Senior Associate - CFO Advisory
Cherry Bekaert
Job Description
Role Overview
The CFO Advisory professional will support clients across technical accounting, financial reporting, transaction readiness, and finance transformation initiatives. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, hands-on execution capability, and the ability to communicate clearly with both client management and engagement teams. The individual will work closely with CFOs, controllers, and finance leaders to address complex accounting and operational challenges.
Core Service Areas & Responsibilities
Staff Augmentation & Close Support
- Working knowledge of accounting cycles and monthly/quarterly close procedures
- Execute close activities using a structured closing checklist, including preparation and review of account reconciliations (e.g., cash, fixed assets, prepaids, payroll)
- Support audit readiness efforts, including documentation, support schedules, and auditor coordination
Revenue Recognition – ASC 606
- Review customer contracts and identify key terms relevant to revenue recognition analysis
- Prepare preliminary conclusions under the five-step revenue recognition model using firm-approved memo templates
Business Combinations – ASC 805
- Map trial balances to purchase accounting walk-across templates
- Map sources and uses data to goodwill reconciliations and supporting schedules
- Review transaction agreements and identify high-risk accounting areas requiring technical analysis
Credit Losses – CECL (ASC 326)
- Prepare rollforward accounting memoranda using historical data, including accounts receivable balances and write-off history
- Draft technical accounting memoranda in accordance with firm templates and methodologies
Stock-Based Compensation – ASC 718
- Prepare vesting schedules and calculate stock-based compensation expense based on award agreements and key contractual terms
Leases – ASC 842
- Input lease data into lease accounting software templates and support lease accounting calculations and reporting
Finance Transformation & Controls
- Develop and document internal control narratives and process maps, including use of Microsoft Visio
- Support finance process improvements and transformation initiatives
Financial Statement Preparation & Reporting
- Review and prepare year-end eliminating entries and consolidation files
- Prepare and review financial statements and footnotes using ProSystem fx Engagement
Required Skills and Qualifications
Core Technical & Professional Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and pivot tables
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Strong experience performing technical accounting research, including U.S. GAAP (FASB ASC) and IFRS
- Ability to communicate complex accounting concepts using clear, concise business language, both verbally and in writing
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of public accounting experience required
- Experience with advanced data and analytics tools, including VBA, Python, Alteryx, macros, Power Query, and Microsoft Power BI
- Experience using ProSystem fx Engagement
- Experience drafting technical accounting memoranda
- Experience preparing U.S. GAAP financial statements, including the financial statement face and all related footnote disclosures