The Audit Manager for the Real Estate and Construction industry leads and manages multiple audit, tax, and financial engagements, ensuring high-quality service delivery to our clients in the real estate and construction sectors. The role requires a deep understanding of industry-specific accounting principles, construction project financing, and real estate tax laws, as well as the ability to demonstrate professional judgment and creativity when addressing client needs. As the primary point of contact for clients, the Audit Manager ensures the seamless execution of engagements while providing strategic advice to improve client operations. The role also involves business development, networking, and client relationship management to drive growth and profitability within the sector.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Audit, Accounting, and Tax:
- Develop industry-specific technical expertise in real estate and construction accounting, tax strategies, and audit practices to minimize supervision and ensure efficient, high-quality work.
- Manage multiple audit and assurance engagements within the real estate and construction sectors, ensuring accurate financial reporting, tax compliance, and adherence to industry standards.
- Lead scheduling, planning, and efficient execution of each engagement, aligning with client needs and project timelines, including complex construction project audits, cost allocations, and real estate investments.
- Develop audit plans and budgets tailored to real estate and construction clients, reviewing client agreements, joint ventures, and project financing, ensuring profitability and compliance.
- Oversee timely completion and review of tax returns for real estate entities, including corporate, partnership, and LLC returns, and ensure compliance with IRS and state tax laws specific to the construction and real estate industries.
- Review key documents including financial statements, management letters, workpapers, and reports related to construction contracts, property valuations, and project cost analysis.
- Ensure compliance with relevant filings, including real estate and construction-specific tax forms, such as 1065, 1120, and 990, as well as 1031 exchanges, depreciation schedules, and job cost reports.
- Use project management tools such as GoFileRoom to track engagement progress, manage deliverables, and ensure timely wrap-up.
- Identify and resolve accounting and auditing issues specific to real estate and construction projects, including cost allocation methods, capitalizations, and job costing discrepancies.
- Recommend process improvements to streamline audits of real estate properties, construction projects, and development partnerships.
Client Management:
- Foster and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key client personnel in the real estate and construction industries, acting as the main point of contact for all audit and tax-related inquiries.
- Collaborate with partners and principals to present audit findings and tax strategies to clients, providing actionable recommendations to improve operational efficiency and profitability in real estate and construction projects.
- Develop cross-selling opportunities by identifying additional services such as tax planning, project financing consultation, or real estate investment strategies tailored to the client�s needs.
- Prioritize multiple client relationships and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction and delivery of services.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of accounting, tax, and auditing practices specific to the real estate and construction industries, including project financing, contract auditing, depreciation schedules, and joint ventures.
- Expertise in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Firm-specific software (ProSystem, Engagement, GoFileRoom) for efficient management of engagements.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, GAAS, and industry-specific accounting standards related to real estate and construction projects.
- In-depth knowledge of real estate tax law, including 1031 exchanges, cost segregation studies, and tax benefits related to construction projects.
Professional Development:
- Actively engage in professional development activities, attend industry-specific seminars, and stay current on market trends and regulatory changes affecting the real estate and construction sectors.
- Participate in Firm-sponsored events and contribute thought leadership by producing publications on industry-specific issues such as construction project audits, real estate tax strategies, and industry compliance.
- Collaborate with partners and principals on proposals for real estate and construction clients, ensuring that services are tailored to address unique challenges and opportunities in these sectors.
- Coach, mentor, and develop junior staff, ensuring their professional growth in areas such as construction audits, real estate tax laws, and project accounting.
- Contribute to Firm administration, including developing educational resources, organizing client events, and participating in recruiting and community service activities.
Competencies:
- Superior communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively present audit findings, tax strategies, and business recommendations to clients in the real estate and construction industries.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to juggle multiple client engagements, complex projects, and deadlines.
- In-depth industry expertise with a focus on real estate development, construction financing, cost accounting, and tax compliance.
- Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide teams through complex real estate and construction audits and tax engagements.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor�s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited university.
- Minimum of 5 years of audit experience, with at least 4 years in the real estate, construction, or related industries.
- Minimum of 4 years of supervisory experience, with a focus on managing audit teams in real estate or construction projects.
- CPA certification (or equivalent) required.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Experience with audits under Uniform Guidance standards related to real estate or construction grants.
- Familiarity with labor unions and employee benefit plans in construction.
- Expertise in tax and informational returns related to real estate investments, development partnerships, and construction projects.
EEO: Calibre CPA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Calibre CPA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Calibre CPA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Calibre employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
