Senior Audit Associate

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP; Rapid City (SD); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible Work Schedules

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Professional Development and Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Volunteer Time

Job summary

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP is seeking a motivated Senior Associate Accountant for its offices in Rapid City, SD, and other locations. The role involves contributing to audit and assurance engagements, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring high-quality client service.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA certification, and a minimum of 3 years of public accounting audit experience. A comprehensive benefits package and flexible work schedules are offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of public accounting audit experience.
• Strong understanding of audit and accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all phases of audit and assurance engagements.
• Prepare and finalize financial statements and management letters.
• Analyze engagement performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication.

Skills

Audit and accounting principles

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Team-oriented mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or actively pursuing certification

Job description

Description

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP (KT) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate Accountant to join our team in Rapid City, SD, Spearfish, SD, Gillette, WY, or Casper, WY.

In this role, you will contribute to all phases of audit and assurance engagements, working closely with clients and team members while continuing to grow your technical knowledge and professional skillset.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all phases of audit and assurance engagements, including planning, fieldwork, and completion
• Prepare and finalize financial statements and management letters
• Analyze engagement performance, including time budgets and audit procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Identify and communicate valuable insights and recommendations to clients
• Research technical accounting and auditing issues and support conclusions with appropriate guidance
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication and high‑quality service
• Mentor and support the development of junior staff, including participation in training and onboarding
• Assist with recruiting and firm engagement initiatives
• Participate in internal training sessions and professional development opportunities
• Actively contribute to firm culture through team‑building, community involvement, and engagement activities
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all interactions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or actively pursuing certification
• 3+ years of public accounting audit experience
• Strong understanding of audit and accounting principles

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work independently
• Strong sense of professionalism and ethical conduct

Work Schedule & Location

• Full‑time or Part‑time position
• Additional hours required during peak periods
• Based in Spearfish, SD, Rapid City, SD, Gillette, WY, or Casper, WY
• Occasional travel may be required

Compensation & Benefits

Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Featured Benefits Include

• Paid Time Off and Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Financial Wellness Resources
• Professional Development and Training
• Certification Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Volunteer Time and Community Involvement Opportunities

Company Info

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP is a full‑service accounting and consulting firm established in 1936. With offices across South Dakota and Wyoming, and a team with over 25 partners and 50+ CPAs, KT serves a diverse client base across a wide range of industries—from closely held businesses to complex organizations in agriculture, construction, hospitality, nonprofit, government, and beyond.

We’re more than a traditional accounting firm—we’re a team that values relationships, innovation, and impact. At KT, you’ll find a collaborative, growth‑focused environment where your ideas are welcomed, your contributions matter, and your career can evolve alongside the clients and communities we serve.