Senior External Audit Lead — Engagements & Mentoring

Yuling Rayners; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Audit & Assurance in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an experienced Audit Supervisor to lead external audit engagements from planning to reporting. The role requires SAICA articles, 3–5 years of external audit experience, and proven leadership to supervise teams and manage client relationships.

You will review working papers, ensure quality and deadlines, coach junior staff, and maintain compliance with standards and firm methodology. Travel may be required within South Africa.

Qualifications

• BCom Accounting, BCompt or a relevant Accounting/Auditing qualification.
• Completed SAICA articles or equivalent professional training.
• 3–5 years' relevant external audit experience.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience will be advantageous.
• Strong technical knowledge of auditing standards and financial reporting principles.
• Proven experience reviewing audit working papers and supervising audit staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Practical experience using CaseWare.
• Excellent report-writing, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements, work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute external audit engagements in accordance with applicable auditing standards and firm methodology.
• Supervise audit teams, allocate responsibilities and monitor engagement progress.
• Review audit working papers to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with quality standards.
• Prepare and review audit findings, management reports and recommendations.
• Monitor audit engagements against agreed budgets, timelines and deliverables.
• Liaise directly with clients and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Address audit queries and communicate findings and recommendations to management.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and support to junior and trainee auditors.
• Monitor the performance, productivity and development of audit team members.
• Ensure audit files are properly documented, reviewed and finalised.
• Participate in audit planning, opening and closing meetings, as well as client presentations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant professional standards, legislation and internal audit methodologies.

Skills

Auditing standards

Leadership

Client relations

CaseWare

Excel

Word

Report writing

Time management

Education

BCom Accounting, BCompt or relevant qualification

CTA (advantageous)

ITC (advantageous)

Tools

CaseWare

Job description

Audit & Assurance in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an experienced Audit Supervisor to lead external audit engagements from planning to reporting. The role requires SAICA articles, 3–5 years of external audit experience, and proven leadership to supervise teams and manage client relationships.

You will review working papers, ensure quality and deadlines, coach junior staff, and maintain compliance with standards and firm methodology. Travel may be required within South Africa.