Senior Manager - External Audit

Grant Thornton; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Dubai is seeking a Senior Manager for its Audit & Assurance team. The role involves managing a diverse client portfolio, leading audit teams, and supporting business development initiatives. Ideal candidates should have over 8 years of external audit experience and hold a professional qualification like ACA, CPA, or ACCA. This position offers an opportunity to shape audit strategies and mentor upcoming professionals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of External Audit experience in a top international firm.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in audit.
• Strong ability to inspire and develop people.

Responsibilities

• Manage a key client portfolio and build strong relationships.
• Lead large, complex client engagements.
• Negotiate client fees as appropriate.

Skills

External Audit experience

Professional qualification (ACA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent)

Verbal and written communication skills in English

Networking skills

Business development

Education

Professional qualification (ACA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent)

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 Senior Manager, you will play a pivotal role in collaborating with the Partner to formulate comprehensive audit strategies, oversee the management of a diverse portfolio, and coordinate the organization and review of audit work. In this influential position, you will lead and mentor a team of Seniors and Associates while serving as a primary point of contact for key clients.

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 ziplining across 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 External Audit Service Line

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.

As a Senior Manager your responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for managing a key client portfolio and building and maintaining strong working relationships with all colleagues and clients
• Taking the lead on dealing with large, technically complex clients
• Providing support to Managers and Assistant Managers to ensure they maximise the teams’ potential
• Working strategically with the leadership team to drive the growth of the business
• Developing a strong internal and external network to support business development
• Supporting the Audit Partner in the operational running of the team
• Negotiate client fees per engagement as appropriate
• Involved in the interview process for new hires joining the team
• Managing project financials, including budgets, WIPS, timely billing and collection and variance recognition
• Achieving and maintaining high quality of the audit files and deliverables in accordance with GT methodology and relevant accounting and auditing standards
• Taking on a leadership role within the team by working as a central point of contact whenever there is requirement of consultation in the areas of staff training, staff planner, IFRS, IDEA, Horizon or Voyager

Skills

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

• 8+ years of External Audit experience in a top international firm
• Professionally qualified (ACA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent)
• Extensive post-qualification experience in audit and being keen to work with a diverse range of businesses, across differing industry lines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Strong networking skills
• A passion for business development and a desire to be involved in developing a strategy for the team
• Audit delivery experience within practice
• Experience of working on large audits and complex groups in addition to dealing with complex technical matters
• Good working knowledge of compliance and regulation
• Proven ability to inspire and develop people

Job Details

Job Location: Dubai, UAE

Job Role: Audit & Assurance

Joining Date: Sep-2025

Preferred Candidate

Career Level: Mid-Management