Audit Manager

Audit Manager, CPA

Assurance Leadership | Client Advisory | Practice Growth | Work-Life Balance

Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Leadership Opportunity
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Schedule: Flexible Hybrid

Our client, a highly respected regional CPA and advisory firm, is seeking an experienced Audit Manager to join its growing Knoxville office.

This is more than a traditional audit management role.

It's an opportunity to lead client engagements, mentor future leaders, help shape the growth of the practice, and serve as a trusted advisor to businesses and organizations throughout the region.

The firm has built its reputation on a simple philosophy: listen better, try harder, and care more. That commitment extends to both clients and employees, creating an environment where professionals can continue advancing their careers while maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.

If you're looking for a leadership role where you'll have real influence, meaningful client relationships, and a clear path for continued growth, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• $120,000–$150,000 base salary
• Annual performance bonus opportunity
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance and sustainable busy seasons
• Leadership role with visibility across the firm
• Opportunity to mentor and develop future leaders
• Significant client interaction and advisory exposure
• Business development and practice growth opportunities
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Business-casual and laid-back office environment
• Long-term career advancement opportunities

Exceptional candidates with governmental audit experience, niche industry expertise, proven business development success, or significant engagement leadership experience may be considered above the posted compensation range.

The Opportunity

As Audit Manager, you'll oversee a broad portfolio of audit, review, and compilation engagements while serving as a key leader within the Assurance practice.

You'll partner directly with business owners, executives, boards, nonprofit leaders, and management teams while helping clients navigate financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and operational challenges.

This role offers exposure to:

• Audit & Assurance Services
• Financial Reporting
• Internal Controls & Risk Assessment
• Governmental Audits
• Client Advisory Services
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Practice Development & Firm Growth

Key Responsibilities

Engagement Leadership

• Lead audit, review, and compilation engagements from planning through completion
• Oversee engagement staffing, budgets, timelines, and deliverables
• Review workpapers, financial statements, and engagement documentation
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and firm methodologies
• Manage multiple engagements simultaneously while maintaining quality and client satisfaction

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted client relationships
• Serve as a primary point of contact throughout engagements
• Coordinate the delivery of audit, accounting, and advisory services
• Develop proposals and assist with client presentations
• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing relationships

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff and senior-level professionals
• Provide performance feedback, coaching, and career guidance
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and retention initiatives
• Identify training and development opportunities for team members
• Help build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence

Technical Excellence

• Research and resolve complex accounting, auditing, and financial reporting issues
• Evaluate internal controls and identify operational risks
• Apply advanced audit methodologies, analytical procedures, and testing techniques
• Assist partners and leadership with complex engagement matters
• Stay current on accounting and auditing standards

Practice Growth

• Support business development efforts and networking initiatives
• Participate in client proposals and growth strategies
• Assist with expanding the firm's presence and market share
• Contribute to strategic planning initiatives within the Assurance practice

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting
• Active CPA license in good standing
• 5+ years of progressive public accounting experience
• Experience leading audit engagements from planning through completion
• Strong understanding of GAAP, GAAS, and financial reporting requirements
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Preferred

• Governmental audit experience
• Experience serving closely held businesses and nonprofit organizations
• Business development exposure
• Advanced engagement management experience
• Experience mentoring and developing future leaders

Who Thrives Here?

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys leading teams and developing people
• Wants meaningful client interaction and advisory exposure
• Values work-life balance while continuing to grow professionally
• Takes pride in building long-term client relationships
• Is proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented
• Enjoys helping organizations solve financial and operational challenges
• Wants a visible role within a growing regional firm

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Annual performance bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing professional education support
• CPA license and professional development assistance
• Flexible and supportive work environment
• Business-casual office atmosphere
• Strong commitment to employee growth and work-life balance

About Our Client

Our client is a respected regional CPA and advisory firm serving businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and individuals throughout the Southeast. The firm provides a broad range of audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services while maintaining a culture rooted in collaboration, responsiveness, and long-term relationships.

Unlike many firms where growth comes at the expense of personal balance, this organization believes professionals perform at their best when they're supported both inside and outside the office. Employees benefit from strong leadership, meaningful client relationships, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to advance at a pace aligned with their goals.

If you're an Audit Manager looking for a leadership opportunity with significant client exposure, career growth, and a firm that genuinely values its people, we'd love to speak with you confidentially