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Audit Partner Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Audit & Assurance Partner

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$300K - $500K/yr

... audits . * Advise clients on deal structuring, upper-tier and lower-tier partnership agreements, exit strategies, and Year 15 buyout transactions. * Ensure technical quality, risk management, and ...

About Aprio At Aprio, we empower partners to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose. We recognize ... Strong technical expertise and active CPA in the relevant discipline (Nonprofit Audit). * Proven ...

About Aprio At Aprio, we empower partners to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose. We recognize ... Strong technical expertise and active CPA in the relevant discipline (Nonprofit Audit). * Proven ...

Works closely with the Audit Partner and takes ownership of the audit and review function, helping drive consistency, quality, and client satisfaction. Key Responsibilities: - Lead and manage audit ...

The Audit Manager will work closely with the Audit Partner and is expected to take ownership of the audit and review function, helping drive consistency, quality, and client satisfaction. Key ...

Audit Manager

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The Audit Manager will work closely with the Audit Partner and is expected to take ownership of the audit and review function, helping drive consistency, quality, and client satisfaction. KEY ...

New

Audit Manager

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/hr

HireNow Staffing (Direct Placement Partner) HireNow Snapshot HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting a seasoned, highly skilled Audit Manager to join one of our valued client partners in Lincolnshire ...

AUDIT MANAGER

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The Audit Manager will work closely with partners to drive consistency, quality, and client satisfaction. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage audit and review engagements from planning through ...

Audit Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

As an Audit Supervisor, you will be providing high-level client service, assisting, and managing all types of assurance engagements to clients within the investment partnership and private equity ...

Audit Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

As an Audit Supervisor, you will be providing high-level client service, assisting, and managing all types of assurance engagements to clients within the investment partnership and private equity ...

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Showing results 1-20

Audit Partner information

See Illinois salary details

$148.7K

$277.1K

$380.3K

How much do audit partner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for audit partner in Illinois is $277,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $208,300.00 and $348,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an audit partner?

An audit partner is a full partner at an accounting firm with financial stake in the company. As an audit partner, you must have a long proven career building strong client relationships. You must also have years of experience amassing skills and qualifications to lead a team of actuaries before you become part of the partnership. The job duties include significant financial investment in the firm and ensuring the company’s public audits and financial statements are in working order.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audit partner?

To thrive as an Audit Partner, you need deep expertise in auditing standards, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a CPA or equivalent professional certification and extensive experience in public accounting. Mastery of audit management software, risk assessment tools, and familiarity with relevant accounting systems are crucial. Exceptional leadership, client relationship management, and strategic thinking are soft skills that set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure audit quality, build client trust, and drive the growth and reputation of the firm.

What are some common challenges faced by audit partners in managing client relationships and audit teams?

Audit Partners often juggle multiple priorities, including maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring the quality and integrity of audit work, and leading diverse teams. Challenges can include aligning client expectations with regulatory requirements, resolving complex accounting issues, and fostering collaboration among staff with varying levels of experience. Effective communication and time management are essential, as Audit Partners must balance business development, team mentorship, and the delivery of timely, high-quality audits.

What is the difference between Audit Partner vs Audit Manager?

AspectAudit PartnerAudit Manager
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, extensive experienceCPA or equivalent, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in audit firm, client relationship managementOversees audit teams, manages audit processes
Industry UsageSenior leadership in accounting firms, large corporationsMid-level management in audit teams, firms

The main difference is that an Audit Partner holds a senior leadership position, responsible for client relationships and firm strategy, while an Audit Manager oversees daily audit operations and team management. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Partner has broader responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Is an audit partner a good career?

An audit partner is a senior leadership role in accounting firms responsible for overseeing audit engagements and client relationships. It offers high earning potential, leadership opportunities, and the use of technical skills such as financial analysis and regulatory compliance. However, it often requires extensive experience, certifications like CPA or CA, and a demanding schedule.

What is the average salary for an audit partner?

The average salary for an audit partner typically ranges from $150,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on the size of the firm, location, and experience level. Senior audit partners with extensive experience and working at large firms can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and profit sharing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Audit Partner jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Audit Partner jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Audit Partner jobs in Illinois?

For Audit Partner jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Audit Partner jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Audit Partner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Audit Partner jobs in IL?

For Audit Partner jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Audit Partner job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $277,080 per year, or $133.2 per hour.

Audit & Assurance Partner

MDS Search

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$300K - $500K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Partner – Real Estate & Affordable Housing / LIHTC Practice

Location: [City, State / Hybrid / Remote]

Service Line: [Tax & Advisory / Assurance & Advisory]

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and vision-driven Partner to lead and expand our Real Estate & Affordable Housing Practice Group. This executive leader will serve as a trusted strategic advisor to real estate developers, syndicators, institutional investors, and housing authorities.

In this role, you will leverage your deep technical expertise in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), federal/state housing programs, and complex real estate transactions to drive practice growth, manage high-value client relationships, and mentor the next generation of leadership within the firm.

Key Responsibilities

1. Practice Growth & Strategic Leadership

  • Drive business development initiatives to expand the firm’s national footprint in affordable housing, community development, and commercial real estate.
  • Cultivate and maintain high-touch relationships with key industry stakeholders, including developers, state housing finance agencies (HFAs), syndicators, and lenders.
  • Represent the firm as a thought leader at national housing conferences, panels, and industry associations.

2. Technical Advisory & Engagement Oversight

  • Lead complex advisory, tax structuring, or assurance engagements involving Section 42 Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Historic Tax Credits (HTC), and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).
  • Oversight of specialized reporting, including 10% Tests, Cost Certifications, Carryover Allocations, and HUD/RD compliance audits.
  • Advise clients on deal structuring, upper-tier and lower-tier partnership agreements, exit strategies, and Year 15 buyout transactions.
  • Ensure technical quality, risk management, and regulatory compliance across all practice deliverables.

3. Team Mentorship & People Operations

  • Build, lead, and inspire a dedicated team of Managers, Senior Managers, and Directors specializing in affordable housing.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on career progression, technical training, and work-life harmony.
  • Participate in lateral partner recruiting and senior-level talent acquisition to support practice expansion.

Required Qualifications & Background

  • Credentials: Active CPA license (or JD/LLM with equivalent tax experience).
  • Experience: 12+ years of progressive accounting, tax, or advisory experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Director, Managing Director, or Partner) within a public accounting firm or specialized advisory group.
  • Technical Mastery: Proven expertise in LIHTC (Section 42), HUD/Ginnie Mae guidelines, Partnership Taxation (Subchapter K), real estate revenue recognition, and cost segregation strategies.
  • Business Development Track Record: Demonstrated ability to originate new client relationships, manage a significant client portfolio, or bring a portable book of business.
  • Executive Presence: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Executive Compensation: High base salary, lucrative partner profit-sharing/equity distribution, and performance-based bonuses.
  • Autonomy & Resources: The national platform, technology infrastructure, and back-office support needed to seamlessly scale your practice.
  • Balanced Culture: A genuine commitment to flexibility, well-being, and sustainable leadership.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Executive health coverage, 401(k) match, deferred compensation options, and generous leave policies.