Audit Senior Manager, Manufacturing & Distribution

Job Description:

We’re KSM, one of the top 50 largest independent advisory, tax, and audit firms in the United States. But more than our size, it’s our people and culture that set us apart. We believe great things happen when people are supported, challenged, and given the freedom to do their very best work. That’s why we’ve built a workplace where your career and personal life can thrive together – where you have the flexibility to manage your time, the resources to grow, and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

We’ve been employee-owned since 2001, giving every team member a stake in our collective success. This ownership mentality fosters a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and excellence  – where new ideas are welcomed, different perspectives are valued, and you’re encouraged to explore what excites you most. Whether you’re expanding your skills, tackling new challenges, or making an impact beyond the office, we provide the resources and support to help you grow in the direction that’s right for you.

At KSM, your contributions matter – not just to the firm, but to your colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve across the U.S. If you’re looking for a place where you can do meaningful work, build lasting relationships, and grow in ways that align with what’s most important to you, we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Audit Senior Manager is responsible for leading large, complex audit and assurance engagements across a diverse client portfolio while developing and maintaining industry specialization. This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients, provides technical leadership to engagement teams, and partners closely with firm leadership to ensure exceptional client service, engagement quality, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring significant audit experience within the manufacturing and distribution industry and a strong understanding of the accounting, operational, and business considerations unique to manufacturing and distribution clients.

The Senior Manager exercises significant independent judgment, oversees multiple concurrent engagements, develops future leaders through coaching and mentoring, and contributes to the firm's growth through business development and cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Service & Technical Leadership

• Lead multiple large and complex audit engagements from planning through completion while ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Lead and advise manufacturing and distribution clients, applying industry knowledge to complex audit, accounting, and business matters
• Review audit workpapers and financial statements for technical accuracy, completeness, compliance with professional standards, and overall quality.
• Serve as the primary client contact for complex technical accounting and auditing matters, engagement planning, and status updates.
• Anticipate client needs and provide proactive recommendations that strengthen client relationships and add value.
• Monitor engagement budgets, staffing, timelines, and scope to achieve profitability and client expectations.
• Coach senior team members through engagement completion and audit wrap-up activities.
• Maintain advanced technical expertise through continuing education, research, and participation in technical discussions.
• Partner with Resource Management to coordinate engagement scheduling and staffing.
• Contribute to engagement budgeting and provide strategic recommendations for financial management of client engagements.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead, supervise, and develop high-performing audit teams by providing clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, participate in goal setting, and complete formal performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Delegate work effectively while balancing development opportunities with appropriate oversight.
• Proactively identify engagement risks and develop practical solutions before issues impact clients or engagement timelines.
• Maintain consistent communication with engagement partners regarding project status, emerging issues, and recommended solutions.
• Collaborate across Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Operations teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Support intern and campus development initiatives through participation in internship programs and talent development activities.
• Travel to client locations as necessary to support engagement delivery and client relationships.

Business Development

• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client relationships.
• Develop and strengthen referral sources and centers of influence alongside partners and firm leadership.
• Participate in cross-service initiatives that enhance client value and firm growth.
• Mentor managers and staff in business development by helping them identify opportunities, cultivate referral relationships, and support new client pursuits.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field.
• Active CPA license in good standing.
• Completion of annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements.

Experience

• Minimum of eight years of public accounting or audit experience.
• Significant audit experience serving manufacturing and distribution clients.
• Strong knowledge of accounting and audit considerations relevant to the manufacturing and distribution industry.
• Demonstrated success leading audit engagements from planning through issuance.
• Experience reviewing complex audit workpapers and financial statements.
• Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professionals at multiple career levels.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, veteran status, or any other protected category. 

KSM only accepts resumes directly submitted by a candidate and referrals submitted by current KSM employees. Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles sent by staffing agencies and fee-based referral services will not be considered outside of a signed KSM vendor contract. KSM will not pay a fee to recruiters or agencies that do not have a signed KSM vendor contract.