You’ll Do

Client Service & Delivery

• Support clients in identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks across their organizations.
• Participate in risk assessment interviews and assist in developing risk assessments and related documentation.
• Prepare and perform testing of internal controls and evaluate control operating effectiveness.
• Assist in the development of testing plans, work programs, narratives, process documentation, and flowcharts.
• Identify risks and controls within business processes and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Review work completed by associates for accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Manage engagement budgets and provide timely updates regarding project status and estimated completion efforts.Prepare status reports, client deliverables, and initial drafts of engagement reports.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client personnel and key stakeholders.
• Support multiple client engagements while delivering high-quality client service.

Leadership & Team Development

• Demonstrate RSM's core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and stewardship.
• Coach and mentor associates through meaningful feedback, training, and development opportunities.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across engagement teams.
• Develop executive presence through interactions with client leadership and firm professionals.
• Support recruiting efforts and promote the RSM employer brand.

Business Development & Professional Growth

• Build industry knowledge through learning opportunities and professional involvement.
• Stay informed on relevant risk, controls, internal audit, and governance trends.
• Develop an internal network and awareness of the firm's broader capabilities and services.
• Share relevant thought leadership and market insights with clients and colleagues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in audit, internal audit, or related internal control roles.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to travel to meet client needs

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and testing.
• Experience supporting internal audit activities and risk-focused engagements.
• Exposure to data analytics tools and technologies.
• Proficiency with professional writing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools.
• Progress toward, or eligibility to pursue, a relevant professional certification such as CPA or CIA.