Audit Manager/Director, Higher Ed

About the role

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm providing industry‑focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With over 8,500 people across 130 U.S. locations and global reach, the firm promises to know and help its people. The Audit Director or Manager position is part of the CLA North Carolina Higher Education Assurance team and can be based in the Winston‑Salem, Charlotte, or Raleigh, NC office. You will work with higher‑education clients—state colleges, public universities, private institutions, and their philanthropic, research, and athletic endeavors—to make an impact across the education system.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for planning, supervising, and controlling all phases of the Firm’s higher‑ed industry clients as delegated by Principals.
• Assume in‑charge responsibility by planning the timing, staffing, and execution of assurance engagements to promote efficient operations and deliver value to clients.
• Lead the decision‑making process for assigned engagements and clients; keep the Engagement Principal fully informed of major decisions and engagement progress.
• Develop a trained and accountable team by assisting with recruiting, planning assignments, resolving problems, providing direct consultation to staff, evaluating performance, and serving as an instructor or discussion leader in professional development programs.
• Supervise the preparation of engagement letters for approval by the Engagement Principal; discuss the nature and terms of each assignment with clients; estimate fees; and ensure clients sign and return engagement letters before work begins.
• Evaluate internal controls and audit programs prepared by staff, revise as necessary, and present to the Engagement Principal for approval.
• Monitor engagement progress, time budgets, and deadlines; communicate important developments to the Engagement Principal along with relevant facts, conclusions, and recommendations; maintain ongoing communication with client management; and prepare for final client meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a large professional services or public accounting firm, including strategic management experience.
• Active CPA license.

Benefits

CLA supports the physical, financial, social, and emotional well‑being of its team members and offers comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401(k) and more.