Risk Advisory Senior Associate; State & Local Gov't - Internal Audit

Overview

Cherry Bekaert, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country, offers innovative advisory, assurance, and tax services. The Risk Advisory for State & Local Government practice is expanding and seeks a Senior Associate to join a nationally distributed team.

• Perform engagement activities under the supervision of a project manager.
• Participate in client discussions and assist with drafting deliverables.
• Help clients protect and enhance organizational value by leveraging internal controls to manage risk and support sustainable operations.

• Internal audits for a broad range of clients, primarily public sector.
• Internal controls testing and maturity assessments.
• Risk assessments and audit remediation.
• Regulatory compliance assessments and risk data analytics.
• Controls automation.
• Forensic, investigative, and internal review assistance (excluding litigation/expert witness services).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a public accounting firm or public sector performing internal audits for state and local governments.
• Completed 80 hours of CPE in the last two years, including 24 hours related to government auditing or the government environment.
• Knowledge of internal accounting controls, professional standards, regulations, and related systems.
• Experience with audit, compliance, accounting, and/or consulting standards (IIA, AICPA, GAS, Yellow Book/Green Book).
• Experience with internal controls including flowcharts, documentation, and testing.
• Experience with workpaper preparation in accordance with Yellow Book standards.
• Strong background in corrective action resolution and training others.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

• Willingness to pursue professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CFA, CCSA, or CRMA.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including pivot tables, Access, and related add‑ins.
• Working knowledge of data analytics software such as Tableau, PowerBI, Python, Alteryx, or similar technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with forensic reviews (fraud, waste, abuse).

• Competitive compensation with a salary range of $92,500 - $120,000.
• Annual bonus program.
• Medical, dental, and vision care.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid Care Leave.
• Other programs enhancing personal and work life.

Our values foster inclusion and belonging, encouraging integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. You will work in a collaborative environment that supports career growth and continuous professional development. The role offers flexibility with hybrid/remote options and the opportunity to impact clients while balancing life outside of work.

Applicants must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Cherry Bekaert will not provide work sponsorship for this position.

Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.