Audit Principal ​/ Partner Track

Location: Syracuse, New York preferred; qualified Rochester, New York candidates will also be considered

Base Salary: $130,000–$155,000, based on experience

Additional Compensation: Production-based incentive compensation

Evans & Bennett, LLP has served Central New York for more than 75 years. We are entering a deliberate generational transition that creates an unusually significant opportunity for an experienced assurance leader.

We are seeking an Audit Principal who is ready not only to become a partner, but also to help build the next generation of the firm. This position is intended for a senior manager, director, principal or similarly experienced professional who has demonstrated the ability to lead but may feel constrained by the advancement opportunities or leadership structure at their current firm.

This is not an open-ended “partner track” position. The successful candidate will begin assuming meaningful partner-level client, personnel and firm‑leadership responsibilities quickly, with the intention of being considered for admission to partnership within approximately 12 to 24 months
, based on performance and mutual fit.

Evans & Bennett’s next generation will combine more than 75 years of established relationships and community trust with younger, progressive leadership focused on technology, client service, team development and the continued evolution of the firm. We are looking for a builder who wants a meaningful voice in that process.

The Audit Principal will help lead Evans & Bennett’s audit and accounting practice and oversee a portfolio of audits, reviews and compilations serving privately held and family‑owned businesses, manufacturers, broker‑dealers, professional service organizations, non‑profits and employee benefit plans.

The successful candidate will work directly with current and retiring partners to transition significant client relationships and leadership responsibilities. Candidates are not expected to bring an existing book of business; the opportunity is built around serving and strengthening established Evans & Bennett relationships.

• Lead a significant portfolio of audit, review and compilation engagements.
• Assume responsibility for established client relationships as part of the firm’s planned partner transition.
• Establish engagement strategy and ensure engagements are properly planned, staffed, performed, reviewed and completed.
• Review work papers, financial statements, disclosures and required communications at a high level.
• Resolve complex accounting, auditing and financial‑reporting matters.
• Maintain responsibility for engagement quality, budgets, deadlines, billing, realization and collections.
• Communicate directly with business owners, senior management, boards and other stakeholders.
• Supervise and develop managers, seniors and staff while helping build the firm’s future leadership team.
• Participate in recruiting, evaluations, scheduling, training and other personnel decisions.
• Help lead quality‑management, technology, process‑improvement and firm‑operational initiatives.
• Participate in firm strategy and management decisions.
• Participate in tax or advisory work based on the candidate’s experience and interests.
• Prepare for the responsibilities associated with admission to partnership.

• At least eight years of progressive public‑accounting audit and assurance experience
  , including significant engagement‑management and supervisory responsibility.
• Active CPA license required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• Significant experience planning, managing and reviewing audits, reviews and compilations.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GAAS and financial‑statement reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a substantial portfolio of engagements and client relationships.
• Experience resolving complex technical accounting and auditing matters.
• Strong record of mentoring and developing professional staff.
• Executive presence and the ability to communicate effectively with business owners, senior management and boards.
• Excellent judgment, organization,…