Assurance Manager - Construction Services

About the Firm

Dean Dorton is one of the largest advisory firms in the United States. The firm is recognized as a best place to work and focuses on helping employees succeed through development and career growth while working with nationally recognized experts.

About Assurance Services

Dean Dorton's assurance team partners with public and private organizations to deliver a comprehensive approach to audit and assurance services. The firm has dedicated industry teams, including a well-established construction practice that provides tailored business advisory and construction accounting services. Services range from audits, reviews, and compilations to risk management, internal controls governance, and regulatory compliance. The team also serves as advisors to clients working toward financial excellence.

About the Role

The Assurance Manager of Construction Services oversees engagements from start to finish, managing client relationships and internal engagement teams to ensure the quality and timeliness of client deliverables. This role focuses primarily on clients in the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and real estate entities. The manager leads engagement teams, provides technical guidance, and contributes to firm initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of assurance engagements and risk assessments for construction industry clients, including budgeting, scheduling, executing processes, prioritizing tasks, and meeting internal and external deadlines.
• Review workpapers and financial statements, including percentage-of-completion, job cost schedules, and bonding-related reporting, preparing files for assurance director review.
• Serve as the main point of contact for construction clients, proactively addressing their needs and advocating for firm services, including cross-selling tax, advisory, and other specialty services.
• Create and execute assurance plans, designing appropriate tests, identifying scope, and planning schedules with attention to construction-specific risk areas such as revenue recognition, work-in-progress, and surety requirements.
• Develop strong technical knowledge of accounting principles, regulations, and assurance methodologies specific to the construction industry.
• Coordinate with engagement teams to ensure timely completion of tasks, particularly around construction industry reporting cycles and surety deadlines.
• Stay up to date on technical updates and industry trends affecting construction and real estate clients, sharing insights with internal teams and clients.
• Build and deepen specialization in the construction industry niche.
• Train, develop, and mentor staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment.
• Engage in research and technical discussions on construction-specific accounting matters.
• Build technical expertise, leadership skills, and client management capabilities within the construction practice.
• Communicate effectively, setting clear expectations for engagement teams and clients.
• Utilize strong relationship management skills to build rapport with internal teams and external stakeholders, including sureties, bankers, and advisors.
• Adhere to firm policies while completing administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and new client proposals.
• Maintain compliance with assurance continuing education requirements (e.g., Yellow Book, EBP).
• Meet productivity goals.
• Participate in firm-sponsored events and construction industry associations (e.g., CFMA, AGC).
• Contribute to non-charge activities, such as:
  • Recruiting activities, including interviewing and evaluating candidates.
  • Evaluating and developing internal processes, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Developing training materials and leading training sessions.
  • Joining internal committees or initiatives.
  • Serving as a career advisor to assurance team members, monitoring performance, and providing feedback.
  • Assisting in business development efforts, including networking and promoting firm services.
  • Volunteering or joining external boards/committees, preferably in construction industry associations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Five to six years of experience in an assurance or accounting-related role, with prior experience serving construction industry clients strongly preferred.
• CPA licensure required.
• Other certifications demonstrating specialization (e.g., Certified Internal Auditor, CCIFP - Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional) are a plus.

Benefits

• Health insurance – medical, vision, and dental.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Paid family leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave programs.
• Retirement benefits – 401(K) match and automatic profit sharing.
• Telemedicine, mental health resources, and wellness program reimbursement.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.