Audit Associate

Role Overview: As an Audit Associate, you will play a crucial role in planning and executing audit engagements. Your responsibilities will include understanding the client's business, industry, internal controls, and key risks. You will conduct various audit procedures such as tests of controls, substantive testing, and analytical procedures on financial and non-financial data. Additionally, you will prepare audit work-papers, document findings, and contribute to audit reports and management letters summarizing audit findings and recommendations. Key Responsibilities: - Assist in planning audit engagements by understanding client business, industry, internal control environment, and key risks. - Carry out audit procedures including tests of controls, substantive testing, and analytical procedures on financial and non-financial data. - Prepare audit work-papers, document findings, identify mis-statements, and assess them against materiality. - Draft or contribute to audit reports, management letters, and other deliverables summarizing audit findings and recommendations. - Ensure compliance with IFRS, ISAs, UAE regulatory requirements, and firm methodology. - Assist in reviewing financial statements and disclosures for completeness, accuracy, and consistency. - Maintain client communication by coordinating with clients, resolving queries, and ensuring timely delivery. - Utilize audit software, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel) to enhance audit efficiency. - Contribute to budgeting of audit fees and monitor incurred time/expenses relative to budget. - Stay updated on changes in accounting, auditing, and regulatory standards in the UAE and region. - Provide coaching/mentoring to more junior team members depending on the level of seniority. Qualification Required: - Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Masters preferred but not required). - Professional qualification (or working towards) such as ACCA, CPA, CA, ICAEW. - Experience: typically 1-4 years of audit or finance experience depending on level (Associate vs Senior Associate). - Strong knowledge of IFRS and auditing standards (ISAs) in a UAE or international context. - High proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), audit software, and data analytics is a plus. - Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, manage multiple assignments. - Strong attention to detail. - Ability to travel to client sites as required. Some firms may require Arabic language skills (advantage). Additional Details: The company offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients and industries, providing opportunities for professional development and career progression. Mentoring, training, competitive salary, and benefits are provided in line with industry standards. The career path typically involves reporting to Audit Senior or Audit Manager and working closely with other team members on audit engagements. (Note: The section "Additional Considerations for Dubai Market" has been omitted as it is specific to the Dubai market and may not be relevant for all candidates.),