Senior Audit Associate

Cornerstone Search Partners I; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Search Partners I is seeking a Senior Audit Associate in Chicago. You will lead audits, mentor staff, and deliver high-quality work for a range of clients in diverse industries.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years in public accounting, CPA-eligible, with strong leadership and communication skills; a hybrid in-office schedule is expected with frequent client sites. Daily vehicle access is preferred for site visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA eligible (150 credit hours) preferred.
• 3–4 years of public accounting audit experience, with leadership exposure.
• Proven ability to lead audit engagements, coordinate with clients, and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage audit engagements from planning through completion.
• Coordinate directly with clients to manage audit requests and timelines.
• Supervise, train, and mentor staff auditors throughout the engagement process.
• Review workpapers and ensure compliance with firm and professional standards.
• Develop an understanding of client operations, controls, and financial reporting.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to managers and partners.
• Build trusted relationships with clients through proactive communication.

Skills

Audit leadership

Client communication

Staff mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA eligible (150 credit hours)

Job description

Senior Audit Associate

Ready to see your impact again?Â

If youâre feeling like just another cog in the wheel at a larger firm, this is your reminder that public accounting can still be personal. Weâre working with a highly respected regional firm where youâll have direct exposure to clients, partners who know your name, and the opportunity to actually see the results of your work. Itâs the kind of place where ideas are heard, contributions are noticed, and growth happens faster.

About the Role

If youâre currently in a larger firm and looking for more visibility, variety, and direct impact , this role offers the opportunity to work closely with clients across diverse industries while continuing to grow your technical and leadership skills.

Youâll take ownership of engagements, mentor staff, and play a key role in delivering high-quality audits that clients truly value.

What Youâll Do

• Lead and manage audit engagements from planning through completion.

• Coordinate directly with clients to manage audit requests and timelines.

• Supervise, train, and mentor staff auditors throughout the engagement process.

• Review workpapers and ensure compliance with firm and professional standards.

• Develop a strong understanding of client operations, controls, and financial reporting.

• Communicate findings and recommendations to managers and partners.

• Build trusted relationships with clients through responsive and proactive communication.

Our Ideal candidate:

• Bachelorâs degree in Accounting and CPA eligible (150 credit hours required).

• 3â4 years of experience as an Audit Senior in public accounting.

• Proven experience leading audit engagements and coordinating directly with clients.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work a hybrid in office schedule 2-3 days a week.Â

• Must have daily access to a vehicle and be able to commute to client sites and firm offices as needed.

Why this role?

• Gain direct exposure to a wide range of industries and clients. (Yes, you'll talk to the leaders!)

• Work in a collaborative, people-first culture where your contributions are visible.

• Access direct mentorship from partners and senior leaders.

• Develop faster and have greater influence over engagements and client relationships.

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development support.

Compensation

Salary of up to $110,000, plus bonuses, depending on experience and performance.