Carrers

About this job:

The External Audit Manager oversees the planning and execution of external audit engagements, ensuring all financial statements comply with IFRS for SMEs or Full IFRS and meet the regulatory requirements of the Saudi Arabian framework. This role is responsible for maintaining high-quality assurance standards while managing client relationships and professional staff.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• 1. Engagement Management & Planning

  • Lead the planning phase for statutory audits, including those for large joint-stock companies, manufacturers, and holding companies.

  • Develop audit strategies and programs tailored to specific client risks, such as those identified in Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) for programs like the SPL PACE.

  • Draft and review professional engagement letters and audit proposals for new and existing clients.

  2. Technical Oversight & Compliance

  • Review financial statements to ensure rigorous application of IFRS and local accounting standards.

  • Oversee tax and Zakat compliance services, ensuring VAT and Withholding Tax (WHT) returns are accurate and submitted to ZATCA on time.

  • Provide technical advice and suggestions to clients regarding which accounting standards are most appropriate for their specific business needs.

  3. Team Leadership & Risk Mitigation

  • Supervise and mentor audit staff, providing clear instructions on audit requirements and financial statement updates.

  • Implement and maintain risk mitigation files to monitor staff performance and rectify high-risk errors promptly.

  • Review management letters to communicate internal control weaknesses and recommendations to client management.

  4. Client Relationship Management

  • Act as the primary liaison between the firm and client representatives (such as CFOs and Finance Directors).

  • Ensure the timely issuance of reasonable assurance reports and statutory audit opinions.

  • Identify opportunities to offer additional advisory services based on the client’s financial health and regulatory challenges.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., SOCPA, ACCA, CPA, or ICAP) is highly preferred.

• Experience: Proven experience in managing audit teams and handling complex portfolios in the Saudi market.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in ZATCA regulations, Zakat assessments, and the transition between different reporting frameworks.

• Communication: Ability to maintain an authoritative yet professional tone when addressing staff compliance and high-level client needs.