Assurance – Core Assurance – External Audit (Senior Associate/Experienced Associate) – KSA, Al [...]

PwC Middle East; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in Saudi Arabia seeks an External Audit Senior Associate. The role involves delivering high-quality services to clients, analyzing financial statements, and leading audit engagements. Ideal candidates will have a degree in accounting or finance, along with extensive experience in external audit, preferably in a Big 4 environment. The position promotes a diverse and inclusive culture and offers competitive benefits and a flexible work framework.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration plan

Flexible work framework

Support for mental health and well-being

Continuous learning opportunities

Insurance packages as per policy

Qualifications

• Progressive experience at the Senior Associate level in external audit.
• Experience working in a Big 4 professional services firm.
• Knowledge of applicable accounting reporting and auditing standards.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial statements to ensure adherence to regulations.
• Build trust with clients and communicate engagement progress.
• Review work of associates and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Project management skills

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English

Education

Degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Professional qualification (ACCA, CA, CPA, ACA)

Tools

Data Analytics tools

Job description

PwC has been serving the Middle East region for 40 years and employs around 12,000 professionals across 12 countries.

About the Role

As an External Audit Senior Associate you will contribute to delivering the best service to our clients. You will report to Managers and above, work as part of a team that helps clients build trust, solve complex challenges, and proactively assist in the management of several engagements.

Responsibilities

• Use analytical skills to analyze the client’s financial statements and ensure they adhere to financial regulations
• Examine financial and accounting records, other documents, and tangible items such as inventory or plant and equipment
• Ask a range of questions – from formal written questions to informal oral questions – to a range of individuals at our client organizations
• Test the client organization’s internal controls and processes
• Build trust and credibility with the clients by understanding their expectations and delivering high‑quality services
• Take accountability for researching and understanding key facts on the client’s industry information before the engagement begins
• Communicate with the Manager and/or Partner in a timely manner with respect to engagement progress – risks, issues, variances from plan in terms of time, budget, etc.
• Take full ownership of external file completion
• Analyze engagement economics of self and field staff and explain variances from the budgets
• Review the work of the associate levels and provide them on‑job training, coaching and timely constructive feedback to help them grow in their career
• Ensure adherence to compliance with risk, quality and independence matters
• Engage and deal effectively with diverse teams from the planning through the completion phase of the audit and closely follow up on the progress of requested tasks to meet timelines and the firm’s internal KPIs
• Take part in the digital initiatives and upskilling areas that align most with the team’s business needs
• Perform other procedures as necessary to support issuance of the assurance deliverables

Qualifications

• A degree in accounting, finance or any other related academic major
• Completed or pursuing a professional qualification, such as ACCA, CA, ACA, CPA (preferably)
• Progressive experience at the Senior Associate level working with a range of external audit clients in a Big 4 professional services firm
• Experience working with a diverse range of industries
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills that allow you to thrive in a team environment
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English (oral and written) is a plus
• Business development and client relationship building skills
• Willingness to challenge the ‘norms’ and create a cohesive and effective working team
• Excellent project management skills
• Knowledge in audit technologies, and experience using Data Analytics tools is a plus
• Commitment to valuing differences and working alongside diverse people and perspectives
• Thorough technical skills and experience regarding applicable accounting reporting and auditing standards
• Experience in the design of engagement procedures based on risk and materiality
• Previous experience in coaching and leading engagement teams
• Strong technical knowledge and ability to research issues, present alternatives and conclusions to client/Manager

Skills We Look For

All our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviours that help us deliver our business strategy – that make up “The PwC Professional”. The framework supports development and career progression, helping us meet the expectations of clients, colleagues and communities in today’s changing global marketplace.

Benefits

• A competitive remuneration plan rewarding success and acknowledging the value you provide to our company
• An inclusive and diverse culture where people can be themselves, are valued for their strengths and empowered to be the best they can be
• A flexible work framework encouraging work‑life balance
• Support for mental health and well‑being with specialists, meditation, yoga and other online sessions
• Limitless opportunities for continuous learning and digital upskilling
• A friendly atmosphere encouraging innovative mindsets, relationship development and assistance in growing
• A competitive schooling allowance and insurance packages as per PwC policy

Culture & Working at PwC

We lead with care, prioritise our people and our clients, encouraging growth, innovation and balance. Learn more about our culture in “Life at PwC ME”.