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YHB | CPAs & Consultants · 5 months ago

Audit & Assurance Associate

Winchester, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

New Grad, Entry Level

YHB is committed to a holistic approach in assisting clients with their financial needs. The Audit & Assurance Associate is responsible for assisting in the completion of all assigned engagements, ensuring timely and efficient task completion while developing a strong understanding of the Assurance process.

AccountingComplianceConsultingWealth Management

Responsibilities

Possess an intermediate level of understanding related to Assurance and accounting principles

Follow YHB guidance regarding secure use of hardware, software, and client information

Maintain proficiency and identify efficiency with relevant firm technical resources and computer applications. Demonstrate effective use of these resources and use file and workpaper organization techniques

Demonstrate a commonsense approach to problem solving, clearly identifying issues and/or problems as they arise and bringing them to the attention of the Assurance Supervisor and/or Manager

Develop a clear understanding of the engagement objective to perform necessary procedures

Listen carefully to instructions, take notes, ask questions, and seek clarification of instructions and assignments

Prepare workpapers that are neat, organized, and cross-referenced, in accordance with YHB procedures

Apply professional skepticism to the audit

Complete specific tasks, reports, and deliverables within assigned timeframes and budget

Document procedures performed, and conclusions reached

Prepare complete workpapers in conformity with standards including adequate supporting documentation, tick mark, and workpaper cross references

Ensure assigned sections have been completed, including after leaving the client site

Assist the Assurance Supervisor with wrap-up through the completion of the engagement

Gain proficiency in developing analytics and a willingness to understand the analytics produced

Begin to develop an understanding of control processes and identifying internal control weaknesses

Clear any review comments received from the engagement Supervisor and/or Manager

Increase technical knowledge based on primary niche industry

Communicate with others in a tactful and business-like manner

Provide regular and frequent communication with in-charge staff regarding the status of assignments in progress

Accurately complete tasks within the timeframes established by clients as communicated through in-charge staff

Demonstrate efforts to gain an understanding of the client (rather than just copying workpapers) through inquiry, observation, and study as well as interaction with in-charge staff and others at YHB

Be responsive to the need to meet client expectations, deadlines, and be flexible as much as possible in assisting the team to meet these expectations and deadlines

Display confidence in expressing ideas and proposed solutions

Initiate communication with Supervisors and circle leaders to determine job responsibilities (ie. equipment responsibilities, dress code, and basic understanding of client) prior to arrival

Maintain the complete confidentiality of all client and firm information

A commitment to respond to clients within 24 hours

Represent YHB to clients in a professional manner, adhering to YHB standards

Maintain daily time entry for accurate reporting firm wide

Learn and demonstrate knowledge in the YHB’s service capabilities

Recognize the need to expand our practice and that all team members can participate in the process

Establish a network of client and business contacts and seek ways to increase YHB visibility among peers or by becoming involved in a professional or community organization

Be aware of potential opportunities with existing clients or non-clients and bring these to the attention of others within the firm

Follow YHB’s time reporting requirements including timely entry of weekly time for payroll and billing purposes

Prepare for and complete the CPA exam

Demonstrate active involvement in self-improvement activities, including the awareness and development of their functional and industry specialization

Take responsibility for attaining chargeable hour requirements

Initiate and respond to suggestions to improve work quality

Actively participate in self-development activities such as reading technical information, interacting with firm leaders, and maintaining minimum standards for firm professional licensing/continuing education requirements

Solicit overall performance feedback on assigned areas from Supervisors and Managers

When not assigned to an engagement, actively seek chargeable work from Supervisors and Managers

During periods of non-billable time, seek out value-added projects such as writing newsletters, marketing activities, or research projects

Set challenging goals and be receptive to goals set by their circle leaders

Be cognizant of interactions within the community, realizing that in many cases you may be the only source of exposure for YHB

Demonstrate an increasing ability to work through challenging tasks, however, still seeking guidance and input from in-charge staff to maintain efficiency

Honestly assess your own performance upon completion of engagement or assignments

Gain understanding of department goals and responsibilities

Understanding the role of Supervisor and working to expand roles and responsibilities to that level

Overnight travel to out-of-town YHB offices, client locations and continuing professional education may be required

Participate in staff recruiting activities, including campus visits, internship, externship, etc. when it does not interfere with client work

Use peers as a resource for personal development and information sharing

Provide feedback during annual upward evaluations

Understand the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Demonstrate this understanding by maintaining positive working relationships with firm leaders, clients, and other team members, which requires an attitude of helpfulness, a focus on team success, and the consideration of ideas from others