Associate, Accounting Advisory
Job Description: Associate, Accounting Advisory
About Palm Tree
Palm Tree is a modern M&A consulting and advisory firm that integrates financial and operational consulting with investment banking services. The firm specializes in delivering actionable solutions that power transactions, transitions, and transformations for private equity firms and businesses. Recognized as one of LA’s top-rated workplaces, Palm Tree offers a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where professionals thrive while working on high-impact M&A projects.Position Overview
The Associate, Accounting Advisory role is a consulting position responsible for executing Accounting Advisory engagements. This position is ideal for professionals with a strong background in financial reporting, process improvement, and client services. Associates play a critical role in delivering high-quality client deliverables while mentoring junior team members and collaborating with clients.
Responsibilities
Engagement Execution
- Lead the execution of Accounting Advisory engagements, including client/internal meetings, deliverable creation, and analysis.
- Supervise Analysts to ensure the delivery of high-quality work.
Client Deliverables
- Prepare and review:
- Financial reporting packages.
- Accounting memoranda and policies.
- External audit requests and supporting schedules.
- Purchase price accounting work and journal entries.
- Conduct variance analysis on financial statements to identify operational insights.
Process Improvement
- Analyze and enhance accounting/finance processes, focusing on:
- Month-end close.
- Reporting improvements.
- Automation opportunities.
- Provide solutions for inefficiencies and support their implementation.
Team Development
- Train, mentor, and manage junior team members.
- Review their analyses and bridge financial analysis to operational challenges.
Client Relationship Management
- Participate in meetings and calls to review financial results and provide actionable insights.
- Support the integration of deliverables into clients’ ongoing operations.
Strategic Analysis
- Perform detailed analyses of data and synthesize actionable insights.
- Consult on changes to team structures, business processes, and information needs.
Communication & Reporting
- Provide status updates to management and team members.
- Ensure final quality control of client deliverables, including reports and models.
Qualifications
Education & Certifications
- Undergraduate degree in Accounting required; post-graduate degrees (e.g., MAC, MBA) are a plus.
- Active CPA strongly preferred.
Experience
- 3-5+ years of professional experience, ideally in Big4 audit/assurance, advisory, or a combination thereof.
- Experience with private clients in the lower/middle market.
Skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting (internal and external).
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills.
Preferred Attributes
- Strong commitment to delivering exceptional work products.
- Collaborative team player with a proactive, self-motivated mindset.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-demand environments.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Highly organized with strong project management capabilities.
Compensation & Benefits
| Category | Details |
| Base Salary | $100,000–$125,000, with a performance-based bonus. |
| Benefits | Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. |
| Retirement | Competitive 401k program. |
| Paid Time Off | Unlimited PTO policy (take as needed). |
| Parental Leave | Robust maternity/paternity leave program. |
| Work Environment | Hybrid flexibility with 3+ in-office days; travel up to 35%. |
Why Join Palm Tree?
At Palm Tree, you’ll work alongside elite professionals from private equity, Big4 accounting, and investment banking backgrounds. You’ll gain exposure to high-stakes M&A projects, develop a diverse skill set, and enjoy a culture that values collaboration, integrity, and growth. Join us to be part of a fast-growing firm reshaping the M&A advisory landscape.________________________________________________________________
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access
Our people are our greatest asset.
As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow. At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving excellence and belonging to foster an authentic culture where creative solutions flourish.
We believe that the diversity of our people strengthens our work for clients and the well-being of our company. We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities, access, and representation for women and minorities in the financial services industry. We are committed to developing a new paradigm to create a diverse and inclusive financial services firm of the future. We actively seek and welcome people of different backgrounds, from culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age to gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity, political views, veteran status, and more.
Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each team member.
***PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY ENGAGING OUTSIDE RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS FOR THIS SEARCH.***
An unsolicited resume submission could inadvertently disqualify a candidate's application. Qualified candidates should apply directly through this portal.