Accounting Advisory Director

KSM has a Director opportunity to join the Accounting Advisory group, a growing part of the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) team. This role provides a dynamic & flexible environment with opportunities in working with private equity and corporate clients on various accounting advisory engagements, with an emphasis on post-closing projects and broader accounting-related consulting opportunities.  

At KSM, you will have the opportunity to work in an energetic atmosphere, actively participating in assessing and implementing key accounting principles relevant to business combinations, consolidations, and purchase price adjustments. In addition to leading complex engagements, this role will help support the continued development of the Accounting Advisory practice through team leadership, collaboration across TAS and the broader firm, and participation in client and market-facing activities. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of service offerings, strengthen delivery processes, and help expand the group’s impact within the market. 

• Lead complex accounting advisory engagements for private equity and corporate clients, with a primary emphasis on purchase accounting (ASC 805), opening balance sheet matters, and purchase price adjustment support 

• Assist in the continued development of the TAS Accounting Advisory service line through high-quality client delivery, internal collaboration, and participation in practice development initiatives 

• Support the growth and retention of existing client relationships while contributing to new business opportunities through internal cross-selling, marketplace visibility, and external business development efforts 

• Evaluate the feasibility of new service offerings and adjacent accounting advisory opportunities, helping assess market demand, team capabilities, delivery considerations, and overall strategic fit for the group 

• Collaborate with TAS leadership and other firm leaders to identify opportunities where Accounting Advisory can support broader client needs and complementary service offerings 

• Mentor, coach, and develop members of the Accounting Advisory team as the group continues to scale; provide timely feedback, strengthen team leverage, and support a consistent review process across engagements 

• Assist the advisory team in obtaining and preparing data for purchase accounting and purchase price adjustments, including detailed review of purchase agreements, discussions with attorneys, and an understanding of transaction mechanics across a variety of industries 

• Apply contractual purchase agreement elements to opening balance sheets and price adjustment mechanisms 

• Lead meetings with target company management and interact with executive-level stakeholders to obtain pertinent information, communicate key issues, and drive engagements forward 

• Own the projects assigned and move them toward and through completion, seeking assistance as needed; this includes detailed review of Senior Associate and Manager work product 

• Support clients in navigating post-closing disputes and other transaction-related accounting matters 

• Work on a variety of projects that vary in size and complexity, including but not limited to accounting investigations, internal control consulting, audit support assistance, technical accounting memo writing, and other accounting and finance-related advisory matters 

• Help enhance engagement execution by improving consistency, supporting efficient staffing and review practices, and contributing to a scalable team environment 

• Minimum of 8–10+ years of experience in audit or other financial reporting roles 

• Strong technical accounting background with demonstrated experience in resolving technical accounting matters independently 

• Significant background in purchase accounting and purchase price adjustment engagements, including projects with minimal oversight 

• Demonstrates a high level of efficiency in Excel 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, OR: 

• CPA, CFA, or CFE certification  

• Strong current knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, especially ASC 805 and ASC 810 

• Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and develop teams, including reviewing work product, delegating effectively, and building confidence in less experienced team members 

• Experience contributing to practice growth through business development, internal cross-selling, client relationship expansion, or development of new service opportunities 

• Ability to balance technical excellence with leadership responsibilities and a client-service mindset in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment 

• Familiarity with the M&A process and market 

• Strong project management skills; highly analytical, organized, and inquisitive 

• Desire to work in a deadline-driven environment (independently and/or with others) while effectively managing unexpected issues and/or questions in a professional manner 

• Ability to adapt communication style to successfully convey messaging & objectives to all levels of management, clients, colleagues, etc. 

• Minimal travel as needed to various client sites (less than 5%)