Associate, Accounting Advisory

Associate – Accounting Advisory

About Palm Tree

Palm Tree is a modern M&A value creation firm that integrates financial consulting, operational consulting, and investment banking services. Founded in 2010, Palm Tree specializes in supporting private equity firms, business operators, and management teams through strategic events such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, carve‑outs, recapitalizations, restructurings, and performance improvement initiatives. The firm’s unique model combines the expertise of private equity, Big‑4 accounting, and investment banking, delivering actionable solutions tailored to the challenges of middle‑market businesses.

Associates typically bring 4–6 years of relevant experience and work closely with senior team members and clients to address complex accounting and operational challenges. This role provides exposure to multiple facets of M&A, private equity, and Office of the CFO support within a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.

The Associate role in Accounting Advisory at Palm Tree is a critical, hands‑on position supporting Accounting Advisory engagements across financial reporting, month‑end close optimization, technical accounting, process improvement, and M&A‑related initiatives.

• Support day‑to‑day execution of Accounting Advisory engagements, including:
  • Internal and external financial reporting packages
  • Accounting policies, technical accounting memos, disclosures, and audit request support
  • Purchase price accounting schedules and journal entries
• Analyze accounting and finance processes to identify improvements in:
  • Month‑end close
  • Reporting efficiency and automation
  • Internal controls
• Perform variance analyses across income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow drivers.
• Participate in client meetings and calls, helping explain financial results and technical conclusions.
• Help clients operationalize new reporting workflows, accounting processes, and value‑creation initiatives.

• Mentor junior team members, review their work, and connect accounting insights to operational impacts.
• Provide regular engagement updates to senior leadership.
• Support internal training and best‑practice development across the firm.

• Support business development efforts (proposals, scopes, pitch materials).
• Contribute to firm‑building efforts: recruiting, process improvement, thought leadership.
• Begin developing direct client relationships and supporting long‑term account growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; MAC/MBA helpful but not required.
• Active CPA highly preferred.

• 4–6+ years of relevant experience, ideally including:
  • Audit/assurance (public accounting)
  • Accounting advisory
  • Corporate/industry accounting
• Strong familiarity with U.S. GAAP, including:
  • Revenue recognition, leases, and stock‑based compensation
  • Purchase accounting
  • Debt vs. equity, financial instruments, and other technical areas
• Experience juggling multiple work streams and reviewing junior staff is preferred.

• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and close processes.
• Experience with BI tools or automation technologies is a plus.

• Highly analytical with strong critical‑thinking skills.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and effective under pressure.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proactive, motivated, and “team‑first” mindset with a client‑service orientation.

• Base salary $100k–$125k, plus performance‑based bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, unlimited PTO.
• Hybrid work environment (2+ days in office), with travel of 5%–35% depending on engagements.
• High‑growth, merit‑based culture with accelerated advancement opportunities.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access

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As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow. At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving…