Senior Audit Associate

About the Opportunity

Ryan & Juraska LLP is a full-service public accounting firm specializing in assurance and tax services for the financial services industry. We are seeking a Senior Assurance Associate to take a hands-on role in planning and executing engagements, coordinating day-to-day fieldwork, and building strong client relationships. Working closely with managers and partners, you will combine technical accounting skills with practical problem-solving and help deliver thorough, timely assurance services. This role offers broad engagement ownership and direct involvement with firm leadership.

Key Responsibilities

·        Coordinate the day-to-day execution of audit and other assurance engagements, from planning and risk assessment through fieldwork and reporting, under manager and partner supervision.

·        Develop an understanding of each client’s business, financial reporting processes, internal controls, and industry-specific risks; translate that understanding into appropriate engagement procedures.

·        Perform and document procedures over significant financial statement areas, including investments, fair value measurements, cash, revenue and fees, related-party transactions, and other areas relevant to the assigned client portfolio.

·        Evaluate audit evidence, investigate exceptions, exercise professional skepticism, and promptly escalate significant findings or complex matters.

·        Prepare clear, well-supported workpapers, draft financial statements and disclosures, and research accounting and auditing questions for manager or partner review.

·        Coordinate client information requests, communicate engagement progress and outstanding items, and help resolve accounting and reporting questions.

·        Guide associates and interns, review assigned workpapers, and provide practical coaching on documentation and engagement procedures.

·        Monitor engagement budgets, deadlines, and competing priorities; identify potential delays early and propose practical solutions.

·        Follow applicable professional standards and firm quality management policies while maintaining independence, objectivity, and client confidentiality.

·        Contribute to improvements in engagement templates, audit tools, and firm processes, and continue developing financial services industry expertise.

Required Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.

·        Approximately 3–5 years of progressively responsible public accounting assurance experience, including responsibility for significant engagement areas and day-to-day fieldwork coordination.

·        CPA license or active progress toward licensure.

·        Working knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and generally accepted auditing standards, with the ability to research and apply relevant guidance.

·        Experience serving financial services clients or a strong foundation in auditing complex financial instruments and a demonstrated interest in financial services.

·        Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment.

·        Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive client relationships.

·        Ability to organize multiple engagements, work independently within established review processes, and collaborate closely with a small team.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and electronic audit documentation tools, and a willingness to learn new technology.

·        Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Active CPA license.

·        Experience with one or more relevant client types, such as investment funds, investment advisers, broker-dealers, introducing brokers, futures commission merchants, or specialty finance companies.

·        Familiarity with investment valuation, financial instruments, fund accounting, or regulatory reporting relevant to the firm’s client base.

·        Experience applying PCAOB standards or performing specialized financial services assurance engagements, where relevant to assigned clients.

·        Experience using data analytics to support audit procedures and improve engagement efficiency.

·        Experience with Caseware Working Papers.

Working in a Small-Firm Environment

This position is designed for someone who values direct communication, varied responsibilities, and active involvement throughout the engagement lifecycle. You will work closely with firm leadership, take ownership of assigned work, and help colleagues meet shared deadlines. Workloads may increase during peak reporting periods; specific scheduling and travel expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Include a brief overview of your assurance experience, financial services industry exposure, and CPA status.