Associate Director

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

A top 10 international audit firm with member firms all over the world is recruiting Associate Director – Assurance to serve in the Zambia office. The firm services the middle market in audit, tax and consulting.

Job Profile
Role: Associate Director – Assurance
Location: Lusaka
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Department: Assurance
Type: Full-Time

Job Summary
The Associate Director – Assurance is a senior leadership role within the firm, responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality assurance services to clients. This role requires a deep understanding of audit and accounting principles, leadership capabilities, and client management skills. The individual will manage a portfolio of clients, lead engagement teams, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the Associate Director plays a pivotal role in business development, contributing to the growth and strategic direction of the firm’s assurance practice.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and manage multiple audit engagements, ensuring timely and quality delivery of services.
• Provide leadership and guidance to audit teams, including managers, supervisors, and associates.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of professional growth and technical excellence.
• Manage resource allocation effectively to ensure optimal team performance.

2. Client Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships.
• Address and resolve client issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their business needs and provide tailored assurance services.
• Develop new business opportunities with existing clients and participate in business development initiatives to attract new clients.

3. Review and Sign-Off of Audit Engagements:

• Oversee the completion of audit engagements, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with applicable standards and firm policies.
• Review and sign off on audit files and reports, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness.
• Ensure that audit conclusions are well-documented, supported by robust audit evidence, and communicated clearly to clients.
• Provide technical review of financial statements and audit opinions prior to partner review.

3. Technical Expertise:

• Ensure audit procedures comply with relevant auditing standards, regulations, and the firm’s policies.
• Stay up to date with changes in financial reporting standards, auditing standards, and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance on complex accounting and auditing issues to team members.
• Review and approve audit reports, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards.

4. Strategic Development:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the assurance department by identifying growth opportunities and operational improvements.
• Participate in firm-wide strategic initiatives and collaborate with other service lines to deliver integrated solutions to clients.
• Monitor industry trends and assess their impact on the firm’s assurance practice.

5. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to the firm’s risk management protocols and quality assurance processes.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Identify and mitigate risks in client engagements through robust planning and review processes.

6. Financial Management:

• Manage the financial performance of engagements, including billing, fee negotiations, and profitability analysis.
• Ensure engagements are delivered within budget and on time.
• Contribute to the achievement of department revenue targets.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional client service orientation with the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Excellent technical knowledge of audit, assurance, and financial reporting standards.
• Strong business acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with clients and team members at all levels.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Professional qualification: Full ACCA.
• 8-10 years post-qualification audit and assurance experience, preferably within a large accounting firm.
• Experience managing a portfolio of clients across various industries.
• Proven track record of leading audit teams and developing junior staff.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and standards.
• Business development experience with proven track record of client acquisition and relationship management.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.