Director | Assurance | Financial Reporting Advisory Services | Abu Dhabi

Grant Thornton; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton UAE invites a Director to lead audit and assurance engagements, shaping strategy and managing a portfolio of key clients in Abu Dhabi. You will supervise Managers and Associates, act as a primary client contact, and drive business development to elevate the firm’s market presence.

The role emphasizes deep IFRS expertise, complex transaction experience, and the ability to grow a high-performing advisory team within a dynamic professional services environment.

Qualifications

• Deep IFRS & technical accounting expertise.
• Strong experience in complex transactions, consolidation, M&A/IPO accounting and financial reporting.
• Proven business development and revenue origination capability.
• Strong Abu Dhabi market relationships, particularly CFO/Finance Director level.
• Ability to build and grow a technical accounting advisory practice.
• Develop new FRAS services and market propositions.
• Strong proposal, pitching, negotiation and commercial skills.
• Senior-level client and stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead, recruit and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong engagement quality, risk management and profitability management.
• Ability to drive cross-service-line opportunities across Audit, Tax, Deals and Advisory.
• Strong thought leadership, technical training and market visibility.

Responsibilities

• Support senior colleagues in preparing audit strategy and managing a portfolio.
• Oversee a team of Managers & Associates and be a key client contact.
• Lead business development and grow Grant Thornton UAE's market presence.
• Manage day-to-day team operations and client portfolio on behalf of the Partner.
• Build internal and external networks to support business development.
• Negotiate client fees and manage engagement economics.
• Lead with integrity and drive high-quality engagement outcomes.
• Foster cross-service collaboration across Audit, Tax, Deals and Advisory.

Skills

IFRS Expertise

Complex Transactions

M&A/IPO Accounting

Financial Reporting

Business Development

Abu Dhabi Relationships

Technical Accounting Advisory

FRAS Services

Market Visibility

Team Leadership

Risk Management

Cross-Service Collaboration

Thought Leadership

Tools

Audit & Assurance Processes

Job description

We’re a large and growing professional services firm that still feels like a community. We employ over 750 people across the UAE and experiencing exciting growth! We truly care about our colleagues, our clients and the communities where we work and live.

As a Director, your responsibilities will include supporting senior colleagues in preparing audit strategy, managing a portfolio, organising & reviewing work, as well as overseeing a team of Managers & Associates and being a key client contact. While showcasing eagerness to delve into Business Development, leading with expertise, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering innovation to exceed client expectations and elevate industry standards.

Let us paint a picture for you

Imagine being part of a team that puts “we before me”, where flexibility is a mindset, and where you trust your colleagues to have your back.

Imagine working for an organization that believes in the power of authenticity in everything that we do. Whether you're steering discussions in a client meeting, tackling your fear of heights at the top of the Burj Khalifa or scaling the heights of Jebel Jais – bring your true self to work. Be a part of a team driven by a purpose of shaping the world that we live in, based on trust and integrity in markets, dynamic businesses, and communities where businesses and people thrive.

Join us to expand your horizons, be inspired, face challenges, and most importantly, be yourself.

About the Audit & Assurance at Grant Thornton UAE

Where precision meets passion! Our Audit and Assurance services cater to a diverse range of companies, ensuring financial clarity and confidence at every turn. Our c lientele spans diverse industries and all sizes from SMEs to International Groups and listed companies. We are very proud to be market leaders in multiple areas including Financial Services and PCAOB engagements; as well as having led the first Middle East unicorn listing on NASDAQ.

As a Director some of your responsibilities will include:

• Working strategically with the leadership team to drive the growth of the business
• Developing a high-profile market presence amongst the Public Sector and promote Grant Thornton’s brand
• Working towards RI status and signing off audits
• Managing the day to day of the team and portfolio, on behalf of the Partner
• Developing a strong internal and external network to support business development
• Taking responsibility for managing a key client portfolio while building and maintaining good working relationships with all colleagues and clients
• Taking the lead on dealing with the Public Sector Clients
• Agreeing/Negotiating clients fees per engagement as appropriate

Skills Description

• Deep IFRS & technical accounting expertise
• Strong experience in complex transactions, consolidation, M&A/IPO accounting and financial reporting
• Proven business development and revenue origination capability
• Strong Abu Dhabi market relationships, particularly CFO/Finance Director level
• Ability to build and grow a technical accounting advisory practice
• Develop new FRAS services and market propositions
• Strong proposal, pitching, negotiation and commercial skills
• Senior-level client and stakeholder management
• Ability to lead, recruit and develop high-performing teams
• Strong engagement quality, risk management and profitability management
• Ability to drive cross-service-line opportunities across Audit, Tax, Deals and Advisory
• Strong thought leadership, technical training and market visibility.