Audit Assistant

Pavago; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking an Audit Assistant to support internal and external audits. Responsibilities include preparing schedules, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with standards. The ideal candidate has 1-2 years of experience in audit support, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in accounting software. This position offers flexibility during audit cycles and is fully remote.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in audit support, accounting, or finance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations).
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle).

Responsibilities

• Compile and organize PBC schedules for auditors.
• Assist in walkthroughs and control testing.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS standards.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

QuickBooks

SAP

Job description

Job Title

Audit Assistant

Position Type

Full-Time, Remote

Working Hours

U.S. client business hours (with flexibility during audit cycles and filing deadlines)

About the Role

Our client is seeking an Audit Assistant to support internal and external audit engagements. This role involves preparing schedules, reconciling accounts, maintaining audit‑ready records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards. The Audit Assistant plays a critical role in accuracy and transparency, helping auditors verify financial statements and controls.

Responsibilities

Audit Preparation

• Compile and organize PBC (Prepared By Client) schedules for auditors.
• Gather supporting documentation for transactions, contracts, and reconciliations.
• Maintain organized, accessible audit files (digital and/or physical).

Testing & Verification

• Assist in walkthroughs and control testing.
• Verify supporting data for sample selections requested by auditors.
• Reconcile account balances and ensure variance explanations are documented.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS standards and internal policies.
• Support SOX testing and other regulatory requirements if applicable.
• Document findings and escalate discrepancies to managers.

Collaboration

• Work with accounting, finance, HR, and operations teams to gather records.
• Partner with external auditors during fieldwork, responding to requests in a timely manner.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare audit status reports for management.
• Maintain logs of outstanding requests and follow‑ups.
• Assist in drafting recommendations for improving internal controls.

What Makes You a Perfect Fit

• Highly detail‑oriented and accurate.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Comfortable working with confidential and sensitive data.
• Able to balance deadlines and multiple audit requests simultaneously.

Required Experience & Skills (Minimum)

• 1‑2 years experience in audit support, accounting, or finance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations).
• Familiarity with accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ideal Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Exposure to SOX, PCAOB, or industry‑specific compliance standards.
• Experience supporting external auditors in public accounting or internal audit teams.
• Knowledge of risk management and internal control frameworks (COSO, ISO).

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

An Audit Assistant's day revolves around collecting, organizing, and verifying data for audit teams. You will:

• Start by reviewing the audit request list, prioritizing urgent items.
• Prepare reconciliations and schedules to support financial statement balances.
• Respond to auditor requests, pulling invoices, contracts, and transaction details.
• Assist in control testing, documenting walkthroughs or providing evidence of compliance.
• Update audit trackers to monitor open requests and deadlines.
• Wrap up by summarizing progress, escalating outstanding issues, and preparing documents for the next day.

In essence

You ensure audits are efficient, accurate, and fully supported with audit‑ready documentation.

Key Metrics for Success (KPIs)

• % of audit requests fulfilled on time.
• Accuracy of reconciliations and schedules prepared.
• Zero material audit findings due to missing documentation.
• Positive feedback from auditors and finance managers.
• Organized, audit‑ready files maintained year‑round.

Interview Process

• Initial Phone Screen
• Video Interview with Pavago Recruiter
• Practical Task (e.g., reconcile a sample account or prepare a mock audit schedule)
• Client Interview with Audit/Finance Leadership
• Offer & Background Verification