Transaction Accounting Senior Associate - M&A Advisory

WHO WE ARE

Elliott Davis pairs forward-thinking tax, assurance and consulting services with industry-leading workplace culture. Our nine offices — located in the fastest growing cities in the US — are built on a foundation of inclusivity, collaboration, and collective growth. We work daily to provide exceptional service to our people, customers, and our communities. Audit and assurance services are provided by Elliott Davis, LLC(doing business in NC and D.C. as Elliott Davis, PLLC), a licensed CPA firm.

Job Summary:

Elliott Davis is a leading provider of transaction, accounting, and finance advisory services to private equity firms, portfolio companies, and founder-led businesses throughout the lower middle market and middle market. Our professionals partner with investors and management teams to navigate complex transactions and build scalable finance functions that support long-term value creation.

In this role, you will lead transaction-related accounting engagements throughout the post-close lifecycle, helping clients address critical accounting and financial reporting matters arising from acquisitions and divestitures. Primary responsibilities include managing opening balance sheet engagements, purchase accounting support, net working capital (NWC) analyses, post-close purchase price adjustments, final closing statements, and transaction-related accounting advisory projects.

You will work directly with private equity sponsors, portfolio company leadership teams, attorneys, lenders, quality of earnings providers, and other transaction advisors to resolve complex accounting issues and drive successful transaction outcomes. This position offers significant client interaction, technical accounting exposure, and business development opportunities within a rapidly growing practice.

Responsibilities:

• Provide timely, high-quality client service that meets or exceeds client expectations.
• Lead multiple transaction accounting engagements simultaneously, including opening balance sheets, NWC true-ups, purchase price adjustments, and final closing statements.
• Manage all phases of post-close accounting workstreams from planning through delivery.
• Review purchase agreements and related transaction documents to identify accounting considerations, NWC definitions, and adjustment mechanisms.
• Perform and supervise detailed analyses of working capital, debt, cash, transaction expenses, accruals, reserves, and other purchase price adjustment components.
• Oversee preparation and review of opening balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805 and related purchase accounting guidance.
• Evaluate historical accounting practices and recommend adjustments required to comply with GAAP and transaction documentation.
• Coordinate with client management, private equity sponsors, auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and other third-party professionals throughout the engagement.
• Manage engagement economics, project budgets, staffing, and delivery timelines.
• Develop and mentor associates and interns through coaching, technical review, and on-the-job training.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development initiatives across the firm’s service lines.
• Assist in the development of transaction accounting methodologies, templates, and technology-enabled solutions to improve quality and efficiency.
• Prepare and present analyses and conclusions to executives, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead discussions with clients and transaction counterparties to negotiate and resolve accounting-related purchase price adjustment matters.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in public accounting, transaction advisory services, accounting advisory, audit, or corporate accounting.
• Significant experience with M&A transactions, purchase accounting, net working capital analyses, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience reviewing purchase agreements and interpreting transaction-specific accounting provisions.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including business combinations (ASC 805).
• Experience working with private equity-backed companies preferred.
• Prior project management and staff supervision experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• CPA required.
• Strong financial statement analysis and accounting research capabilities.
• Advanced Excel skills, including large-data-set analysis and financial modeling.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting platforms.
• Forward-thinking mindset with interest in leveraging technology and AI to improve service delivery and engagement efficiency.
• Client-service oriented with strong relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight transaction timelines.
• Collaborative leader with a growth mindset and desire to mentor developing professionals.

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WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US

We believe that when our employees are able to thrive in all facets of life, their work and impact are that much greater.
That's right – all aspects of life, not just your life as an employee, because we understand that there's life beyond your job. Here are some of the ways our work works for your life, your growth, and your well-being: 
•    generous time away and paid firm holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s
•    flexible work schedules
•    16 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, 4 weeks of paid  and caregiver leave (once eligible) 
•    first-class health and wellness benefits, including wellness coaching and mental health counseling
•    one-on-one professional coaching
•    Leadership and career development programs
•    access to Beyond:  a one-of-a kind program with experiences that help you expand your life, personally and professionally

NOTICE TO 3RD PARTY RECRUITERS
Notice to Recruiters and Agencies regarding unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions without prior express written approval. Resumes submitted or candidates referred to any employee of Elliott Davis by any external recruiter or recruitment agency by any means (including but not limited to via Internet, e-mail, fax, U.S. mail, and/or verbal communications) without a properly executed written contract for a specified position by an authorized member of the Talent Acquisition team become the property of Elliott Davis. Elliott Davis will not be responsible for, or owe any fees associated with, referrals of those candidates and/or for submission of any information, including resumes, associated with individuals.
 

ADA REQUIREMENTS
The physical and cognitive/mental requirements and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
•    Regularly required to remain in a stationary position; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and to talk or hear, both in person and by telephone
•    Required to have specific vision abilities which include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Cognitive/Mental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
•    Use written and oral communication skills. 
•    Read and interpret data, information, and documents. 
•    Observe and interpret situations. 
•    Work under deadlines with frequent interruptions; and
•    Interact with internal and external customers and others in the course of work.