Assurance Senior Associate - Public Sector (Location Flexible - Ottawa/Toronto/Montreal)

RSM is looking for an Assurance Senior Associate to join our public sector assurance practice which specializes in serving a wide array of organizations, including level of governments (Municipal, Provincial, and Federal), nationally recognized not-for-profit organizations and large philanthropic foundations. Experience the personal satisfaction of being part of a team that helps public sector and not-for-profit organizations position themselves to better achieve their mission and serve their members and constituents. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide timely, high quality client service that meets or exceeds client expectations including coordinating audits of complex financial statements, related disclosures, and other client deliverables  

• Develop an understanding of the client's business and needs, and become an industry specialist to understand client specific needs 

• Understand and utilize RSM’s Global Audit Methodology  

• Train and supervise Audit Associates on engagement teams and function as an in-charge facilitating field work by monitoring and reporting regarding productivity and adherence to work plan schedules on each assignment 

• Anticipate and address client concerns and escalate issues as they arise   

• Interact with clients to help ensure the information flow from client to audit team and vice versa is efficient   

• Identify and communicate significant accounting and auditing matters to manager/senior manager and partner on engagement   

• Provide insightful feedback on financial statements and prepare other client deliverables such as board communications, deficiency letters, management letters, etc.   

• Recognize industry-specific and general accounting and auditing issues, including revenue recognition, business combinations, debt and equity accounting, etc.  Determine appropriate audit approach for such areas   

• Identify performance improvement opportunities for team members   

• Ensure professional development through ongoing education    

• Willingness to travel 25% of the year, depending on your clients   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other discipline from an accredited University.

• Active CPA license or demonstrated progress toward CPA licensure in province of residence. 

• 2–3 years of recent assurance experience in a public accounting environment. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and auditing software tools.

• Working knowledge of GAAP, CASs or other relevant regulatory requirements, with the ability to apply relevant accounting and auditing standards.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills, with the ability to exercise professional judgment.

• Experience supporting audit engagements from planning through completion, including performing testing, assisting with financial statement preparation, reviewing workpapers, and mentoring staff.

• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with firm personnel and clients in person, by telephone, and through electronic or written means.

• Effective project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and quality of work in accordance with performance expectations, firm, and client standards. 

• Ability to work effectively in a professional office environment and, as required by the role, at client sites, including the ability to sit for extended periods of time and work at a computer and other standard office equipment. 

• Ability to work extended and/or non standard hours during peak periods or as necessary to meet client, project, or firm business needs.

• Ability to maintain consistent, onsite presence during core business hours including the ability to regularly report to a firm office location and travel to client sites as required, including access to reliable transportation.

• Occasionally lift or move miscellaneous items (typically under 20 lbs.)

• Location: Candidates located in Ontario or Quebec preferred

• Bilingual in English and French preferred