Job Description

Job Title: Associate Director - Audit Division
Location: UAE (Dubai)
Department: Audit & Assurance
Reporting to: Senior Partner - Audit Division
Role Overview
As Associate Director -Audit, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of a segment in audit division, overseeing high-impact engagements across industries. You will be responsible for Final Review of Audit Files as per IFRSs and ISA Compliance, client relationship management, driving operational excellence, and mentoring managers, senior executives and even articles within the audit practice. This role demands visionary leadership, deep technical expertise, and a commitment to quality and innovation.
Direct Reports /People Management: Manager/s, Asst Manager/s, Team Leaders, Executives and Associates (Approximately 15+ people) including overseas back offices.
Financial Dimensions:
Accountable for achieving revenue targets for the audit division, typically contributing (% ) of firm-wide/division revenue, maintaining or improving gross margin on audit projects (e.g. %). Client Retention Rate and Control overheads and optimize resource utilization to improve cost-to-income ratio
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement the division's audit strategy in alignment with firm-wide goals
Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of complex audit engagements
Support to resolve key/major audit issues in a timely manner.
Drive innovation in audit methodologies and digital transformation initiatives
Ensure compliance with IFRSs, ISA, and other regulatory requirements across all engagements.
Client & Market Development
Cultivate relationships with C-suite executives and board-level stakeholders
Lead business development efforts, including proposals, pitches, and cross-service collaboration
Represent the firm in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and thought leadership platforms
Identify market trends and translate them into service opportunities
Operational Excellence
Monitor audit quality and risk management across the division
Review and approve audit reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and strategic insight
Manage budgets, resource allocation, and profitability of the audit portfolio
Oversee internal controls and ensure adherence to firm policies
People & Culture
Lead, mentor, and develop senior managers and audit teams
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the division
Conduct performance reviews and succession planning for key roles
Qualifications
Requirement
Details
Education
Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field &
Certification
CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent (mandatory)
Advanced Degree
Diploma in IFRS, CFA or MBA from well-known Educational Institutions.
Regulatory Knowledge
Good understanding of UAE Commercial Companies Law, VAT Law, CT Law and other regulatory compliance.
Experience
Minimum 10-15 years in external audit, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
Proven track record of managing large, multi-sector audit portfolios
Experience in Big 4 or equivalent international Auditing firm
Demonstrated success in client acquisition, retention, and strategic growth
Exposure to listed entities, cross-border audits, and regulatory inspections
Core Competencies
Competency
Description
Strategic Vision
Ability to shape and execute long-term audit strategy
Technical Mastery
Expert in IFRSs, ISA, and complex accounting treatments
Risk Management
Strong grasp of audit risk frameworks and mitigation strategies
Commercial Acumen
Understands business drivers and financial implications
Innovation
Embraces technology and process improvements to enhance audit delivery
Skills
Executive Communication: Articulate complex issues to senior stakeholders
Negotiation & Influence: Navigate high-stakes discussions with diplomacy
Project Leadership: Oversee multiple engagements with precision and agility
Digital Fluency: Familiarity with audit analytics, AI tools, and cloud platforms
Decision-Making: Make informed, timely decisions under pressure
Behavioural Attributes
Integrity: Upholds the highest ethical standards and independence
Resilience: Thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments
Empathy: Leads with emotional intelligence and people-first mindset
Accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and drives performance
Adaptability: Responds effectively to change and market shifts
Leadership & People Skills
Visionary Leadership: Inspires teams with purpose and clarity
Talent Development: Builds high-performing teams through coaching and mentorship
Conflict Resolution: Navigates interpersonal and client challenges with tact
Collaboration: Works across service lines to deliver integrated solutions
Cultural Intelligence: Leads diverse teams with sensitivity and inclusion
Why Join Us?
Lead one of the region's most respected audit & consulting firm
Work with top-tier clients across industries and geographies
Shape the future of audit through innovation and leadership
Be part of a purpose-driven, globally connected organization

Skills Required