Internal Control Senior Associate

Kearney & Company is seeking an Internal Control Senior Associate to join our growing firm! In this role, the Senior Associate will support federal agency clients in evaluating, documenting, testing, and improving internal controls over reporting and key business processes in accordance with OMB Circular A-123, applicable federal requirements, and established internal control frameworks. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with engagement teams and client stakeholders to assess control effectiveness, identify control deficiencies, develop recommendations, and support agency efforts to strengthen internal control environments and improve operational accountability.

Responsibilities / duties include but not limited to:

Internal Controls and Risk Assessment

• Support the design, implementation, and assessment of internal control programs in accordance with OMB Circular A-123 and applicable federal guidance.
• Assist with risk assessments, internal control evaluations, and the identification of financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over reporting, business processes, and key operational activities.
• Support the assessment of internal controls in accordance with the GAO Green Book and other applicable federal standards.
• Assist in identifying control gaps, weaknesses, and deficiencies and evaluate their potential impact on agency operations and financial reporting.

Internal Controls Testing and Documentation

• Execute walkthroughs, control testing, and other procedures to assess control design and operating effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain process narratives, flowcharts, risk and control matrices, test plans, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Gather, analyze, and validate evidence to support internal control conclusions and engagement deliverables.
• Document testing results, exceptions, root causes, and potential control deficiencies in accordance with engagement methodology and quality standards.
• Assist with the evaluation and remediation of control deficiencies and the development of corrective action plans.

Federal Compliance and Reporting

• Support client compliance with OMB Circular A-123, the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA), and other applicable federal financial management requirements.
• Support the preparation of internal control assessment reports, management briefings, findings summaries, and other client deliverables.
• Research relevant federal regulations, policies, and guidance to support engagement procedures and client recommendations.
• Assist clients in tracking remediation activities and monitoring progress toward resolution of identified deficiencies.

Client Engagement and Team Collaboration

• Work with senior associates, managers, and engagement leadership to execute project activities, meet milestones, and maintain high-quality deliverables.
• Participate in client interviews, process walkthroughs, status meetings, and working sessions.
• Communicate testing results, outstanding requests, risks, and project updates clearly and professionally.
• Maintain organized engagement files and ensure workpapers are complete, accurate, and review-ready.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing, and the development of standardized tools and methodologies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience supporting internal controls, risk assessment, internal audit, financial management, compliance engagements, or related advisory services preferably within the federal government or a public accounting or consulting environment.
• Working knowledge of OMB Circular A-123 and its application to federal agency internal control assessments.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks, including the GAO Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book)
• Experience conducting control walkthroughs, documenting business processes, performing control testing, and preparing supporting workpapers.
• Ability to analyze documentation and evidence, identify control gaps, and develop clear, supportable findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports and communicate effectively with clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• 5 Days Onsite in Washington DC or Reston, VA
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Agency Suitability clearance (requires US Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal agencies, departments, or other government entities.
• Exposure to OMB Circular A-123 Appendix A requirements related to internal control over reporting.
• Experience supporting FMFIA reporting, annual assurance statements, corrective action plans, or remediation monitoring.
• Experience using data analysis techniques or audit management tools to support control testing and risk assessments.

Overview

Exclusively focused on the Government, Kearney & Company provides financial services, including auditing, consulting, and technology services. Our commitment to our employees and clients as well as to dedication and trust, critical values to our Firm, have led to Kearney’s recognition as one of the leading accounting firms in the country. Based on our employees’ feedback, we are also consistently rated a Best Place to Work. Employment at Kearney means a flexible, collaborative, and open-minded work environment. We hope it is your “first easy decision.” Learn more at www.kearneyco.com/careers." ,"

The expected salary range for this position is between $60,000 and $100,000. This range is representative of base pay only and does not include straight time pay for hours worked over 40 per week, company contributions towards paid benefits, and/or bonuses.  Actual compensation (meeting or exceeding the range) will be determined based on specific experience, education, work location, clearance level, and other factors permitted by law.  This position is eligible for bonuses (when applicable). 

We also offer a competitive benefits package that includes: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan and 529 Education Savings Plan 

• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account 

• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurances 

• Legal Insurance and Pet Insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program, fitness and wellness benefits, and other firm benefits. 

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time 

EEO Notice

Work location is subject to change based on client requirements.

Applicants have Rights under Federal Employment Laws

EEO Notice and Applicant Accommodation Requests

Kearney & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, any medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association to a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulation. Click here to understand your rights on employment discrimination. Click here for more information on Kearney’s EEO Policy.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, regarding accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, please call 703-236-2391 or email [email protected]. Please be advised that this contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of an application.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Kearney & Company provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. Military family leave is available for up to 26 weeks under FMLA. Click here to learn more about FMLA rights.

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

The EPPA prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Kearney & Company adheres all provisions of the EPPA. Click here to learn more about the EPPA.