Associate Director – Corporate Audit – Belfast

Grant Thornton (UK); Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Belfast is seeking a highly motivated Associate Director – Corporate Audit. This senior leadership role involves leading audit engagements, managing client relationships, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate is ACA/ACCA qualified with over 7 years of experience, strong technical knowledge, and excellent interpersonal skills. This is an opportunity to advance in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Clear opportunities for progression

Health and wellbeing benefits

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years’ post-qualification experience, ideally in a Top 10 or Big 4 firm.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to motivate, inspire, and manage teams under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients.
• Build strong, long-term client relationships.
• Ensure audit work complies with regulations and standards.
• Supervise and mentor audit staff.
• Play an active role in business development.

Skills

ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent)

Strong technical knowledge of Irish GAAP

Proficiency in electronic auditing tools

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Minimum 7+ years post-qualification experience

Job description

Associate Director – Corporate Audit – Belfast

Grant Thornton (GT) has nearly 3,000 people across 9 offices in Ireland, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Bermuda, and is part of a global network of over 68,000 people in 145+ countries.

At GT, we act as trusted advisors, combining local knowledge with national expertise and global reach to help businesses succeed. We make business more personal by building relationships, empowering clients to make the right decisions, and supporting them in shaping their future.

Our Audit and Assurance team is expanding due to significant growth. This means greater opportunity for ambitious professionals to take on meaningful client work, collaborate across industries, and develop their careers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Role:

We are looking for a highly motivated Associate Director – Corporate Audit to join our Belfast team.

This senior leadership role offers direct access to Partners, the chance to lead major client engagements, and a platform to shape the future of our growing practice. Whether your background is Big 4 or Top 10, this is an opportunity to take the next step in your career with a firm that values both expertise and individuality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring high-quality, timely, and efficient delivery.

• Build strong, long-term client relationships, gaining an in-depth understanding of their business and providing insights that add real value.

• Ensure audit work complies with regulations, accounting standards (GAAP, IFRS), and GT methodologies.

• Supervise, coach, and mentor audit staff—helping others grow their careers while strengthening the team as a whole.

• Balance technical excellence with commercial awareness when managing client portfolios.

• Play an active role in business development by identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and participating in pitches.

• Work closely with Partners, contributing to strategic initiatives and the continued growth of the audit practice.

Skills & Experience

• ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent).

• Minimum 7+ years’ post-qualification experience, ideally gained in a Top 10 or Big 4 firm.

• Strong technical knowledge of Irish GAAP and auditing standards (IFRS experience an advantage).

• Track record of portfolio and engagement management.

• Proficiency in electronic auditing tools and methodologies.

• Ability to motivate, inspire, and manage teams under deadlines.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to manage client relationships.

What We Offer

• A competitive remuneration package designed to attract and reward top talent.

• A career path with clear opportunities for progression to Director and Partner.

• Access to health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

Life at Grant Thornton

We believe the best results come when people feel empowered to be themselves. At GT, you’ll join a team that values diversity, supports inclusion, and encourages fresh ideas.

You will work on meaningful projects across industries such as Retail, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Construction, and Telecommunications, gaining both local and international exposure.

Here, your expertise will be recognised, your input valued, and your career supported.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job, it is a career opportunity with a growing firm where you can make a real impact. If you are an ambitious audit professional ready to take the next step, we would love to hear from you.

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