Public Sector (Government / Not-for-Profit) Audit Manager

About the role

As a Public Sector Audit Manager, you will manage multiple governmental, nonprofit, and other public-sector audit engagements; supervise and develop engagement teams; review audit documentation and financial statement deliverables; support technical accounting, auditing, and compliance matters; and help maintain strong client relationships while contributing to business development and firm growth.

Whitley Penn provides exceptional, personalized service through collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. We offer Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Consulting services, and we're looking for professionals who think like owners to help shape a high-growth firm.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and expectations, monitor engagement economics, coordinate staffing and workflow, and keep Partners informed of engagement status, deadlines, risks, and budget matters across multiple engagements simultaneously.
• Plan, supervise, and review audit engagements for governmental, nonprofit, and other public-sector entities, including local governments, school districts, special-purpose governments, and entities subject to Government Auditing Standards and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Evaluate engagement risks, internal controls, audit strategy, materiality considerations, audit procedures, and workpaper documentation to ensure engagements are properly supported and ready for Partner and quality review.
• Review draft financial statements, MD&A, notes, required supplementary information, supplementary information, schedules, and related audit deliverables for compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, firm methodology, and applicable reporting requirements.
• Oversee Single Audit and compliance audit procedures, including major program determination, SEFA review, compliance testing, findings development, corrective action follow-up, and related reporting under 2 CFR 200.
• Identify, evaluate, and communicate audit findings, internal control deficiencies, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, material noncompliance, and management letter comments to clients, Partners, and governance, as appropriate.
• Research and apply relevant accounting, auditing, compliance, and reporting standards, including GASB pronouncements, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, GAAS, Uniform Guidance, and firm quality control policies.
• Provide exceptional client service by understanding client operations, finance processes, reporting objectives, compliance requirements, and audit readiness needs; use this knowledge to advise clients in a consultative and professional manner.
• Assist Partners with communications to management and governance, including audit presentations, required communications, complex technical matters, and responses to questions from boards, councils, committees, or other oversight bodies.
• Use audit technology, data analytics, Excel-based tools, workflow applications, and other process improvement techniques to improve audit efficiency, documentation quality, review effectiveness, and client deliverables.
• Supervise, teach, and develop Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns through assignment delegation, timely review, coaching, performance feedback, training, and support of consistent audit methodology.
• Support complex engagements involving compressed timelines, multiple reporting periods, restatements, new standard implementation, compliance issues, or significant audit findings.
• Actively participate in business proposals, networking, recruiting, client retention, and relationship development opportunities within the public-sector practice.

Requirements

• 5+ years of public accounting external audit experience, including responsibility for planning, supervising, reviewing, and completing audit engagements.
• Public Sector audit experience required, with experience serving governmental, nonprofit, or other entities subject to specialized financial reporting, compliance, or governance requirements.
• CPA certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, GAAS, GASB pronouncements, and financial reporting requirements for public-sector entities.
• Strong technical knowledge of Single Audits performed in accordance with 2 CFR 200, including major program determination, compliance testing, SEFA review, findings, and related reporting requirements.
• Experience reviewing audit workpapers, financial statements, note disclosures, MD&A, required supplementary information, supplementary information, and required communications for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply new accounting, auditing, compliance, and reporting standards to client engagements and firm methodology.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, project management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage complex engagements, competing deadlines, and client service expectations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and audit technology tools; experience using data analytics, Excel-based analysis, workflow tools, or automation to improve audit execution is preferred.
• Ability to identify and appropriately leverage AI, automation, and technology when it improves audit quality, risk management, or efficiency.
• Strong management, coaching, training, and team development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical audit, accounting, compliance, and reporting matters to clients, engagement teams, Partners, and governance.

Schedule

Fully in-office/on client site position; general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed.

Benefits

• Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans).
• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance.
• 17 Annual Firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4th and year end.
• 25 days PTO.
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave.
• 401(k) with Profit Sharing.
• Discretionary Bonus Program.
• Firm Paid Becker CPA Review Course & Reimbursement for Exam Fees.
• Health & Wellness Program.
• Pet Insurance.