Manager l UAE National l External Audit

Grant Thornton; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking an External Audit Manager to lead high-quality audit engagements in Dubai. You will manage client relationships, oversee a portfolio of audits, and guide teams to deliver professional services while ensuring adherence to established standards.

The ideal candidate should have at least five years of external audit experience within top firms, a relevant professional qualification, and excellent communication skills. Join us to contribute significantly to our growing client base and deliver exceptional value in audit and assurance services.

Qualifications

• At least five years of external audit experience in a top international firm.
• Professionally qualified (ACA, CPA, ACCA).
• Extensive post-qualification experience in audit.

Responsibilities

• Leading on audit reviews and managing client relationships.
• Ensuring work is completed profitably and on time.
• Managing audit teams and developing team members.

Skills

External audit experience

Verbal and written communication skills

Networking skills

Understanding of key reporting standards

Education

Professional qualification (ACA, CPA, ACCA)

Job description

Join us as an External Audit Manager, where you’ll lead the delivery of high‑quality audit engagements, ensuring robust planning, execution, and review in line with professional standards. Working closely with Partners and senior stakeholders, you’ll manage client relationships, oversee a portfolio of audits, and guide teams to deliver with professionalism, efficiency, and excellence.

About the External Audit team

Providing a wide range of Audit and Assurance services to private, public and international companies across various sectors. We work closely with over 700 companies annually, ranging from SMEs to international listed companies. The client base is exciting and fast growing. Our people are committed to delivering best‑in‑class assurance services in locations where you are. We respond to the challenges of our clients with high quality, value for money technical solutions every time.

Responsibilities

• Leading on audit reviews, agreeing audit timetables, briefing the audit team (including other specialists) and monitoring budgets
• Ensuring that all work allocated is carried out profitably and on a timely basis in accordance with the firm's professional standards and to the satisfaction of clients and engagement partners
• Ensuring that all employees are developing to the maximum of their potential and assist in the development of the office
• Managing a key client portfolio and building and maintaining good working relationships with all colleagues and clients
• Assisting the Audit Partner in establishing audit objectives and overall scope
• Checking that audit work papers have been properly reviewed and that audit files are completed in a timely manner and are properly filed and maintained on the network
• Finalising draft reports to management
• Following through on any concerns regarding an audit assignment with the Audit Partner and managing to balance risks and commercial returns
• Planning and coordinating all aspects of audit planning, including resourcing requirements
• Managing audit teams on specific assignments, with specific line management
• Managing, motivating, and coaching team members and providing feedback through regular communication
• Consistently achieving deadlines and understanding the commercial implications of actions relating to productivity, recoverability, fee income and client service
• Adhering to the firm’s risk management policies

Qualifications & Skills

• At least five years of external audit experience in a top international firm
• Professionally qualified (ACA, CPA, ACCA)
• Extensive post‑qualification experience in audit and a keen desire to work with a diverse range of businesses, across differing industry lines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Strong networking skills
• Comprehensive understanding of key reporting standards
• Genuine interest in our clients, wanting to provide distinctive service and unlock potential for growth in dynamic organisations
• Knowing that what you do matters and every act matters from the simple things to the insights you bring to clients
• Seizing opportunities, adapting quickly and wisely to changing conditions to optimise growth for both our clients and ourselves
• Applying critical reasoning to bring clarity and insight by asking great questions, listening, and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience to help others grow