Advisory Manager

Accounting & Audit Advisory Manager | Houston, TX | HybridBase Salary: $130,000–$160,000I’m working on an exciting opportunity for an Accounting & Audit Advisory Manager to join a growing Top 15 CPA firm CFO Advisory practice in Houston, TX.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Audit Manager coming from a Big 4 or national public accounting firm who wants to leverage their external audit background in a more advisory-focused capacity. You’ll work directly alongside CFOs, Controllers, accounting leadership teams, and external auditors, helping companies navigate complex audits, strengthen their financial reporting processes, and build an accounting infrastructure that can scale with the business.The team works with organizations ranging from startups through middle-market and upper-middle-market companies, including businesses preparing for public or private transactions. You’ll also have the opportunity to partner closely with M&A professionals on pre- and post-transaction initiatives.What You’ll Be DoingIn this role, you’ll essentially serve as the quarterback between the client and their external auditors, helping manage the audit process from the client side.Key responsibilities include:Serving as the primary liaison between client management, Controllers, accounting teams, and external auditorsManaging the audit process, including high volumes of PBC requests, supporting documentation, deadlines, and deliverablesReviewing PBC schedules, workpapers, reconciliations, financial analyses, and audit support before they are provided to external auditorsHelping clients understand what auditors are requesting and the underlying audit objectivePreparing and reviewing audit-ready workpapers, account reconciliations, and supporting analysesIdentifying discrepancies, documentation gaps, and potential audit issues before they create delaysAnticipating auditor questions and proactively addressing potential follow-up requestsWorking directly with external auditors to clarify, consolidate, and, when appropriate, professionally challenge requestsAssisting with US GAAP financial statements, footnote disclosures, and technical accounting memorandaHelping Controllers and accounting leadership improve financial reporting processes and overall audit readinessSupporting year-end and interim audit activitiesIdentifying opportunities to improve accounting processes, documentation, and data managementMentoring junior team members and helping develop best practices across engagementsSupporting business development and expanding client relationshipsIdeal BackgroundThe ideal candidate will have:5–7+ years of progressive external audit experienceExperience with a Big 4 or national public accounting firmActive CPA, CA, or equivalent certification3+ years of experience leading engagements, projects, or teamsStrong understanding of US GAAP, financial statement preparation, financial reporting, account reconciliations, month-end close, and audit proceduresExperience preparing and reviewing workpapers, PBC schedules, reconciliations, and other audit supportStrong project management skills with the ability to handle a high volume of concurrent audit requests and deadlinesExperience working directly with Controllers, accounting leadership, and external auditorsAdvanced Microsoft Excel skillsExperience with ERP systems, general ledgers, and financial reporting applicationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related fieldExperience working with private equity-backed portfolio companies, lean accounting organizations, technical accounting matters, and GAAP financial statement preparation is a plus.Who This Could Be a Great Fit ForThis could be an especially strong opportunity for an Audit Manager who enjoys the technical and client-facing aspects of audit but is ready to transition into advisory.Instead of being the external auditor requesting the information, you’ll work directly with the client to make sure their accounting, financial reporting, documentation, and audit support are ready to withstand auditor scrutiny.You’ll have the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with CFOs and Controllers, gain broader exposure to accounting and finance operations, and help clients solve issues beyond the traditional scope of an external audit.If you have a strong public accounting audit background and are interested in transitioning into Accounting Advisory / CFO Advisory, please apply or reach out to me directly to learn more about the opportunity.