Senior Audit Accountant, Governmental

As a Senior Audit Accountant at Wipfli, your main responsibilities include auditing financial statements and their quarterly information, engaging in pre-audit planning to identify risks, and testing internal controls as well as policies and procedures. You will also have the opportunity to build client relationships while mentoring incoming staff and interns, all while adhering to GAAP and other auditing standards.

To qualify for the Senior Audit Accountant role at Wipfli, you'll need a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, with required educational qualifications to sit for the CPA exam. While CPA certification is preferred, candidates who are actively pursuing it are also welcomed. Additionally, at least 1-3 years of accounting experience will enhance your application.

Wipfli is committed to the professional growth of its employees. As a Senior Audit Accountant, you will be expected to teach and mentor incoming staff and interns. Wipfli also fosters a culture that emphasizes flexibility, training, and relationship building, which helps in the continuous professional development of all team members.

At Wipfli, you can expect a collaborative and friendly work environment where people truly matter. The company encourages flexibility while maintaining a focus on relationships, providing a professional home for those who want to make a difference in their careers. You'll also engage with diverse clients and situations that will keep your work dynamic and fulfilling.

The Senior Audit Accountant role at Wipfli may require you to travel to client sites up to 50% of the time. This travel is an integral part of the job, allowing you to engage directly with clients and understand their unique challenges and needs in-depth.

When addressing this question, be sure to highlight your relevant experiences, mentioning specific audits you've managed, the processes you've followed, and how you've adhered to standards like GAAS and GAAP. You might say, 'In my previous role, I led audits for several local government accounts, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing the efficiency of our auditing processes.'

When discussing pre-audit planning, elaborate on the risk assessment techniques you use, such as evaluating prior audit issues and understanding the client’s internal controls. A solid response could be, 'I typically start by reviewing the previous year's audit, speaking with team members to identify any potential weaknesses, and gathering information about any new developments in the client's operations.'

To show your communication skills, you can explain the methods you use to keep clients informed. For example, you might say, 'I establish regular check-ins throughout the audit process, providing updates and addressing concerns as they arise, which helps to foster transparency and trust with the clients.'

When answering this question, narrate a specific challenge while detailing how you methodically approached the problem. For instance, 'In a previous audit, we encountered discrepancies in financial reporting. I conducted a thorough investigation, resolved the issues in collaboration with the client, and ensured corrective measures were implemented effectively.'

Discuss the methodologies you apply, like control testing samples and risk assessments. You could state, 'I follow a structured approach that includes identifying key controls, testing their operational effectiveness, and using findings to recommend improvements to client processes.'

Convey your commitment to learning by mentioning resources you utilize, like professional organizations or continuing education. For example, 'I regularly participate in workshops hosted by the AICPA and follow relevant industry publications to stay informed of the latest regulations and best practices.'

Explain your mentoring approach, focusing on how you empower and encourage growth in junior staff. You might say, 'I believe in hands-on training; I often pair junior staff with me during audits, allowing them to learn through experience while providing guidance and sharing valuable insights along the way.'

List specific auditing tools you are familiar with, and connect them to your efficiency in auditing. A suitable answer could be, 'I am proficient in tools such as IDEA and Excel for data analysis and have experience using audit management software that facilitates streamlined reporting and documentation.'

Describe your time management strategies and work organization skills. For instance, 'During busy seasons, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and maintain open communication with my team to ensure everyone is aligned. I also use project management tools to keep track of deadlines efficiently.'

Here, share what drives your passion for the profession. You might say, 'I'm motivated by the challenge of uncovering the truth behind financial reporting and making a meaningful impact on my clients’ accountability and transparency—it's rewarding to contribute to their success.'