Entry Level Business Associate Jobs in Washington, DC

Williams Adley respectfully requests that recruiting agencies, headhunters, and search firms REFRAIN from contacting us or any member of our team regarding this or any other posting. Unsolicited referrals or resumes will not be considered, and no placement fees will be paid.

Company Overview: 

For more than 40 years, Williams Adley has provided expert accounting, auditing, and consulting services to a growing number of federal, state, and local government agencies. Our dedication to operating with the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and transparency means we frequently go beyond the typical “vendor/client” relationship, becoming trusted advisors to our clients. 

Williams Adley offers its employees a unique experience that fosters growth, career direction, and mentorship. As a member of our team, you will have a dynamic experience and work with great people. We offer a merit-based opportunity for all individuals that rewards aptitude, hard work, and determination. Join our team and thrive in an environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. 

For more information on how Williams Adley can take your career to the next level, please review our openings below or contact a member of our recruitment team. 

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking a motivated Audit Associate to join our team. This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in performing financial statement and performance audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). The Associate will assist in conducting fieldwork, testing transactions, analyzing financial data, documenting audit results, and helping to prepare audit reports and supporting workpapers. 

This role is ideal for recent graduates who are detail-oriented, curious, and eager to gain experience in auditing. Candidates should have strong analytical and written communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.  

The following are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to lead in this role. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Perform testing procedures under the direction and supervision of the Senior Associate.  

• Assist in planning and executing federal financial statement audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). 

• Perform substantive testing and analytical procedures on general ledger balances, journal entries, and financial disclosures. 

• Review account reconciliations, trial balances, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and proper classification. 

• Assist in the preparation of audit documentation and workpapers that support audit conclusions. 

• Identify, document, and communicate control deficiencies, potential misstatements, and noncompliance issues to Senior Associates. 

• Participate in walkthroughs and client meetings to obtain an understanding of financial systems, business processes, and internal controls. 

Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university 

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 

• U.S. citizenship  

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 25% as needed 

• Ability to provide official or unofficial transcripts upon request 

• Foundational understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and a willingness to develop knowledge of AICPA, GAO (Yellow Book), and FASAB standards and requirements 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to clarity and professionalism 

• Proven analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

• Commitment to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and objectivity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment 

Preferred:   

• Master’s degree in accounting or business administration from an accredited university 

• Eligibility to sit for the CPA exam, or intent to pursue CPA licensure 

• Internship or prior experience in auditing, accounting, or financial management, especially within a federal agency, Inspector General office, or public accounting firm 

• Familiarity with the U.S. Standard General Ledger (USSGL) or federal accounting concepts under FASAB standards 

Clearance:  
This position requires a U.S. Secret Security Clearance. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance as a condition of employment. An interim Secret Clearance must be granted prior to starting work. 
 
Thrive in Your Career: 

A Place Where You Belong - Excellence is at the core of our team’s success. Williams Adley’s culture of integrity, teamwork, and excellence creates an environment where you can thrive. With a range of business resources and opportunities for connection, you’ll build your community in no time 

Grow With Us - Your growth matters to us—that’s why we offer a variety of ways for you to develop your career. With professional and leadership development opportunities, including in-house training, paid training and certificate assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, mentoring, professional membership/subscription dues, and professional development opportunities, you can chart a unique and fulfilling career path on your terms. 

Give Back to Your Community - Williams Adley believes in giving our time, treasures, and talents back to our community so that it can be a place for all people to thrive. Our Community Service Program, the Williams Adley Foundation, works with our employees to find important causes and put our firm's full support behind them.   

Support Your Well-Being - Our comprehensive benefits package supports your overall wellness by providing access to licensed counselors through our Employee/Life Assistance Program, financial counseling with licensed advisors, paid holidays, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and more.  

  
Your Candidate Journey:  

At Williams Adley, we recognize that our people are our greatest strength, and we value building strong relationships throughout the hiring process. 

Candidates selected for resume review will meet with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss the position details and answer any questions about the role, the firm, or the requirements. 

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in our interview process, which may include video or in-person interviews, panel interviews, one-on-one interviews, lunch meetings, partner interviews, cognitive and/or behavioral assessments, and completion of our formal application. 

We understand the uncertainty that can come with a job search, and we strive to inform candidates of our decisions within two weeks of their interview. Once an offer has been accepted, all applicants will be notified that the position has been filled. 

 
Compensation Benefits:

At Williams Adley, we celebrate your contributions by providing you with opportunities and choices that support your total well-being and that of your family. Our health insurance offerings include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as firm-paid Basic Life/AD&D insurance. Our employees are provided the option to also enroll in Voluntary Legal, Accident, and Supplemental Life/AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents. We also provide employees with competitive 401(k) matching, generous paid leave, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and certificate support.   

Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Individuals who do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Careers site and reviewing our Employee Benefits.  

Salary 

Salary at Williams Adley is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, contract-specific affordability, and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is between $62,000.00 and $65,000.00 (annualized USD) based on experience, skills, and certifications. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Williams Adley’s total compensation package for employees. 

Work Model 

Our team-oriented culture prioritizes the benefits and needs of our people and their values. We embrace our Remote-First environment, which is focused on excellence, integrity, flexibility, and collaboration, whether in person or remotely.

Additional Information: 

• FLSA Class: Exempt 

• Status: Full Time – Regular 

• Number of Openings: 5 (as of 7.15.2026)

• Estimated Start Date: January 2027

• Proposed Salary Range: $62,000 - $65,000 annually 

• Work-Site: Remote, must reside within the DMV area

• Work Week:  Monday – Friday, 8 hours a day; some evening and weekend hours may be required in order to fulfill client expectations and deliverables.   

• Reports To: Senior Associate 

• Authorization: US Citizenship is required 

• Clearance: Must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance 

• Consideration: Only candidates who meet the minimum position requirements will be considered and/or contacted to complete the next steps. 

Williams Adley is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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