Assurance Manager

Description

 About Smith Leonard

Smith Leonard is a growth-minded, regional CPA firm with offices in High Point, Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Lexington, NC. We’ve discovered that public accounting is not a one-size fits all proposition. Different firms offer varying experiences, culture and work environment. Smith Leonard is proud to be a firm that offers an approachable, yet professional culture with great work/life balance, including remote/hybrid options and 1/2 day Fridays in the summer (a 36-hour work week). We are consistently rated one of the “Best Firms to Work For” by Accounting Today in their annual employee survey and are a top Mid-Sized firm nationwide. We have also received further distinction in 2025 as one of the "Best Firms for Young Accountants" nationwide. Our team is empowered and energized by the autonomy of local decision-making and community impact, but our affiliation as a BDO Alliance firm gives us access to scalability and far superior technical resources than you would expect from a firm that can also provide top-notch local customer service. Our daily work benefits include flexible schedules and “dress for your day” every day. We offer a casual, approachable environment for our team while delivering professional-level service to our clients and community.

Smith Leonard offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, an excellent learning environment, and an appreciation for work-life balance. The benefits package includes health insurance (one option is 100% employer paid!), dental, vision, disability, life insurance, a corporate wellness program offering free nutrition coaching and monthly lunch and learns, holiday and PTO pay, Thank You Days, Paid Parental Leave, Annual Day of Service (company Volunteer Day), and 401K with a generous company contribution.

Note regarding remote/hybrid work: Although Smith Leonard fully supports a "work where you are most productive" philosophy, the Assurance Manager must live within reasonable commuting distance to one of our North Carolina offices.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Assurance Manager plays a key role in managing audit and assurance engagements, ensuring high-quality deliverables that comply with professional standards and regulatory requirements. This role involves overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting phases of engagements, reviewing financial statements, and addressing technical issues. Additionally, the Assurance Manager mentors and develops audit staff, manages client relationships, and collaborates with senior managers and partners to support the firm’s assurance practice and growth objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Supervision means the position has responsibility for the employee life cycle:  assigning work, performance reviews, providing direction, training, scheduling, etc.)

Does this position provide supervision to others?   ?  No    ?  Yes

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform assurance services, including audits, reviews, and compilations, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

2. Document audit findings and prepare workpapers that support conclusions and audit results.

3. Conduct data analysis, risk assessment, and evaluations of internal controls to identify potential issues or areas for improvement.

4. Work closely with clients to gather necessary information and resolve questions during engagements, fostering strong professional relationships.

5. Leverage research tools to stay current on evolving accounting standards and regulations relevant to clients' industries.

6. Participate in audit planning meetings to develop engagement strategies and identify key risk areas.

7. Review and reconcile client financial data, identifying discrepancies and proposing adjustments when needed.

8. Assist, prepare and review financial statements and related disclosures to ensure accuracy and adherence to GAAP or IFRS.

9. Mentor associates and senior associates by providing ongoing guidance, reviewing their work for accuracy and completeness, offering constructive feedback, and supporting their professional development through knowledge sharing and coaching.

10. Support the senior team in ensuring engagement timelines and budgets are met, proactively addressing any challenges.

11. Provide valuable insights and recommendations to clients for improving financial reporting processes and internal controls.

12. Manage client relationships, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and communicating findings and recommendations effectively.

13. Collaborate with the firm’s leadership to identify opportunities to provide additional services to clients, such as consulting or advisory support, to resolve technical issues and provide guidance to staff.

14. Assist with internal initiatives, such as improving firm processes, participating in recruiting efforts, or contributing to staff training programs.

15. Ensure compliance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and firm policies.

16. Review and confirm the accuracy and completeness of work performed by audit staff and interns, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards.

17. Assist in the recruitment and hiring of audit staff and participate in staff evaluations and performance management.

18. Participate in industry conferences and events to stay up to date on industry trends and developments.

19. Participate in and lead continuing professional education (CPE) courses and training programs as appropriate to maintain technical knowledge and support team development.

20. Ensure accurate tracking and recording of time using the firm’s time entry system, maintaining proper documentation of billable hours, client work, and project activities. Oversee and reinforce employee compliance with timekeeping policies, providing guidance and support to ensure accurate and timely entries.

21. Regularly update leadership on progress, key issues, and client developments.

22. Represent the firm in external engagements such as meetings with clients, bankers, trade associations, or by participating on boards in a supporting capacity.

23. Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of professional standards, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

• Proficiency in auditing and accounting software, including Excel, Word, and audit management tools.

• Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and staff.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage deadlines.

• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other supervisors, senior managers, and partners.

• Demonstrated alignment with our firm’s mission to develop relationship-driven professionals who deliver an   exceptional client experience and collaborate in a fun and rewarding environment.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public accounting, preferably in an audit or assurance role. 

• Proven experience managing audit and assurance engagement and supervising staff. 

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.

• Master’s degree in accounting or a related field is required. 

CREDENTIALS / LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS / PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around the office as needed. 

• Ability to lift and carry light weight objects (up to 10 pounds)

• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as needed. 

• Ability to hear and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods of time.

• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time for client engagements or firm-related activities (primarily day travel, infrequent overnight travel).

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Smith Leonard is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.