What's Happening?
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), a top 10 national professional services firm, is actively recruiting an Assurance Senior for its Professional Services Organizations (PSO) team. This role focuses on working with construction clients, offering a specialized skillset
in a niche area. The position involves executing and managing day-to-day audit engagements from start to finish, including budget management, planning, fieldwork, directing staff, and completing financial statements with related disclosures. Responsibilities also include reviewing client accounting and operating procedures, developing and assessing internal controls, and preparing financial statements and reportable condition correspondence letters. The role requires proactive communication with staff, management, and clients to convey technical matters effectively. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, with 2 years of public accounting audit experience emphasizing financial statement preparation, audits, reviews, and compilations. A current CPA license or eligibility to sit for the CPA exam is preferred, as is prior experience with an established public accounting or professional services firm. The position is based in-office in either the Greater New York or Greater Washington D.C. office locations, with potential for infrequent overnight travel to client sites.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment by CLA highlights the ongoing demand for specialized accounting and assurance professionals within the U.S. construction sector. The construction industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, requires meticulous financial oversight and compliance. By focusing on this niche, CLA is addressing a critical need for expertise in managing complex financial statements, internal controls, and audit engagements specific to construction clients. This move underscores the importance of robust financial practices in an industry often characterized by large-scale projects, intricate contracts, and substantial capital flows. For professionals, this role offers an opportunity to develop a highly specialized skillset, which can accelerate career growth in a stable and essential sector. For construction companies, securing experienced assurance professionals like those CLA aims to hire is crucial for maintaining financial integrity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating risks, ultimately contributing to the stability and growth of their operations and the broader economy.
What's Next?
CLA will continue its recruitment efforts to fill the Assurance Senior position, seeking qualified candidates with the specified experience in public accounting and a preference for those with a CPA or eligibility. Successful candidates will integrate into CLA's PSO team, immediately engaging with construction clients to manage audit engagements. The firm's emphasis on specialized training and career development suggests that new hires will receive support to further hone their expertise in the construction sector. As the role involves direct client interaction and management of audit processes, the selected individual will play a key part in ensuring the financial health and compliance of CLA's construction clientele. The firm's commitment to a culture that values diverse beliefs and perspectives indicates an ongoing effort to foster an inclusive work environment, which will likely continue to attract a broad range of talent. CLA's comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and 401k, will remain a key component in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
Beyond the Headlines
The specialized nature of this role reflects a broader trend in the professional services industry towards deeper sector-specific expertise. As industries like construction become more complex, the demand for accountants and auditors who understand the unique financial, operational, and regulatory challenges of these sectors intensifies. This specialization allows firms like CLA to offer more tailored and effective solutions, moving beyond generic accounting services to become strategic partners for their clients. The focus on internal controls and financial statement accuracy in the construction industry is particularly significant, given the potential for large financial discrepancies and project overruns. By strengthening these areas, firms contribute to greater transparency and accountability within the industry, which can enhance investor confidence and reduce financial risks. This also highlights the evolving role of accounting professionals, who are increasingly expected to provide advisory services that go beyond traditional auditing, requiring a blend of technical accounting skills and industry-specific knowledge.
