Assurance Senior at BDO Global in Grand Rapids, MI

Assurance Senior

Location: Grand Rapids, MI, United States

Job Summary:

The Assurance Senior will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day "in-charge" duties of planning, fieldwork and "wrap-up" to include the preparing of financial statements with disclosures, applying most areas of GAAP as necessary and documenting, validating, testing and assessing various control systems. This position is also responsible for acting as the client contact for basic questions and information and may be involved in reviews and agreed-upon procedure engagements.

Job Duties:

Control Environment:

• Applies knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of various factors on establishing or enhancing effectiveness, or mitigating the risks, of specific policies and procedures by:
  • Applying knowledge of transactional flow and key transactional cycles to complete audit work
  • Documenting, validating and assessing the design and operating effectiveness of the clients’ internal control system
  • Identifying and communicating suggested improvements to client internal controls and accounting procedures in an effort to reduces risk within the client organization
  • Supervising and reviewing the work of audit staff

GAAP:

• Applies knowledge and understanding of governing principles; applying these principles to client transactions; and documenting and communicating an understanding and application of these principles by:
  • Communicating financial statement disclosure requirements to clients
  • Drafting complex sets of financial statements with disclosures
  • Recognizing and applying new pronouncements to client situations
  • Identifying, analyzing and discussing alternative generally accepted accounting principles with the Manager, Senior Manager and engagement partner and the client, as needed
  • Identifying complex accounting issues and brings them to the attention of superiors for resolution
  • Coaching less experienced team members in new areas

SEC and PCAOB:

• Applies knowledge and understanding of SEC regulations and PCAOB guidelines, and documents and communicates the application of these principles by:
  • Reading and reviewing clients’ SEC filings, ensuring accuracy and completeness, and also ensuring that all financial information is documented in the workpapers and through appropriate testing
  • Preparing required communications to the Client and the Audit Committee
  • Planning and executing Section 404 internal control audits including obtaining an understanding of the control environment, designing test plans, evaluating deficiencies and assessing the overall financial reporting control environment

GAAS:

• Applies knowledge and understanding of professional standards; application of the principles contained in professional standards; and the ability to document and communicate an understanding and application of professional standards on an engagement by:
  • Formulating and communicating the audit plan
  • Applying GAAS to a variety of complex issues and consults others as appropriate
  • Employing audit skepticism and determining when to reduce or expand testing
  • Utilizing BDO audit manuals as appropriate for the situation
  • Documenting deviations from BDO policy, with approval

Methodology:

• Applies knowledge and application of BDO standards to guide effective and efficient delivery of quality services and products by:
  • Coordinating the day-to-day conduct of the audit plan by ensuring the field work is executed and completed as planned, in accordance with timetable, with Firm’s policies and procedures and within budget
  • Applying BDO audit approach and methodologies, including tools and technology, to execute the audit
  • Identifying and proposing outcomes to critical issues

Research:

• Applies methodology used to seek or maintain information from authoritative sources and to draw conclusions regarding a target issue based on the information by:
  • Utilizing of internal and external research tools and selecting methodology for routine research requests
  • Researching complex areas of accounting, forming an initial opinion on the correct treatment independently and considering and documenting the impact on the client and audit engagement
  • Documenting and organizing complicated findings in a usable format, based on information obtained from Accounting Research Manager, BDO Assurance Manual, Yahoo Finance, etc.
  • Assisting the engagement manager with gathering appropriate information about the business and information system, including the accounting system, to form an adequate basis for the preparation of the audit strategy
  • Developing the draft Audit Engagement Planning Memorandum, audit programs and budgets
  • Collaborating with the engagement manager to establish the responsibilities of individual audit staff for specific areas of audit work

• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides verbal and written performance feedback to Audit Associates
• Supervises the work assignments of Audit Associates within assigned engagement team

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics, required OR Bachelor’s degree in other focus area and CPA certification, required
• Master’s degree in Accountancy, preferred

Experience:

• Two (2) or more years of prior relevant audit experience and/or public accounting, private industry accounting or consulting/professional services experience, required
• Prior basic supervisory experience, preferred

License/Certifications:

• Eligible to sit for the CPA exams upon starting employment, required and actively pursuing completion of the exams, required
• CPA, preferred

Software:

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, preferred
• Experience with assurance applications and research tools, preferred

Language:

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Solid understanding and experience planning and coordinating the stages to perform an audit of a basic public and/or private company
• Knowledge of internal accounting controls and professional standards and regulations (GAAP, GAAS, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt style and messaging to effectively communicate with professionals at all levels both within the client organization and the firm
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently and within a group environment
• Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and ability to break down complex issues and implementing appropriate resolutions
• Ability to work in a demanding, deadline driven environment with a focus on details and accuracy
• Solid project management skills

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

California Range: $88,000 - $105,000
Colorado Range: $80,000 - $85,000
Illinois Range: $82,000 - $90,000
Maryland Range: $78,000 - $93,000
Minnesota Range: $76,000 - $82,000
Massachusetts Range: $81,500 - $90,000
New Jersey Range: $80,000 - $95,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $80,000 - $115,000
Ohio Range: $75,000 - $82,000
Virginia Range: $74,000 - $98,000
Washington Range: $82,000 - $95,000
Washington DC Range: $80,000 - $100,000

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more!