Senior Audit Associate

Column Technical Services; Lincolnshire (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Column Technical Services is seeking a Senior Audit Associate to support and lead audit engagements in Lincolnshire, IL. The role offers hybrid work and opportunities to advance technical expertise and client relationships.

The ideal candidate has public accounting experience, CPA eligibility or designation, and strong communication and analytical skills. You will oversee engagements across industries, ensuring high-quality work and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Three+ years of public accounting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's preferred.
• Three or more busy seasons supporting audit engagements.
• At least one busy season in a Senior Associate or equivalent leadership role.
• CPA designation or CPA eligibility required; active licensure preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, auditing practices, and financial reporting principles.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational abilities with attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and audit-related software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Dedicated client-service mindset and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute and contribute to a wide range of audit and assurance engagements.
• Lead assigned client engagements and manage project responsibilities.
• Conduct audit testing and financial statement procedures.
• Prepare comprehensive workpapers and supporting documentation.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients and collaborate with engagement teams.
• Research accounting and auditing matters and propose practical solutions.
• Support engagement planning, including risk assessment and audit approach development.
• Ensure milestones, deliverables, and deadlines are met with quality.

Skills

Public accounting

Audit experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

MS Office / audit tools

CPA eligibility

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Master's in Accounting

CPA eligibility

CPA designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Audit software

Job description

Column Technical Services is seeking a skilled Senior Audit Associate to support and lead various audit and assurance engagements within our expanding practice in Lincolnshire, IL. This role offers the opportunity to expand your technical expertise, build strong client relationships, and contribute to meaningful business outcomes across multiple industries. If you want to advance your audit career with a firm that values professional development, collaboration, and client success.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates residing in Illinois are as periodic in-office attendance and team collaboration will be required.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate brings a solid public accounting foundation, significant audit experience through multiple busy seasons, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently while delivering exceptional client service and high-quality work.

Essential Responsibilities

• Execute and contribute to a wide range of audit and assurance engagements.
• Take ownership of assigned client engagements and manage project responsibilities efficiently.
• Conduct audit testing and financial statement procedures in accordance with applicable professional and regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive workpapers and supporting documentation for audit engagements.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients and collaborate with engagement team members throughout the audit process.
• Research accounting and auditing matters and assist in developing practical solutions and recommendations.
• Support engagement planning activities, including risk assessment and audit approach development.
• Ensure engagement milestones, deliverables, and deadlines are met with a high level of accuracy and quality.
• Collaborate with Audit & Assurance Managers and firm leadership to achieve engagement objectives.
• Maintain proactive communication regarding project progress, challenges, and key findings.
• Deliver exceptional client service while upholding firm quality standards.
• Work with organizations across diverse industries, including construction, manufacturing and distribution, technology, and merger and acquisition activities.
• Assist with special projects and additional assurance-related engagements as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of public accounting experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Master's degree in Accounting or a related discipline is preferred.
• Three or more busy seasons supporting audit and assurance engagements.
• At least one busy season serving in a Senior Associate, Senior Auditor, or comparable leadership capacity.
• CPA designation or CPA eligibility required; active licensure preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, auditing practices, and financial reporting principles.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and audit-related software tools.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Dedicated client-service mindset with strong professional relationship-building skills.

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following sectors are highly encouraged to apply:

• Construction
• Manufacturing and Distribution
• Technology
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
• Middle-Market Organizations
• Privately Held Businesses