Public Sector (Government / Not-for-Profit) Audit Senior Manager
Discover Your Potential at Whitley Penn • Houston, Texas • Full Time
Posted on Fri, Jul 24, 2026
Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Senior Manager to join our Public Sector (Government/Not-for-Profit) Audit team! Senior Managers are responsible for managing multiple projects and client engagements, simultaneously, developing and training staff, and making associations to develop new business for the firm. Public Sector external audit experience and CPA certification are required for this position.
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 Manager – 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
- Serve in a consultative role with an emphasis on exceptional client service and identification of value-added services
- Manage client relationships and expectations, monitor engagement economics, and coordinate staffing and workflow on multiple engagements, simultaneously
- Perform technical review of audit procedures
- Ensure accurate, complete, and timely preparation of audit reports and other specified deliverables
- Manage deadlines and engagement budgets; keep Partners updated on engagement status
- Continuously develop technical expertise and apply this to engagements; identify and research technical issues to assure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards
- Supervise staff and provide on-the-job training; review work prepared by staff, and evaluate performance
- Use coaching and managerial skills to enhance the development and growth of others; provide feedback
- Actively participate in business proposals, networking and recruiting opportunities
What You Need to Get Here
- 7+ years of public accounting external audit experience
- CPA certification
- Public Sector experience required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred
- Advanced technical knowledge of Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards
- Advanced accounting knowledge of GASB Basic Financial Statements for State and Local Governments
- Strong technical knowledge of GASB Pronouncements and Single Audits in accordance with 2 CFR 200
- Ability to apply theory and experience to individual circumstances
- Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions
- Ability to assess, analyze and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment, and skepticism
- Excellent communication, business development, and networking skills
- Well-developed leadership, management, and mentoring skills
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
- 25 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.