Public Sector Audit Senior Associate
Whitley Penn • Houston, Texas • Full Time
Posted on Tue, Aug 18, 2026
Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Senior Associate to join our Public Sector (Government/Not-for-Profit) Audit team! Senior Associates are responsible for planning and executing client engagements, supervising and training associates, and communicating and building relationships with clients. As an Audit Senior, you will be assigned to a variety of projects and client engagements, with many professionals, where you will have the opportunity to learn on the job and to begin creating your own business network early in your career. Additionally, you will take part in technical and professional training designed for your continued growth and learning.
Whitley Penn has become one of the fastest growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional, personalized service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to Audit and Tax solutions, we offer a wide range of Advisory and Consulting services. We work in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. At Whitley Penn, we learn, innovate, and achieve by sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas, and working together. We’re looking for professionals who think like owners and want to be part of shaping a high-growth firm.
Position Details:
- Title: Audit Senior Associate – Public Sector
- Classification: Full-time; Exempt
- Department: Audit – Public Sector
- Location: Houston
- Office Expectations/Hours: Fully in-office/on client site position; general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed.
What You Will Do
- Lead audit engagements from start to finish, including planning, executing, and ensuring deadlines are met
- Build relationships with clients by developing an understanding of client operations, processes, and business objectives; learn to apply this knowledge to enhance engagements, identify issues, and make recommendations for improvements
- Manage client deadline expectations, monitor actual performance against budget, and continually communicate engagement status to Managers
- Supervise, teach, and develop associates and interns, including delegation of assignments, detailed review of staff prepared work papers, and evaluating performance on engagements
- Continuously develop a comprehensive understanding of Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards and how they apply to engagements
- Assist with business proposals, networking, and recruiting opportunities
What You Need to Get Here
- 2+ years of public accounting external audit experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred
- CPA certification or CPA eligibility with certification in progress
- Strong technical knowledge of Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards
- Strong accounting knowledge of GASB Basic Financial Statements for State and Local Governments
- Knowledge of risk assessment in the governmental accounting environment
- Knowledge of GASB Pronouncements and Single Audits in accordance with 2 CFR 200
- Experience with OMB Compliance Supplement federal programs audits
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Must be highly dedicated with a positive attitude and a team player who takes initiative and has an eagerness to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge
Why Whitley Penn
Our total rewards are incredibly competitive. We work hard and recharge so that we can be our best selves for our clients. Explore some of our benefits below:
- Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans)
- Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance
- 17 Annual Firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4th and year end
- 20 days PTO
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
- 401(k) with Profit Sharing
- Discretionary Bonus Program
- Firm Paid Becker CPA Review Course & Reimbursement for Exam Fees
- Health & Wellness Program
- Pet Insurance
Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to age, race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Whitley Penn is a participant in E-Verify please follow the link to review disclosure notifications: https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
AuditFriendly salary estimate
The employer did not post a salary for this role. Based on AuditFriendly's salary intelligence model (comparable live postings, role, seniority, and location), we estimate base pay of $90,000–$105,000 per year (median ~$97,000). This is an AuditFriendly estimate, not an employer-provided figure.
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