Experienced Audit Senior, State & Local Government

About the Role

The State and Local Government (SLG) Experienced Audit Senior will coordinate day-to-day "in-charge" duties, including planning, fieldwork, and wrap-up. Responsibilities include preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying GAAP, documenting and assessing control systems, and acting as the client contact for basic questions. This role may also involve reviews and agreed-upon procedure engagements.

Responsibilities

• Control Environment:
  • Apply knowledge of policies and procedures to enhance effectiveness or mitigate risks.
  • Work with the engagement manager to execute audit fieldwork per Firm policies, budget, and timetable.
  • Document, validate, and assess internal control systems.
  • Determine and communicate improvements to client internal controls and accounting procedures.
  • Supervise audit staff, review workpapers, and explain shortcomings.
• GAAP:
  • Apply Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) to client transactions and communicate understanding.
  • Understand and communicate GASB financial statement disclosure requirements.
  • Review Basic Financial Statements, including MD&A, notes, and Required Supplementary Information.
  • Identify and apply new GASB pronouncements.
  • Analyze and discuss alternative GASB accounting principles with superiors.
  • Identify complex accounting issues and escalate to superiors.
• GAAS/GAGAS:
  • Apply professional standards and document their application.
  • Formulate and communicate the audit plan.
  • Apply GAGAS to complex issues and consult as needed.
  • Use audit skepticism to adjust testing scope.
  • Document deviations from BDO policy with approval.
  • Suggest improvements to internal controls and draft required communications.
  • Ensure compliance with engagement independence requirements.
  • Review client communications for completeness and accuracy.
• Uniform Guidance:
  • Apply Uniform Guidance (UG) standards and document their application.
  • Select major programs consistent with UG standards.
  • Develop audit strategies for compliance requirements.
  • Execute and oversee audit strategies per UG standards and BDO policies.
  • Identify and communicate audit findings to superiors and clients.
  • Prepare written findings and facilitate corrective action plans.
• Methodology:
  • Apply BDO standards for quality service delivery.
  • Use BDO audit approach, tools, and technology to execute audits efficiently.
  • Identify and propose outcomes for critical issues.
• Research:
  • Use internal and external research tools for routine requests.
  • Research complex accounting areas and form initial opinions.
  • Document findings in a usable format.
  • Assist the engagement manager with gathering audit-relevant information.
• Project Management:
  • Coordinate audit planning, fieldwork, and review with the team and client.
  • Assist in developing the audit engagement budget and resource allocation.
  • Draft the Audit Engagement Planning Memorandum, audit programs, and budgets.
  • Monitor and report budget vs. actual performance.
  • Assign responsibilities to audit staff.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervise a team of 1–5 audit professionals.
  • Provide verbal and written performance feedback to associates.
  • Coach associates through on-the-job learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent (required).
• Master’s degree in Accounting (preferred).
• Three (3) or more years of public accounting experience (required).
• Prior supervisory experience (preferred).
• Experience with public sector entities (preferred).
• Single audit experience (preferred).
• Actively pursuing CPA (required).

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with assurance applications and research tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• People development and delegation skills.
• Executive presence and ability to act as primary client contact.
• Ability to manage all stages of an audit (planning, fieldwork, wrap-up).
• Ability to audit complex companies and prepare/review GAAP-compliant financial statements.

Pay

Salaries are determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and geography. Ranges:

• National: $115,000 – $135,000
• Maryland: $115,000 – $135,000
• NYC/Long Island/Westchester: $115,000 – $135,000

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Fully funded by BDO, granting employees ownership stakes without contributions.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards benefits (eligibility requirements may apply).

About Us

BDO is a professional services firm offering assurance, tax, and advisory services. Our culture values individuality, flexibility, and impactful work. As an ESOP company, we share financial growth with our U.S. team. We empower professionals to explore their potential, celebrate innovation, and focus on resilience and sustainability. Our goal is to deliver exceptional experiences to middle-market leaders through insight-driven perspectives.