Manager - Audit & Assurance

Position Summary: The Manager will have a full knowledge of all types of financial statement engagements and the professional standards governing their performance.  They will possess a deep knowledge of financial accounting and reporting standards including non-profit accounting and the concepts supporting them.  The Manager will provide training and updates to the A&A Team Members to ensure compliance with all standards and will coordinate the communication of accounting standards to clients as needed.  This position will monitor the progress of financial statement engagements in relation to the budget and client commitments and will assign staff and resources to meet demands.  The Manager will be responsible for managing client relationships and will take an active role when needed especially when complex situations occur or when communicating sensitive issues.  The Manager will be responsible for approving engagement letters, audit planning, and will perform partner/manager reviews on some engagements.  The position will review and sign 990s and will provide consultation on 990 and non-profit issues.  Lastly the position will perform pre-issuance quality reviews on all engagements meeting the Firm’s criteria.

Essential Functions:

• Technical – Full knowledge of all types of financial statement engagements and the professional standards governing their performance. Deep knowledge of financial accounting and reporting standards. Full knowledge of Non-Profit accounting and 990 preparation.  Full knowledge of the Firm’s quality review program and the procedures and processes related to quality assurance.
• Initiative – Proactively identifies tax planning opportunities for clients and engages them in discussions to optimize their financial strategies. Proactively manages tax return progress, addresses bottlenecks, and ensures timely completion. Seeks continuous improvement in both personal technical skills and firm processes, sharing innovative ideas with the team. Oversees projects with competing deadlines, and identifies training and development opportunities for staff. Recognizes unmet client needs and seeks opportunities to upsell additional services. Identifies opportunities for efficiency and suggests changes to internal procedures. Recognizes when others need help and assists as able. Serves as a committee chair to drive firm initiatives.
• Dependability – Manages diverse client list with care, ensuring deadlines are met even during peak periods. Takes full ownership of the quality of client deliverables, reviewing returns and final products to ensure accuracy before submission. Proactively manages client billing, including value billing where applicable, and resolves any billing issues or concerns promptly. Ensures that new clients meet firm criteria, with proper pricing and adherence to service expectations. Demonstrates perseverance and accountability, taking responsibility for actions and maintaining high levels of professionalism.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, discussing tax return results, payment methods, and providing answers to client inquiries. Provides constructive feedback to staff, ensuring clear communication regarding task expectations and desired outcomes. Initiates conversations with clients to identify need for tax planning and projection services, and is able to discuss any additional billing or pricing considerations, when necessary. Maintains open and professional communication with both clients and team members, fostering trust and addressing concerns in a timely manner. Communicates effectively with team members and clients, including difficult communications to resolve conflicts, discuss sensitive or volatile issues, and manages expectations. Demonstrates expertise by writing articles, participating in seminars, and networking with other professionals.
• Productivity – Manages multiple projects concurrently, ensuring deadlines are met through effective delegation, prioritization, and time management. Regularly monitors the progress of assigned returns, and following up with staff on any outstanding issues. Balances billable and non-billable hours, and ensures an appropriate mix of both. Continuously evaluates ways to improve time management, focusing on both efficiency and quality in the completion of client work. Creates time budgets for extended projects. Determines own work schedule and ensures work is completed and staff are supported while out.
• Judgement – Uses sound judgement to review complex returns, ensuring accuracy and addressing potential issues before they arise. Recognizes when to consult with managers or partners on complex tax matters or client concerns. Makes independent decisions regarding client services, tax planning, and the preparation of returns, while maintaining a strong awareness of firm policies and procedures. Can identify new client prospects, qualify and train on approach. Reviews final client deliverables, anticipating future needs, liabilities, and follow-up tasks. Evaluates client risk, discusses concerns with Partners. Exercises critical thinking when making decisions.
• Cooperation – Actively supports and mentors junior staff, providing constructive feedback to improve technical skills and efficiency. Takes a leadership role in ensuring collaboration within the ITT team, and across other departments. Leads by example, fostering a culture of teamwork and cooperation. Works to ensure consistency when servicing clients. Serves as role model for client and firm security policies. Serves as mentor to senior team members, modeling professionalism, including assistance with time management and organization techniques, and provides feedback where necessary. Builds and maintains trusting relationships with peers, maintaining a positive attitude and contributing to a constructive work environment. Actively participates in the hiring process.
• Orderliness/Firm Process – Adheres to firm policies and procedures, ensuring deadlines are met and processes are followed. Understands and supports the firm’s goals, including utilization and realization. Manages billing, WIP, and AR reports efficiently, following up with clients to ensure timely payment and value billing where applicable. Prepares returns and workpapers following best practices, ensuring proper documentation storage and accessibility. Enforces policies on client document storage and confidentiality, setting an example for the team. Demonstrates advanced proficiency in firm accounting software, including Practice, GoFileRoom, Engagement Manager, UltraTax, Planner CS, Fixed Assets CS, Quickbooks, SurePrep, and Microsoft Office Suite, with a deep understanding of their practical application. Leads internal training to solidify staff understanding. Serves as firm administrator for firm software. Consistently maintains an organized workspace and adheres to firm policies regarding electronic storage.
• Community Involvement – Actively participates in networking events to build and maintain relationships with referral sources and clients. Writes or approves blog posts or other articles. Identifies opportunities to engage with the local business community and attend relevant industry events to further the firm’s presence and reputation. Actively participates on board of directors of an organizations or other business groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in accounting or related field, required.
• CPA or EA designation, required.
• 6+ years of tax experience.

Essential Skills:

• Advanced understanding of tax concepts, accounting software, and tax planning strategies for both individuals and businesses. 
• Ability to mentor junior staff, delegate tasks, and provide guidance to enhance team performance and technical skills.
• Skilled in managing client relationships, proactively addressing client needs, and delivering complex information with confidence.
• Capable of making independent decisions regarding client service, tax planning, and return preparation.
• Demonstrates advanced time and project management skills, balancing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Collaborates effectively with team members, shares knowledge, and supports the development of others within the team.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, analyzing complex situations and developing effective solutions.
• Continuously seeks personal and professional development opportunities and contributes to the improvement of firm processes and client service.            

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state & local standards - including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state and local standards
• Compliance with all personnel policies

Working Conditions:

• Works under the guidance of Partners
• Performs a limited number of tasks independently
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.