Audit Team Leader

About the role

Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. is seeking an experienced Audit Team Leader to lead an audit team in the UAE. The successful candidate manages audit engagements from planning through completion, supervises and develops audit teams, maintains client relationships and delivers high-quality audit work in line with auditing and accounting standards. The role also supports the firm's business development.

Key responsibilities

• Manage audit engagements from planning and risk assessment through completion, ensuring compliance with auditing standards, accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve audit working papers and financial statements, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with IFRS and ISA.
• Lead engagement teams, allocate assignments, monitor progress and keep engagements within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Perform and review risk assessments, evaluate internal controls and identify significant audit risks.
• Review complex accounting matters, assess audit findings and determine conclusions and reporting implications.
• Supervise, mentor and develop audit seniors and juniors, giving technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Communicate audit findings, risks and recommendations to clients, senior management and engagement partners.
• Finalize management letters, audit reports and other deliverables, and ensure compliance with IFRS, ISA, UAE corporate tax and VAT requirements.
• Monitor engagement budgets, resource allocation, recoverability and billing, and coordinate with partners and other service lines on complex matters.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• At least 10 years of external audit experience, preferably with a reputable audit firm and substantial experience in the UAE.
• Demonstrated experience managing audit engagements and supervising audit teams.
• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CA, CPA or an equivalent; full qualification strongly preferred.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and ISA.
• Understanding of UAE corporate tax, VAT and other regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Caseware and other audit software.
• Analytical, problem-solving, communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.