Audit Associate - Entry Level

Audit Associate

We are seeking a motivated Audit Associate to join our team. This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in performing financial statement and performance audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). The Associate will assist in conducting fieldwork, testing transactions, analyzing financial data, documenting audit results, and helping to prepare audit reports and supporting workpapers.

This role is ideal for recent graduates who are detail-oriented, curious, and eager to gain experience in auditing. Candidates should have strong analytical and written communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The following are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to lead in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Perform testing procedures under the direction and supervision of the Senior Associate.

Assist in planning and executing federal financial statement audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS).

Perform substantive testing and analytical procedures on general ledger balances, journal entries, and financial disclosures.

Review account reconciliations, trial balances, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and proper classification.

Assist in the preparation of audit documentation and workpapers that support audit conclusions.

Identify, document, and communicate control deficiencies, potential misstatements, and noncompliance issues to Senior Associates.

Participate in walkthroughs and client meetings to obtain an understanding of financial systems, business processes, and internal controls.

Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

U.S. citizenship

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 25% as needed

Ability to provide official or unofficial transcripts upon request

Foundational understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and a willingness to develop knowledge of AICPA, GAO (Yellow Book), and FASAB standards and requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to clarity and professionalism

Proven analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Commitment to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and objectivity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Thrive in Your Career :

A Place Where You Belong - Excellence is at the core of our team's success. Williams Adley's culture of integrity, teamwork, and excellence creates an environment where you can thrive. With a range of business resources and opportunities for connection, you'll build your community in no time.

Grow With Us - Your growth matters to us-that's why we offer a variety of ways for you to develop your career. With professional and leadership development opportunities, including in-house training, paid training and certificate assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, mentoring, professional membership / subscription dues, and professional development opportunities, you can chart a unique and fulfilling career path on your terms.

Give Back to Your Community - Williams Adley believes in giving our time, treasures, and talents back to our community so that it can be a place for all people to thrive. Our Community Service Program, the Williams Adley Foundation, works with our employees to find important causes and put our firm's full support behind them.

Support Your Well-Being - Our comprehensive benefits package supports your overall wellness by providing access to licensed counselors through our Employee / Life Assistance Program, financial counseling with licensed advisors, paid holidays, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and more.

Your Candidate Journey :

At Williams Adley, we recognize that our people are our greatest strength, and we value building strong relationships throughout the hiring process.

Candidates selected for resume review will meet with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss the position details and answer any questions about the role, the firm, or the requirements.

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in our interview process, which may include video or in-person interviews, panel interviews, one-on-one interviews, lunch meetings, partner interviews, cognitive and / or behavioral assessments, and completion of our formal application.

We understand the uncertainty that can come with a job search, and we strive to inform candidates of our decisions within two weeks of their interview. Once an offer has been accepted, all applicants will be notified that the position has been filled.

Compensation Benefits :

At Williams Adley, we celebrate your contributions by providing you with opportunities and choices that support your total well-being and that of your family. Our health insurance offerings include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as firm-paid Basic Life / AD&D insurance. Our employees are provided the option to also enroll in Voluntary Legal, Accident, and Supplemental Life / AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents. We also provide employees with competitive 401(k) matching, generous paid leave, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and certificate support.

Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Individuals who do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Careers site and reviewing our Employee Benefits.

Salary at Williams Adley is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, contract-specific affordability, and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is between $62,000.00 and $65,000.00 (annualized USD) based on experience, skills, and certifications. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Williams Adley's total compensation package for employees.

Work Model :

Our team-oriented culture prioritizes the benefits and needs of our people and their values. We embrace our Remote-First environment, which is focused on excellence, integrity, flexibility, and collaboration, whether in person or remotely. This position is Hybrid / Onsite. Employees on this project will be required to report to McLean, VA and / or Washington DC, 3 days per week.

Additional Information :

FLSA Class : Exempt

Status : Full Time - Regular

Number of Openings : 2 (as of 11 / 10 / 2025)

Proposed Salary Range : $62,000 - $65,000 annually

Work-Site : Hybrid - 3 days per week in McLean, VA and / or Washington DC.

Work Week : Monday - Friday, 8 hours a day; some evening and weekend hours may be required in order to fulfill client expectations and deliverables.

Reports To : Senior Associate

Authorization : US Citizenship is required

Clearance : Must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance

Consideration : Only candidates who meet the minimum position requirements will be considered and / or contacted to complete the next steps.

Williams Adley is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status.