Senior Audit Associate

Wertz & Associates; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off and holidays

Continuing education support

Work-life balance emphasis

Job summary

Wertz & Associates in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Senior Audit Associate to join our Assurance team. You will deliver high-quality audit, review, and compilation services for a diverse client base, working directly with business owners and management.

This role offers a clear path for advancement, leadership opportunities, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with a flexible hybrid schedule and competitive compensation including a $75,000–$95,000 base salary plus bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master’s preferred.
• 2+ years of public accounting experience.
• Experience performing audit and assurance procedures.
• CPA license or candidate status preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and complete audit fieldwork and engagement testing.
• Prepare detailed audit workpapers and supporting documentation.
• Analyze account balances and document findings.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and footnotes.
• Ensure engagements are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Mentor junior staff and support staff development.

Skills

Audit & Assurance

Financial Reporting

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's preferred

Job description

Senior Audit Associate

Audit & Assurance | Career Growth | Client Exposure | Work-Life Balance

Compensation: $75,000–$95,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Career Advancement

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Schedule: Flexible Hybrid

Our client, a highly respected regional CPA and advisory firm, is seeking a Senior Audit Associate to join its growing Knoxville team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an audit professional who is looking for greater responsibility, stronger client relationships, and a clear path for advancement without sacrificing work-life balance.

The firm has built its reputation by combining technical excellence with a genuine commitment to its people. Employees are given the opportunity to grow professionally, work directly with clients, develop leadership skills, and advance at a pace that aligns with both their career goals and personal lives.

If you're currently in public accounting and feel your growth opportunities are limited, this could be the next step you've been looking for.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• $75,000–$95,000 base salary
• Annual performance bonus opportunity
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance
• Diverse audit and assurance engagements
• Direct client interaction and exposure
• Opportunity to develop leadership and supervisory skills
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Clear path toward Audit Manager and future leadership roles
• Business casual and relaxed office atmosphere
• Continuing education and professional development support

Exceptional candidates with advanced assurance experience, industry specialization, CPA credentials, or demonstrated leadership capabilities may be considered above the posted compensation range.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Audit Associate, you'll serve as a key member of the Assurance team while helping deliver high-quality audit, review, and compilation services to a diverse client base.

You'll work directly with business owners, management teams, nonprofit organizations, and leadership groups while gaining valuable experience in financial reporting, internal controls, risk assessment, and client advisory services.

This role provides valuable experience in:

• Audit & Assurance Services
• Financial Reporting
• GAAP & Professional Standards
• Client Advisory Services
• Staff Development & Leadership
• Career Advancement Within Public Accounting

Key Responsibilities

Audit & Assurance Engagements

• Perform and complete audit fieldwork and engagement testing
• Prepare detailed audit workpapers and supporting documentation
• Analyze account balances and document findings
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and footnotes
• Ensure engagements are completed accurately and efficiently

Client Service & Communication

• Work directly with clients to understand operations, accounting systems, and business processes
• Apply appropriate accounting and auditing standards based on client circumstances
• Develop strong, professional relationships with clients
• Deliver responsive and proactive client service

Technical Development

• Conduct research on accounting and auditing issues
• Stay current on professional standards and regulatory developments
• Apply technical knowledge to engagement planning and execution
• Assist with resolving complex financial reporting matters

Leadership & Professional Growth

• Assist in supervising and mentoring less-experienced team members
• Participate in training and development initiatives
• Build relationships with peers, clients, and business professionals
• Continue developing the skills necessary for future advancement into leadership roles

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (Master's preferred)
• 2+ years of public accounting experience
• Experience performing audit and assurance procedures
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Preferred

• Active CPA license or CPA candidate status
• Experience with audit, review, and compilation engagements
• Prior client-facing experience
• Experience mentoring or training junior staff
• Desire to pursue long-term growth within public accounting

Who Thrives Here?

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys working directly with clients
• Wants greater engagement ownership and responsibility
• Values mentorship, learning, and professional development
• Takes pride in producing high-quality work
• Enjoys solving problems and analyzing financial information
• Wants advancement opportunities without sacrificing personal priorities
• Appreciates a collaborative and supportive culture

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Annual performance bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidaysContinuing education support
• CPA development assistance
• Flexible and supportive work environment
• Business casual dress code
• Strong focus on work-life balance

About Our Client

Our client is a respected regional CPA and advisory firm that has built a culture centered around technical excellence, client service, and employee development. The firm serves privately held businesses, nonprofits, and organizations across a variety of industries while providing audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services.

What truly differentiates the organization is its belief that successful careers should not come at the expense of personal well-being. Professionals enjoy meaningful client relationships, strong mentorship, leadership accessibility, and the opportunity to build rewarding long-term careers within a positive and supportive environment.

If you're a public accounting professional looking for greater responsibility, stronger growth opportunities, and a firm that genuinely values work-life balance, we'd love to speak with you confidentially.