Audit Manager
Indianapolis
You’re probably at the point where you don’t need another “manager role”. You need to know what it actually turns into.
Because a lot of them look the same on paper. More clients. More reviews. Maybe a Senior Manager title if you stick it out long enough. But not much clarity beyond that.
Here, there’s a clear path.
There’s a Partner gap being planned for now, not later. You’d be stepping in as one of the key people in the audit practice with a genuine route to Partner over the next three to five years. Not waiting in line. Actually building towards it.
The work itself is solid. Privately owned, blue collar businesses including manufacturing and construction. Midwest based, closely held, typically in that $20m to $75m range with some larger groups in the mix.
No public clients. No governmental. No yellow book.
It’s proper relationship driven work. You get to know the owners, understand how their businesses actually run, and be part of those conversations. That’s a big part of how this firm operates.
They’ve never wanted to just be a compliance shop. The focus has always been on building real relationships with clients, understanding what they’re trying to achieve, and helping them get there.
It’s a smaller firm feel. Around 20 to 25 people. You know who you’re working with. You’re in the room with them. You build proper relationships, not just emails and review notes. They do want someone who enjoys that environment. Someone who wants to be around people, not fully remote.
In terms of hours, it’s realistic.
Busy season sits around 55 to 65 hours. That’s part of the reason they’re hiring, to keep that below 60 continuously. Outside of that, it drops back to 35 to 40 hours with the office closed on Fridays through the summer.
And then there’s the bit that people don’t expect.
Every year, you get access to a “dream fund”. It’s the equivalent of 2% of your salary that the firm sets aside for something meaningful to you.
Not a bonus tied to performance metrics. Something you actually want to do.
People have used it to hike the Inca Trail, travel with family, tick off things they’ve put off for years. One of the Partners recently used it to take his dad to Rome for the Ryder Cup.
You’ll need your CPA and at least 8 to 10 years in public accounting, with strong experience leading engagements, reviewing work, and being a key point of contact for clients.
More than anything, they’re looking for someone who wants to step into something longer term and build towards Partner in a firm that will actually support it.
Not ready with a resume? Or want a bit more information before applying? No problem. You can still apply the old-fashioned way, or just reach out to start a conversation with Imogen via LinkedIn or the Distinct Recruitment website or contact her cell at 312-584-9844. She’ll be happy to tell you more about the firm, the job and the prospects before you commit further.
Think you only have 87% of the required experience? Perfect - apply anyway. The CPA firms we partner with want diverse, interesting people, not corporate clones stamped from the same tedious mould.
Don’t overthink it. The worst outcome is a pleasant conversation about your career. The best? Well, that's where it gets rather exciting.