Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Manager to join our Public Sector (Government/Not-for-Profit) Audit team! As a Public Sector Audit Manager, you will be responsible for managing multiple governmental, nonprofit, and other public-sector audit engagements; supervising and developing engagement teams; reviewing audit documentation and financial statement deliverables; supporting technical accounting, auditing, and compliance matters; and helping maintain strong client relationships while contributing to business development and firm growth.
Whitley Penn has become one of the fastest growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional, personalized service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to Audit and Tax solutions, we offer a wide range of Advisory and Consulting services. We work in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. At Whitley Penn, we learn, innovate, and achieve by sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas, and working together. We’re looking for professionals who think like owners and want to be part of shaping a high-growth firm.
Position Details:
- Title: Audit Manager – Public Sector
- Classification: Full-time; Exempt
- Department: Audit – Public Sector
- Location: Houston
- Office Expectations/Hours: Fully in-office/on client site position; general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed.
What You Will Do
- 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.
What You Need to Get Here
- 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.
Why Whitley Penn
Our total rewards are incredibly competitive. We work hard and recharge so that we can be our best selves for our clients. Explore some of our benefits below:
- 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
Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to age, race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Whitley Penn is a participant in E-Verify please follow the link to review disclosure notifications: https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0). All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
