Senior Audit Manager Real Estate

ZipRecruiter; Carteret (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the real estate sector is seeking an experienced audit professional to lead complex engagements and manage client relationships. This role offers a high-impact leadership opportunity that fosters excellence, mentorship, and innovation. Ideal candidates possess a CPA, extensive audit experience, and a strategic mindset.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with firm match

Generous PTO

Ongoing training and professional development support

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of progressive audit experience in public accounting, with a strong focus on real estate.
• Deep knowledge of REITs, real estate funds, and valuation methodologies.
• Demonstrated success managing complex audits and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of audit engagements for real estate clients.
• Serve as the primary client contact, delivering both technical guidance and strategic insights.
• Mentor junior staff and senior associates, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Skills

Client service

Business development

Communication

Leadership

Resilience under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting

CPA license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Audit software platforms

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAre you a seasoned audit professional with a passion for the real estate industry? This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced CPA to take ownership of complex audit engagements across REITs, real estate funds, developers, and property managers. You'll be at the forefront of client relationships, guiding audit teams, and providing strategic insights that go beyond the numbers. If you're looking to join a high-performing team that values excellence, mentorship, and innovation this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of audit engagements for real estate clients planning, fieldwork, and reporting while ensuring compliance with GAAP and GAAS.

• Serve as the primary client contact, delivering both technical guidance and strategic insights that build trust and long-term partnerships.

• Review and approve financial statements, audit documentation, and client deliverables; conduct in-depth analysis of real estate valuation models including DCFs, cap rates, and market comps.

• Mentor junior staff and senior associates, fostering a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and high performance.

• Collaborate with firm leadership to drive business development efforts, identify new service opportunities, and enhance audit methodologies.

• Stay ahead of evolving real estate trends and regulatory changes to deliver best-in-class service and insights to clients.

• Oversee engagement profitability, manage budgets, track billing and collections, and optimize resource allocation.

• Support firm visibility by participating in speaking engagements, writing thought leadership content, and assisting with recruitment initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting

• CPA license required

• At least 8 years of progressive audit experience in public accounting, with a strong focus on real estate

• Deep knowledge of REITs, real estate funds, and valuation methodologies

• Demonstrated success managing complex audits and leading high-performing teams

• Strong business development acumen and client service

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and audit software platforms

• Strategic mindset with a hands-on leadership style

• High emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure

Not the Right Fit If You:

• Lack significant real estate experience in a public accounting environment

• Haven’t managed large audit teams or high-complexity engagements

• Do not currently hold an active CPA license

• Have a history of job-hopping or misrepresented credentials

Interview Process

• Recruiter Screening

• First-Round Interview with Audit Engagement Committee (AEC) Partner

• Leadership Interview

• Cultural Fit Panel

• Final Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with firm match

• Generous PTO and wellness programs

• Ongoing training and professional development support