Expense Audit Senior Associate

At EY were all in to shape your future with confidence.

In todays fast-changing world our clients needs are increasingly complex and the services we offer are evolving rapidly to meet them. Our internal Finance function is continually evolving as well. Our global Finance mission is to provide complete accurate consistent timely and insightful financial and operational information and advice that helps build a better working world and achieve our strategic ambitions.

The opportunity

The Expense Audit Senior Associate utilizes advanced knowledge to perform complex deep dive fraud audits with a higher volume of expenses submitted by partners and employees of the firm in accordance with established firm policies IRS guidelines and internal procedures. You may also complete Time or Expense analysis of a highly sensitive and confidential nature at the request of Risk Management Firm Leadership and the General Counsels Office. You will also be responsible for auditing airline refunds issued to corporate card holders resulting from cancelled/unused business addition you may also participate as a contributor on large special projects and/or as the owner of smaller projects/initiatives as requested. The scope of the position is US firm-wide and requires a unique mix of qualitative and quantitative skills and specialty knowledge.

Your key responsibilities include

• Use advanced knowledge to audit and evaluate highly confidential higher volume more complex expense submissions by partners and employees of the firm to identify transactional errors discrepancies large and/or unusual transactions or trends and potential fraudulent expense submissions requiring very limited supervision and direction.
• Document the audit facts/findings and prepare an audit report which is distributed to Risk Management.
• Actively participate in audit meetings with Firm Leadership General Counsels Office (GCO) and Quality and Risk Management (Q&RM).
• Audit airline refunds and communicate with partners/employees to resolve potential credits due to the firm.
• Coordinate reversals/reclasses and other accounting of expenses as necessary.
• Participate as a contributor on large special projects and/or as the owner of smaller projects/initiatives as requested with minimal supervision. This could include Cross Functional finance projects.
• May review the daily work of less experienced staff and provide feedback and facilitate training of less experienced staff as appropriate.

Skills and attributes for success

• Thoroughly understands and applies the objectives of firm policies and procedures when analyzing expenses submitted by partners/employees. For example reviewing submitted expense trends and applying sound business judgment to determine if the partner/employee appears to be unaware of the policy may be submitting expenses as though they are entitled and/or submitting potential fraudulent expenses.
• Review and analyze data (outside of normal audit steps) utilizing advanced knowledge of firm policies systems and processes to identify potential improprieties. The findings are summarized in clear and concise written and/or verbal communication to senior leadership.
• Utilize available resources both internal firm tools (i.e. Concur Travel Corporate Card transactions ad hoc expense reports etc.) as well as external resources (i.e. Google LinkedIn social media etc.) to make independent judgments as to the appropriateness of expense submissions.
• Demonstrates healthy skepticism when analyzing more complex expense transactions. For example determine if expenses are reimbursable in accordance with firm policy not reimbursable as per firm policy and/or fraudulent expense submissions.
• Challenges existing processes and approaches operational efficiency effectiveness internal controls and/or customer service and recommend viable solutions for improvement.
• Identify problems with processes technology reporting and/or procedures and develop a recommended solution as appropriate.
• Resolves sensitive confidential issues with limited supervision consistent with established policies and procedures.
• Effectively prioritizes own assignments follows through on commitments and takes ownership for personal and/or team results. Final personal work product (i.e. audit report) is reviewed and feedback is provided by Expense Auditor Supervising Associate and/or Assistant Director. The level and depth of review may vary depending on the risk sensitivity and complexity of the work performed.
• Identify issues that may create financial exposure and/or risk to the Firm and escalate accordingly.

To qualify for the role you must have

• A bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or equivalent experience
• 3-6 plus years of progressive related accounting finance or related experience
• Advanced knowledge of the Firms business organization structure and policies and financial applications
• Experience with Microsoft products including Excel Power BI Power Automate Power Platforms CoPilot Word Outlook.
• Experience/interest in AI tools (EYQ Microsoft CoPilot Agents) and commitment to AI integration in the workplace.
• Experience with Concur preferred.
• Utilize advanced analytical skills and ability to apply sound business judgment to individual and team assignments.
• Ability to comprehend firm communications announcements other change-management initiatives etc. and correlate these changes to the core audit processes and develop recommendations to incorporate these changes and/or impacts into the audit process as appropriate.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and approach willingly accepts new challenges flexible and accepting of change.
• Committed to delivering quality work demonstrate a willingness to team with others and help create a positive work environment.
• Competent at identifying and overcoming barriers to achieve results

What we look for

Experienced finance professionals who are trusted business advisors with a passion for providing exceptional client service to their stakeholders while maintaining high levels of financial management. Technical competence and the ability to build strong and effective relationships will be key.