KT Career Path

Note: Each level builds upon the previous level – as such, the job expectations continue to build (e.g. manager level is still expected to perform at staff and senior level expectations, in addition to manager level expectations). Employees may have certain areas that are strengths, while other areas may be more difficult for them to achieve – these will be weighted accordingly, and partners will use their discretion in awarding promotions based on the following general requirements.

Staff Level, Audit

Qualifications

B.A. / B.S. degree or equivalent in accounting with minimum 3.0 GPA and intention of having required hours to sit for CPA exam within 2 years of hire date
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Smart, well-rounded, common sense, business savvy
Strong dedication to teamwork
Ability to work independently and juggle multiple tasks
Ability to travel to various client sites
Willingness to put forth effort necessary to meet client deadlines

Job Description and Responsibilities

Become familiar with and adhere to KT’s policies and procedures
Develop proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, audit preparation software, and other applications relevant to job requirements
Prepare portions of compilation, review, and audit engagements, to include documenting the execution of specific procedures performed
Participate in planning and brainstorming sessions
Draft and proof financial statements under KT’s prescribed format
Become proficient in assisting clients with routine accounting functions
Develop relationships with client employees
Attend firm sponsored CPE and learning activities
Become knowledgeable about accounting and auditing pronouncements
Work toward passing the CPA examination
Learn services provided by all KT departments
Attend firm sponsored team building activities
Actively participate in firm sponsored community service events
Assist in staff recruiting efforts (attend college nights, etc.)
Demonstrate a commitment to KT, possess a positive attitude, and have fun

Senior Level, Audit

Qualifications

Minimum two years public accounting with emphasis in auditing and having passed at least two parts of CPA exam
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Ability to lead and supervise team members, to include on-the-job training, review of audit sections, and completion of evaluations
Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities

Job Description and Responsibilities

Tackle engagements with minimal supervision, to include taking responsibility for all phases of planning, executing and directing audits
Identify relevant management letter comments and communicate as appropriate to client
Take responsibility for completion phase of engagements, to include finalizing financial statements and management letters, critiquing and evaluating audit procedures for future improvements, and analyzing time budgets
Develop relationships with client accounting staff and/or controller, to include understanding business operations, processes, and objectives
Participate in teaching firm sponsored CPE courses and adhere to professional standards of meeting own CPE needs
Possess technical knowledge of all relevant accounting and auditing standards
Research accounting issues related to accounting principles, audit scope, financial statement disclosures, etc. and support recommended position to manager and/or partner
Begin working towards development of niche area
Recognize marketing opportunities and take to appropriate level for follow-up
Encouraged to participate in outside organizations in order to expand marketing opportunities (i.e. be present in your community through community service, sports, church, etc.)
Assist in proposal writing with manager or partner

Manager Level, Audit

Qualifications

CPA with minimum five years public accounting with emphasis in auditing
Strong leadership skills that emphasize mentoring and advising of staff and seniors

Job Description and Responsibilities

Assist with annual evaluation process
Ability to manage, direct, and monitor multiple engagements – includes detail review of files not directly involved in as senior or staff auditor and supervision of more complex audit engagements
Review of financial statements and management letters, with emphasis on quality, thoroughness, and accuracy
Develop higher level relationships with client controller and/or owners throughout the year, with ability to anticipate and address client concerns
Identify staff development opportunities and plan and direct firm sponsored CPE
Teach external KT sponsored seminars to clients
Thoroughly research latest developments in GAAP and GAAS, determine how the changes affect KT standards and policies, and apply those areas to KT clients
Be source of technical assistance and research for all areas of audit engagement
Develop niche area and become functional expert in that area
Promote new ideas and business solutions that result in extended services to existing clients
Plan and promote firm sponsored team building activities
Become leader in outside organizations (e.g. community service, sports, church, etc.)
Write proposals
Assist in interviewing new staff candidates
Attract, develop, and retain top talent within firm
Assist with administrative duties as – audit scheduling, cpe, staff meetings, independence, peer review, billing, etc.

Partner Level, Audit

CPA with minimum ten years public accounting with emphasis in auditing
Strong leader and role model
Team player; promote fairness
Ability to manage and mentor staff and earn their respect
Understand and manage risk
Earn client respect by providing high level of service
Very technically proficient
Promote personal niche area
Responsible for significant client development
Interview staff candidates and perform employee evaluations
Perform significant administrative duties
Demonstrate desire and ability to make significant contribution to Ketel Thorstenson, LLP
Responsible for client load
Smart, well rounded with common sense
Balance work and have fun
Respect and support fellow partners; promote communication among all
Recognize Firm’s clients - not individual’s clients
Positive attitude and enthusiasm; possess a “can do” posture
High moral and ethical values
Support Firm administrative policies and procedures, as well as policy decisions

Tax Manager

Qualifications (To be promoted to/or hired as Tax Manager these qualifications will be taken into consideration)

Bachelor’s degree. CPA or EA.
5+ years of progressive tax consulting and/or compliance experience in public accounting or a combination of corporate and public accounting experience.
Minimum of 1600 working hours per year.
Minimum of one tax season experience at Ketel Thorstenson, LLP.
Very good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop staff.
Ability to work additional hours as needed and travel to various client sites.
Significant experience in Business and Individual tax return preparation.
Tax return detail review experience.
Business development experience.
Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong leadership, business development, recruiting, training, coaching, and mentoring skills, coupled with interpersonal skills.
Must demonstrate a high level commitment to KTLLP; possess a positive attitude; able to have fun.
Able to understand and weigh client and firm risk exposure
Possess efficient time management skills.
Exceptional client service and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships.
Computer software experience, including extensive knowledge of tax software.