Associate, Accounting Advisory

Associate, Accounting Advisory

Who We Are Seeking
We are looking for a highly skilled accounting professional with expertise in US GAAP, including areas such as:

Purchase accounting

Debt and equity securities

Stock-based compensation

Revenue recognition

Lease accounting

Financial statements/reporting

The ideal candidate will have started their career in a Big 4 firm and possess experience in Advisory or Audit, particularly with private clients.

About the Position
The Associate, Accounting Advisory role involves managing and executing Accounting Advisory engagements while guiding colleagues and clients. This position is ideal for professionals with a strong background in financial reporting, process improvement, and client relationship management.

Responsibilities & Duties
Engagement Leadership

• Manage Accounting Advisory engagements, including assigning tasks, guiding teams, and maintaining client communication.
• Lead the day-to-day execution of assignments, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

Client Deliverables

• Prepare and review deliverables such as:
  • Financial reporting packages
  • Accounting memoranda and policies
  • External audit requests and supporting schedules
  • Purchase price accounting work and journal entries
• Conduct variance analysis on financial statements to identify operational insights.

Process Improvement

• Analyze and enhance accounting/finance processes, focusing on:
  • Month-end close
  • Reporting improvements
  • Automation opportunities
  • Provide solutions for inefficiencies and support their implementation.

Team Development

• Train, mentor, and manage junior team members.
• Review their analyses and bridge financial analysis to operational challenges.

Client Relationship Management

• Lead meetings and calls to review financial results and provide actionable insights.
• Support the integration of deliverables into clients' ongoing operations.

Strategic Analysis

• Perform detailed analyses of data and synthesize actionable insights.
• Consult on changes to team structures, business processes, and information needs.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide status updates to senior team members.
• Ensure final quality control of client deliverables, including reports and models.

Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Certifications

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting required; post-graduate degrees (e.g., MAC, MBA) are a plus.
• Active CPA strongly preferred.

Experience

• 4-5+ years of professional experience, ideally combining:
  • Big4 audit / assurance experience, specifically with lower / middle market private clients
  • Accounting advisory or corporate/industry experience

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of Financial Reporting (internal and external).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong commitment to delivering exceptional work products and consistently striving for excellence
• Collaborative team player who supports teammates and learns from peers and leaders on each engagement
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Inquisitive nature, combining analytical and critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, thriving in fast-paced, high-demand environments
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Highly organized, with strong project management capabilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Compensation
Base Salary

• $100k-$125k, with a performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Competitive 401k program.
• Unlimited PTO policy (take as needed).
• Robust maternity/paternity leave program.
• Additional fringe benefits.

Work Environment

• In office, with remote flexibility
• Travel requirements: 5%-35%, depending on engagements.
• Offices in L.A., Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas market

***PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY ENGAGING OUTSIDE RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS FOR THIS SEARCH.***

An unsolicited resume submission could inadvertently disqualify a candidate's application. Qualified candidates should apply directly through this portal.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access

Our people are our greatest asset.

As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow. At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving excellence and belonging to foster an authentic culture where creative solutions flourish.

We believe that the diversity of our people strengthens our work for clients and the well-being of our company. We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities, access, and representation for women and minorities in the financial services industry. We are committed to developing a new paradigm to create a diverse and inclusive financial services firm of the future. We actively seek and welcome people of different backgrounds, from culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age to gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity, political views, veteran status, and more.

Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each team member.