Job Summary:

The State & Local Government Senior Manager is responsible for developing suggestions to improve client internal controls and accounting procedures as well as advising the client on various economic and regulatory risks in a specific industry field of expertise by identifying financial and non-financial performance measures, formulating and communicating the audit plan, answering complex questions involving GAAP, GAAS,GAGAS (Yellow Book) and UG composing technical consultation memos on engagements related to GAAP,GAAS/GAGAS issues. In this role, the Senior Manager is charged with marketing, networking, and business development within an area of expertise while maintaining key client relationships and acting as the primary contact for clients regarding complex questions and information. Additionally, the Senior Manager is a critical part of the offices / region's Assurance leadership team and will be involved in the direct supervision, problem resolution and delegation stages of the overall audit.

Job Duties:

Control Environment

• Applies advanced knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of various factors on establishing or enhancing effectiveness, or mitigating the risks, of specific policies and procedures
  • Applies an advanced understanding of objectives and components of the overall control environment and organization, and supervisory controls
  • Validates and assesses effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
  • Identifies and communicates to management and audit committee suggestions to improve client internal controls and accounting procedures
  • Identifies and delegates functions of the audit to the auditor in charge as deemed appropriate
  • Supervises the work of audit team and reviews workpapers and conclusions preferably onsite during audit field work
  • Provides on-the-job-training to the engagement staff during audit field work

GAAP

• Applies advanced knowledge and understanding of governing principles of Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB)
  • Applies GASB principles to client transactions
  • Identifies and consults with clients on the impact of new accounting pronouncements
  • Monitors and communicates important professional, industry pronouncements
  • Presents and discusses alternative application of generally accepted accounting principles and arguments for/against such alternatives
  • Drafts complex financial statements and related footnote disclosures and effectively communicates these to client
  • Identifies complex accounting issues and forms and documents resolution, seeking counsel of BDO technical experts as needed

GAAS

• Applies advanced knowledge and understanding of professional standards
  • Applies the principles contained in professional standards
  • Documents and communicates an understanding and application of professional standards on an engagement
  • Applies advanced knowledge of professional standards/practices, including GAAS in performing and supervising work
  • Provides guidance to others and affirms conclusions made by others
  • Communicates matters required to be reported to those charged with governance
  • Applies the use of efficiency tools such as statistical sampling, CAATS, etc.

Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Single Audit

• Applies advanced knowledge and understanding of the Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and the principles of the Uniform Guidance as it applies to single audits

Methodology

• Applies advanced knowledge and application of BDO standards, policies and technology that guide effective and efficient delivery of quality services and products
  • Conducts detailed review to assure audit is completed in accordance with assurance manual standards
  • Prepares or reviews required communications to management and audit committees, ensuring timeliness and completeness
  • Recommends appropriate outcomes to critical issues
  • Initiates and prepares client acceptance/retention procedures where appropriate
  • Plans the audit process and oversees the execution of procedures with quality, efficiency, and completeness despite pressures of deadlines
  • Executes proper BDO methodology including but not limited to proper archiving procedures
  • Considers Sarbanes-Oxley rules in understanding and executing service plans for combined 404 and financial statement audits for public clients

Research

• Applies methodology used to seek or maintain information from authoritative sources and to draw conclusions regarding a target issue based on that information
  • Defines methodology to conduct research projects and completes in a timely manner
  • Applies advanced knowledge of all appropriate research tools and draws conclusions based upon appropriate research
  • Prepares memo supporting research/conclusions and consults with others if appropriate
  • Presents issues to RTD or concurring reviewer effectively and accurately

Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Sets the tone for teamwork by supporting others in their work and delivering on commitments made to the team members and clients
• Supervises managers, associates, and senior associates on all projects
• Reviews work prepared by managers, associates and senior associates and provide review comments
• Acts as a Career Advisor to associates and senior associates
• Schedules and manages workload of associates and senior associates
• Provides verbal and written performance feedback to associates and senior associates
• Teaches/coaches managers, seniors, and associates to provide on the job learning

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, required; with a focus in Accounting, Finance, Economics or Statistics, preferred
• Master's degree in Accountancy, preferred

Experience:

• Seven (7) or more years of prior relevant audit experience and/or public accounting, private industry accounting or consulting/professional services experience, required
• Prior significant supervisory experience, required
• Advanced industry experience in one or more assurance specialty, preferred

License/Certifications:

• Active licensed US CPA, recognized active International Equivalent or unique qualification as defined by BDO's Assurance Licensing Policy, required
• If active international equivalent or unique qualifications, required to obtain an active US CPA license within approved timeframe as defined by firm licensing requirement guidelines

Software:

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, required
• Experience with assurance applications and research tools, preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills and be a role model to managers and staff
• Advanced GAAP for State and Local Governments and GAAS/GAGAS (Yellow Book) knowledge
• Possess proven excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess excellent people development and delegation skills, including training/instruction and engagement scheduling and budgeting
• Possess executive presence - need to be able to be primary contact for the client, prepare and present presentations to clients and potential clients
• Possess excellent client development/relationship-building skills
• Possess excellent decision-making skills
• Ability to substantially take charge of entire simple engagement
• Able to resolve complex accounting issues
• Ability to be responsible for business development and marketing
• Has knowledge of and can promote the use of all BDO client service specialties/offerings, including BDO International and the BDO Alliance
• Ability to be responsible for engagement profitability, including billings and collections, and maintaining engagement team focus on productivity and efficiency