Director - External Audit - Arabic Speaker

Grant Thornton; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton UAE is seeking a Director to lead audit engagements across diverse clients, supporting senior colleagues, reviewing work, and managing a team of Managers and Associates while acting as a primary client contact.

You will drive business development, shape audit strategy, and oversee portfolio delivery with a focus on quality, IFRS compliance, and industry excellence in the UAE.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of External Audit experience in a top international firm.
• Professional qualification (ACA, CPA, ACCA).
• Extensive post-qualification audit experience across diverse businesses.
• Strong IFRS, internal controls, and consolidation knowledge.
• Strong network of Public Sector clients in the UAE.
• Fluency in Arabic.
• Interest in business development and team strategy.
• Leadership experience in audit within practice.
• Experience with large audits and complex groups.
• Strong knowledge of compliance and regulation.
• Proven ability to inspire and develop people.

Responsibilities

• 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

External Audit experience

Professional qualifications ACA CPA A​

Education

ACA/CPA/ACCA certification

Job description

Job Overview

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

Think you've got what it takes to be a Director? Like the colour purple? Great. Here's a few more boxes we're also hoping you can tick:

• 11+ years of External Audit experience in a top international firm


• Professionally qualified (ACA, CPA, ACCA)


• Extensive post-qualification audit experience, being keen to work with a diverse range of businesses


• Confident in IFRS, internal controls, and consolidation of financial statements


• You’ll have a strong network of Public Sector clients in the UAE market


• Fluency in Arabic


• A passion for business development and a desire to be involved in developing a strategy for the team


• Significant leadership experience in audit within practice


• Experienced in working on large audits and complex groups in addition to dealing with complex technical matters


• Strong working knowledge of compliance and regulation


• Proven ability to inspire and develop people