Audit Senior Associate - Manufacturing & Distribution

About Grassi

After more than 40 years of business growth and industry change, Grassi has redefined what it means to be an advisor and accountant to today’s businesses and individuals. Nationally ranked as one of the largest and fastest-growing accounting firms in the nation, Grassi is a leading provider of advisory, tax, and accounting services across key sectors including construction, architecture and engineering, not-for-profit, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, financial services, real estate, and more. Several publications have ranked us among the top accounting firms to work for, highlighting our strength in work-life balance, culture, and wellness categories.

With over 550 employees and nine offices spanning the New York Metropolitan Area, Long Island, the Northeast, Florida, New England, and an international presence in Italy, we are strategically positioned to serve clients locally and globally. In 2023, Grassi became an employee-owned company by implementing an ESOP, establishing our independence and empowering our people to drive the firm’s future success. The ESOP ensures that equity partners and all Grassi U.S. employees have the exclusive opportunity to own the firm’s stock, making them integral to the company’s future.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Manufacturing & Distribution Audit Senior Associate to join our team in any of the following office locations: Chelmsford, MA; Braintree, MA. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing firm.

Our Senior Auditors work closely with staff on all phases of project and engagement management for multiple clients. They are primarily responsible for planning and executing day-to-day audit activities for all client engagements which include meeting time constraints and client deadlines and thorough knowledge of first level of review of basic audit work reports produced by junior audit staff. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading audit engagements for manufacturing, distribution, and other commercial clients from initial planning through final deliverables, including risk assessment, understanding of internal controls, analytical procedures, substantive testing, fieldwork oversight, financial statement preparation and engagement completion and wrap up procedures
• Managing client relationships by serving as a primary point of contact throughout engagements, proactively addressing audit and accounting-related questions, and building client trust through timely and accurate communication
• Supervising, training, and mentoring junior staff and interns, reviewing their work for accuracy and quality, and providing constructive performance feedback to support professional growth
• Reviewing audit workpapers and financial statements to ensure compliance with GAAP and GAAS, applicable regulatory requirements, and firm policies
• Evaluating and testing internal controls, identifying control deficiencies, process inefficiencies, and areas for operational improvement, particularly in inventory management, cost accounting, and revenue recognition processes common in M&D clients
• Executing the day-to-day activities of audit engagements and supporting the execution of a high-quality audit
• Preparing and reviewing complex audit documentation, including working papers, client deliverables, and financial statement disclosures
• Performing and guiding others through detailed substantive testing procedures on key accounts such as inventory, fixed assets, leases, equity, revenue, cost of sales and payroll
• Researching and resolving technical accounting and auditing issues using authoritative literature, firm tools, and guidance
• Collaborating with engagement managers and partners to develop audit strategies tailored to M&D client operations, improving engagement efficiency and audit quality
• Assisting in staff evaluations and participating in recruiting and development initiatives to strengthen the audit team
• Ensuring engagements are completed on time, within scope and budget, while maintaining high standards of audit quality and client service
• Managing workload across multiple engagements and meeting competing deadlines with a focus on efficiency and prioritization
• Ensuring all work complies with professional standards, firm methodology, and client expectations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting;
• CPA or having obtained 150 credit hours for CPA eligibility preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years progressive audit experience; previous experience in public accounting required
• Manufacturing & Distribution and commercial industry experience required
• CPA license preferred or actively pursuing CPA certification
• Proven ability to supervise and lead staff while working collaboratively in a team
• The willingness and ability to work additional hours and travel to client sites, as needed
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, initiative, and leadership skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks, ProSystem fx Engagement, CCH, Checkpoint etc. is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and consistently demonstrates respect for others
• Work authorization required; we do not sponsor or transfer work visas

Why Grassi?

Our firm is consistently ranked by Vault.com and the Best Places to Work group for our commitment to compensation, paid time off, work-life balance, culture and more. Some of the ways we accomplish this include:

Flexibility: Our work-life balance initiatives include generous paid time off, flexible “Dress for Your Day” dress code, telecommuting options, flex-time policies, and summer hours, enhanced by our Floating Summer Friday’s program, which allows team members three extra Fridays off during the summer months in addition to their PTO.

Company Culture: Here at Grassi we are dedicated to creating an environment for our team members that is positive, productive, and aligns with our company’s high standards of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. We work closely with our DEI Council and Grassi Women’s Council to organize events throughout the year to bring the firm together for open dialogue and awareness of global diversity issues. Through our charitable initiative, Grassi Gives Back, we proudly support organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Autism Speaks, Long Island Cares, and many of our nonprofit clients.

Benefits Package: Competitive base compensation with eligibility for a raise and bonus each June or December based on performance metrics and level. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, employer contribution to life insurance, 401(k) plan, ESOP, and client and employee referral bonus program.

ESOP Owned: The ESOP ensures that equity partners and all Grassi U.S. employees have the exclusive opportunity to own the firm’s stock, making them integral to the company’s future. Unlike many other ESOPs, Grassi’s is privately funded, with no outside investors or private equity firms involved in the plan.

CPA Incentive: Financial assistance toward the achievement of the CPA certification which includes the cost of the CPA study materials, CPA exam registration and sitting fees for all 4 parts (up to 2 x per part), plus the CPA application and licensing fees.  Paid study time during work hours, additional paid time off to take your scheduled exam and a bonus paid upon passing the CPA exam.

Learning and Development: We offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) opportunities, including both technical and soft skills training. These opportunities are available through internal courses and external programs led by well-known industry instructors, all at no cost to our employees.

Wellness Resources: Discounted gym memberships and various wellness initiatives and programs such as the CALM app that helps our team members lower stress, decrease anxiety, improve focus, and get more restful sleep.

Compensation for this role is determined based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to your relevant experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. We strive to offer competitive, equitable pay, that reflects the value each team member brings to the organization. In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes performance-based incentives, wellness and retirement programs, and opportunities for continuous professional development.

Salary ranges are provided to offer transparency and may vary depending on final candidate qualifications and local market conditions. Please find compensation information below for candidates residing in the following market(s):

Massachusetts ranges are from $70,000 – $100,000

Recruitment Fraud Notice: Grassi Advisory Group, Inc. and its affiliated entities (“Grassi”) will never ask candidates to pay fees, purchase equipment, or provide payment information. Legitimate recruiting communications from Grassi are sent only from an @grassiadvisors.com email address and will not be conducted via text message, WhatsApp, or other messaging apps. If you are unsure about a communication, do not respond, please verify it by calling Grassi’s main phone number listed on our official website.