US Audit Associate

Role Overview Finsmart Accounting is looking for a detail-oriented and technically strong Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) Audit Associate / Senior Associate to support audits of 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other ERISA-governed employee benefit plans for US clients. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in public accounting or internal audit, with hands-on exposure to EBP / 401(k) audits during at least 1–2 busy seasons. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work directly with client data, custodians, payroll records, and plan documentation. Key Responsibilities Perform audit procedures for 401(k), pension, and other employee benefit plans. Review and reconcile payroll data, participant contributions, distributions, loans, and custodian records. Test compliance with ERISA, DOL, IRS, and US GAAP requirements applicable to EBP financial statements. Prepare audit workpapers and supporting documentation in accordance with firm standards. Identify discrepancies, exceptions, and control issues, and discuss findings with seniors/managers. Coordinate with clients to obtain required audit information and resolve data-related queries. Support multiple concurrent EBP engagements during peak audit season. Maintain accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of audit assignments. Requirements Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Experience 2–4 years of experience in public accounting or internal audit. At least 1–2 busy seasons with primary focus on Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) / 401(k) audits. Regulatory Knowledge Solid understanding of: ERISA rules Department of Labor (DOL) standards IRS compliance requirements US GAAP applicable to EBP financial statements Technical Skills Intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Excel, including: VLOOKUPs / XLOOKUPs Pivot Tables Data matching and reconciliation Familiarity with audit software such as: CCH Engagement CaseWare or other firm-specific audit tools Key Competencies Attention to Detail Ability to identify discrepancies between payroll records, custodian statements, and plan documents. Client Communication Professional and confident communication with clients, including the ability to explain audit requirements to non-accounting stakeholders. Time Management Ability to manage multiple EBP audits simultaneously and meet deadlines during peak audit season. Analytical Thinking Strong problem-solving and reconciliation skills with a high level of accuracy. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with US CPA firms or US audit engagements. Exposure to SOC reports, investment testing, and participant testing. CPA / CA Inter / CA Finalist will be an added advantage. Benefits Why Join Finsmart? Work on US employee benefit plan audit engagements Exposure to global accounting and audit practices Structured learning and growth opportunities Collaborative team environment Opportunity to build specialization in a high-demand audit niche