Audit & Assurance Associate

Roles and Responsibilities

• Possess an intermediate level of understanding related to Assurance and accounting principles.
• Follow YHB guidance regarding secure use of hardware, software, and client information.
• Maintain proficiency and identify efficiency with relevant firm technical resources and computer applications.
• Demonstrate effective use of these resources and use file and workpaper organization techniques.
• Demonstrate a commonsense approach to problem solving, clearly identifying issues and/or problems as they arise and bringing them to the attention of the Assurance Supervisor and/or Manager.
• Develop a clear understanding of the engagement objective to perform necessary procedures.
• Listen carefully to instructions, take notes, ask questions, and seek clarification of instructions and assignments.
• Prepare workpapers that are neat, organized, and cross-referenced, in accordance with YHB procedures.
• Apply professional skepticism to the audit.
• Complete specific tasks, reports, and deliverables within assigned timeframes and budget.
• Document procedures performed, and conclusions reached.
• Prepare complete workpapers in conformity with standards including adequate supporting documentation, tick mark, and workpaper cross references.
• Ensure assigned sections have been completed, including after leaving the client site.
• Absorb and develop an understanding of control processes and identifying internal control weaknesses.
• Clear any review comments received from the engagement Supervisor and/or Manager.
• Increase technical knowledge based on primary niche industry.

Client Management and Service

• Communicate with others in a tactful and business-like manner.
• Provide regular and frequent communication with in-charge staff regarding the status of assignments in progress.
• Accurately complete tasks within the timeframes established by clients as communicated through in-charge staff.
• Gain an understanding of the client (rather than just copying workpapers) through inquiry, observation, and study as well as interaction with in-charge staff and others at YHB.
• Be responsive to the need to meet client expectations, deadlines, and be flexible as much as possible in assisting the team to meet these expectations and deadlines.
• Display confidence in expressing ideas and proposed solutions.
• Initiate communication with Supervisors and circle leaders to determine job responsibilities (ie. equipment responsibilities, dress code, and basic understanding of client) prior to arrival.
• Maintain the complete confidentiality of all client and firm information.
• A commitment to respond to clients within 24 hours.
• Represent YHB to clients in a professional manner, adhering to YHB standards.
• Maintain daily time entry for accurate reporting firm wide.

Business Development

• Learn and demonstrate knowledge in the YHB’s service capabilities.
• Recognize the need to expand our practice and that all team members can participate in the process.
• Establish a network of client and business contacts and seek ways to increase YHB visibility among peers or by becoming involved in a professional or community organization.
• Be aware of potential opportunities with existing clients or non-clients and bring these to the attention of others within the firm.

Personal Participation and Professional Development

• Follow YHB’s time reporting requirements including timely entry of weekly time for payroll and billing purposes.
• Prepare for and complete the CPA exam.
• Demonstrate active involvement in self-improvement activities, including the awareness and development of their functional and industry specialization.
• Take responsibility for attaining chargeable hour requirements.
• Initiate and respond to suggestions to improve work quality.
• Actively participate in self-development activities such as reading technical information, interacting with firm leaders, and maintaining minimum standards for firm professional licensing/continuing education requirements.
• Solicit overall performance feedback on assigned areas from Supervisors and Managers.
• When not assigned to an engagement, actively seek chargeable work from Supervisors and Managers.
• During periods of non-billable time, seek out value-added projects such as writing newsletters, marketing activities, or research projects.
• Set challenging goals and be receptive to goals set by their circle leaders.
• Be cognizant of interactions within the community, realizing that in many cases you may be the only source of exposure for YHB.
• Display an increasing ability to work through challenging tasks, however, still seeking guidance and input from in-charge staff to maintain efficiency.
• Honestly assess your own performance upon completion of engagement or assignments.
• Gain understanding of department goals and responsibilities.
• Understand the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
• Understand the role of Supervisor and working to expand roles and responsibilities to that level.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a relevant field required or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Accounting course work and credit hour requirements (150) to achieve the CPA certification preferred.
• A dedication to teamwork and leadership.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses a high level of integrity and ability to respect confidentiality.
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Demonstrated time and work management skills necessary to manage a complex workload.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation & Rewards: Market-competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement savings plan with a 401(k) & profit-sharing plan.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Paid parental leave and family support.
• Professional Development: Learning and development opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• CPA exam support, certification reimbursements, and mentorship programs.
• Internal promotions and career pathing opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Flexible work arrangements (hybrid/remote options available).
• Engaging Work Culture: Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Employee resource groups and diversity initiatives.
• Social events, team-building activities, and volunteer opportunities.