Payroll Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Elliott Davis pairs forward-thinking tax, assurance and consulting services with industry-leading workplace culture. Our nine offices - located in the fastest growing cities in the US - are built on a foundation of inclusivity, collaboration, and collective growth. We work daily to provide exceptional service to our people, customers, and our communities. Audit and assurance services are provided by Elliott Davis, LLC(doing business in NC and D.C. as Elliott Davis, PLLC), a licensed CPA firm.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Associate - Risk Advisory to join our Financial Services Group (FSG). Our team serves a diverse portfolio of financial institutions and provides independent, risk-based assurance and advisory services across a wide range of banking operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to begin or advance a career in internal audit while gaining exposure to key operational, financial, and risk management functions within financial institutions.

As an Associate, you will support the execution of internal audit engagements and help financial institutions strengthen internal controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

As an Associate, you will support senior team members and gain hands-on experience in internal audit, risk assessment, and operational review. Responsibilities include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Assist in performing internal audit engagements across core banking functions, including:
  • Loan operations and credit administration
  • Deposit operations
  • ACH and electronic payments
  • Wire transfers
  • Branch operations
  • Accounting and financial reporting
  • Human resources and payroll
  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
  • Model Risk Management (MRM)
  • Investment and treasury operations
• Execute audit procedures, including walkthroughs, testing of controls, and validation of operational processes.
• Identify and assess risks, control gaps, and process inefficiencies across operational and financial areas.
• Perform detailed testing of transactions, reconciliations, system controls, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the evaluation of internal controls related to financial reporting, safeguarding of assets, and operational effectiveness.
• Document audit procedures, findings, and supporting workpapers in accordance with professional audit standards.
• Prepare clear and concise audit reports, including observations, root cause analysis, and practical recommendations.
• Support compliance assessments related to applicable banking regulations and guidance (e.g., FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, state banking regulators).
• Participate in meetings with clients and internal stakeholders to gather information and communicate audit progress.
• Contribute to project management across multiple audit engagements, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including development of audit tools, methodologies, and process enhancements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, banking operations, risk management, or related fields (internships accepted).
• Foundational understanding of:
  • Internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO)
  • Audit methodologies and risk assessment techniques
  • Banking operations and regulatory expectations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and develop technical audit and banking knowledge.
• Ability to travel when required (estimated maximum of 25 nights per year)

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior exposure to banking operations, audit engagements, or regulatory compliance through coursework, internships, or work experience.
• Familiarity with auditing standards (e.g., IIA Standards), regulatory guidance, or risk frameworks.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, or audit analytics platforms).
• Pursuit of or interest in professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, or CISA.
• Interest in building a long-term career in internal audit, risk advisory, or financial services consulting.

Why This Role:

This position provides broad exposure across critical banking functions and risk areas, allowing you to develop a well-rounded understanding of financial institution operations while building core audit and advisory skills.

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We believe that when our employees are able to thrive in all facets of life, their work and impact are that much greater.
That's right - all aspects of life, not just your life as an employee, because we understand that there's life beyond your job. Here are some of the ways our work works for your life, your growth, and your well-being:
generous time away and paid firm holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's
flexible work schedules
16 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, 4 weeks of paid and caregiver leave (once eligible)
first-class health and wellness benefits, including wellness coaching and mental health counseling
one-on-one professional coaching
Leadership and career development programs
access to Beyond: a one-of-a kind program with experiences that help you expand your life, personally and professionally

NOTICE TO 3RD PARTY RECRUITERS
Notice to Recruiters and Agencies regarding unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions without prior express written approval. Resumes submitted or candidates referred to any employee of Elliott Davis by any external recruiter or recruitment agency by any means (including but not limited to via Internet, e-mail, fax, U.S. mail, and/or verbal communications) without a properly executed written contract for a specified position by an authorized member of the Talent Acquisition team become the property of Elliott Davis. Elliott Davis will not be responsible for, or owe any fees associated with, referrals of those candidates and/or for submission of any information, including resumes, associated with individuals.

ADA REQUIREMENTS
The physical and cognitive/mental requirements and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
Regularly required to remain in a stationary position; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and to talk or hear, both in person and by telephone
Required to have specific vision abilities which include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Cognitive/Mental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
Use written and oral communication skills.
Read and interpret data, information, and documents.
Observe and interpret situations.
Work under deadlines with frequent interruptions; and
Interact with internal and external customers and others in the course of work.