Description

The Senior Associate position in CFO Advisory Services plays a critical role in delivering accounting advisory engagements to a diverse client base, including private‑equity‑backed portfolio companies, middle‑market SEC registrants, government entities, higher education institutions, and not‑for‑profits. The associate supports CFOs and senior finance leaders in navigating complex financial reporting, operational challenges, and value‑creation initiatives, blending technical accounting expertise with financial analysis and business acumen.

Typical projects involve implementing new accounting standards such as ASC 606, ASC 842, GASB 101, and GASB 103; managing complex financial‑statement close processes; drafting and reviewing SEC filings (S‑1, S‑4, 10‑K, 10‑Q) and Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports; converting cash‑based systems to modified‑accrual or full‑accrual methods; and driving process‑improvement and organizational‑design initiatives. Additional responsibilities include client interviews and stakeholder engagement, technology and AI strategy enablement, large‑data‑set manipulation, internal‑control evaluation, and validation of information across multiple financial sources.

• Implement new accounting standards (ASC 606, ASC 842, GASB 101, GASB 103).
• Lead complex financial‑statement close processes.
• Draft and review SEC filings (S‑1, S‑4, 10‑K, 10‑Q) and ACFRs.
• Convert cash‑based systems to modified‑accrual or full‑accrual methods.
• Drive process‑improvement and organizational‑design initiatives.
• Conduct client interviews and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop technology and AI strategy enablement.
• Manipulate large data sets for problem solving.
• Evaluate internal controls and best practices.
• Validate information across multiple financial sources.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and have at least three years of relevant experience in a public accounting firm, a middle‑market SEC registrant, a private‑equity‑backed portfolio company, or a public‑sector environment. They should possess strong knowledge of FASB, SEC, or GASB standards, experience with audit, accounting, and consulting standards (AICPA, Yellow Book/Green Book), and the ability to navigate SEC filings and ACFRs. Proficiency in internal‑control documentation and testing, strong organizational and communication skills, and competence with Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint) are also required, as is the ability to travel up to 40%.

Preferred qualifications include a CPA license, experience with SEC registrants, state‑and‑local government or not‑for‑profit entities, and familiarity with the GFOA ACFR Special Review Process. Candidates who can troubleshoot account‑reconciliation issues, thrive in deadline‑driven environments, and adapt to rapidly changing conditions are valued. The role also suits individuals comfortable with hybrid work arrangements and capable of delegating work effectively.

Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities without regard to protected characteristics and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local recruitment laws. The firm is a member of Allinial Global and operates in all 50 states and internationally. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, as the firm does not sponsor work visas for this position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• Minimum three years experience in public accounting, SEC registrant, private‑equity portfolio, or public sector.
• Strong knowledge of FASB, SEC, or GASB standards.
• Experience with audit, accounting, and consulting standards (AICPA, Yellow Book/Green Book).
• Ability to navigate SEC filings and ACFRs.
• Proficiency in internal‑control documentation and testing.
• Strong organizational, communication, and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to travel up to 40% as needed.
• Preferred: CPA license and experience with SEC registrants, government or not‑for‑profit entities.
• Preferred: Familiarity with GFOA ACFR Special Review Process.
• Preferred: Troubleshoot account‑reconciliation issues and thrive in deadline‑driven environments.
• Preferred: Comfortable working in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

Cherry Bekaert offers competitive compensation ranging from $100 K to $130 K, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, generous paid time off, paid care leave, and retirement plans. The firm emphasizes inclusion, integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect, providing flexibility for impactful work and a balanced personal life. Employees have access to continuous professional development, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with diverse professionals across the firm.

• Competitive compensation ($100K‑$130K) with performance‑based bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, PTO, paid care leave, retirement plans.
• Flexible hybrid work model supporting work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and career growth.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance