Director | External Audit | ADGM | Abu Dhabi

Grant Thornton UAE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton UAE seeks a Director to lead audit engagements, manage a client portfolio, and mentor Managers and Associates. You will serve as a key client contact and drive business development within the ADGM ecosystem. The role emphasizes strategic oversight and high-quality delivery across complex financial services engagements.

The incumbent will collaborate with senior leaders, foster innovation, and uphold the firm’s integrity and client-first culture in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex audits for regulated entities.
• Strong knowledge of ADGM requirements and financial services oversight.
• Proven track record in building client relationships and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead audits of ADGM-regulated entities and Financial Services clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with ADGM stakeholders, regulators, and market participants.
• Ensure compliance with ADGM, FSRA, IFRS, and ISA requirements.
• Act as the primary contact for Boards, Audit Committees, and Senior Management.
• Drive business development and expand Grant Thornton UAE's presence within the ADGM ecosystem.
• Provide technical guidance on complex financial reporting and regulatory matters to clients and engagement teams.
• Mentor and develop senior audit professionals while maintaining the highest audit quality standards.

Skills

Audit leadership

ADGM experience

Regulatory compliance

Client relations

Mentoring

Job description

Grant Thornton UAE is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent assurance, tax, and advisory firms.

With over 76,000 professionals in more than 150 countries, we combine global scale with local expertise to help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth.

Our collaborative approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence ensure that we deliver tailored solutions to meet our clients' unique needs.

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:

• Leading audits of ADGM-regulated entities and Financial Services clients
• Building and maintaining relationships withADGM stakeholders, regulators, and key market participants
• Ensuring compliance withADGM, FSRA, IFRS, and ISA requirements
• Acting as the primary contact forBoards, Audit Committees, and Senior Management
• Driving business development and expanding Grant Thornton's presence within theADGM ecosystem
• Providing technical guidance on complexfinancial reporting and regulatory matters to clients and engagement teams
• Mentoring and developing senior audit professionals while maintaining the highest audit quality standards