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Associate & Senior External Auditors - Job Opportunity at Grant Thornton

Dubai, UAE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
AED 180,000 - 280,000 annually (USD 49,000 - 76,000), with Associate level positions typically ranging AED 180,000-220,000 and Senior positions commanding AED 240,000-280,000, plus performance bonuses and professional development allowances

Benefits

Comprehensive professional development through exposure to diverse industry sectors and client engagements
Leadership opportunities including managing smaller client engagements independently
International career progression pathways within a global professional services network
Flexible work arrangements that support work-life integration
Professional qualification support for ACA, CPA, or ACCA certifications
Collaborative team environment with mentorship from senior professionals
Travel opportunities to various client sites enhancing professional exposure

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic audit planning discussions to identify critical business risks and develop comprehensive audit strategies that protect client interests and ensure regulatory compliance
Lead end-to-end management of smaller client engagements, demonstrating project leadership capabilities and client relationship management skills
Conduct advanced technical analysis of complex financial reporting issues, providing expert conclusions that influence client decision-making and regulatory compliance
Execute sophisticated research on audit issues using cutting-edge electronic databases and advanced financial tracking systems
Build and maintain strategic client relationships that contribute to business development and long-term engagement success
Apply technical accounting expertise across diverse industry sectors, contributing to market-leading audit quality and client satisfaction

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting or Finance

Experience

2+ years of External Audit experience in a top international firm

Required Skills

Confident technical accounting skills Familiar with IFRS Proficient in audit software Strong written and spoken English skills Strong analytical abilities Organizational abilities Project management abilities

Certifications

Actively pursuing or already professionally qualified (ACA, CPA, or ACCA)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UAE audit market is experiencing significant expansion driven by increased regulatory requirements and the country's position as a regional financial hub, creating substantial demand for experienced external auditors with international firm backgrounds. Digital transformation in audit practices is accelerating, with firms increasingly adopting advanced analytics, AI-powered risk assessment tools, and cloud-based audit platforms, making technical proficiency in audit software a critical differentiator. The Middle East's growing prominence in global capital markets, evidenced by increased IPO activity and international listings, is driving demand for auditors with PCAOB and international reporting standards expertise. ESG reporting requirements are becoming mandatory across the region, creating new service lines and requiring auditors to develop specialized knowledge in sustainability assurance and integrated reporting frameworks.

Role Significance

Typically operates within audit teams of 4-8 professionals, with direct supervision of 1-2 junior staff members and reporting relationships to Audit Managers and Partners
This is a mid-level professional role with significant client-facing responsibilities and independent project management authority, positioning incumbents as key contributors to engagement success and business development initiatives

Key Projects

Leading comprehensive annual audits for mid-market companies across multiple industries including financial services, real estate, and technology sectors Managing specialized PCAOB audit engagements for internationally listed entities Conducting complex financial instrument valuations and impairment assessments Supporting IPO readiness assessments and due diligence procedures for emerging market leaders

Success Factors

Technical excellence in IFRS application and complex accounting standards interpretation, particularly given the diverse international client base and regulatory requirements in the UAE market Strong client relationship management skills that enable business development and long-term engagement retention in a competitive professional services environment Adaptability to work across multiple industry sectors and cultural contexts, essential for success in Dubai's diverse business ecosystem Leadership capabilities that enable effective team management and mentoring of junior staff while maintaining high-quality audit delivery Continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving audit technologies, regulatory changes, and international accounting standards

Market Demand

High demand driven by Dubai's position as a regional financial center, increasing regulatory complexity, and the need for internationally qualified auditors to serve multinational clients and support capital market activities

Important Skills

Critical Skills

IFRS expertise is fundamental given the international nature of Dubai's business environment and the requirement to serve multinational clients with complex reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions Audit software proficiency is essential as the industry undergoes digital transformation, with advanced data analytics and automated testing procedures becoming standard practice in quality audit delivery English communication skills are vital for success in Dubai's international business environment, where clear communication with diverse stakeholders is essential for client relationship management and team collaboration

Beneficial Skills

Arabic language skills would provide significant competitive advantage for serving local UAE clients and expanding into broader GCC markets Data analytics and visualization skills using tools like Power BI or Tableau are increasingly valuable as audit practices incorporate more sophisticated data analysis techniques Industry specialization knowledge in key UAE sectors such as real estate, construction, and financial services would enhance career progression opportunities and client value delivery

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on landmark transactions including Middle East's first unicorn NASDAQ listing, providing exposure to cutting-edge capital markets work typically reserved for larger firms
Market leadership position in specialized areas such as Financial Services and PCAOB auditing, offering accelerated expertise development in high-demand specializations
Strong emphasis on authenticity and personal development, with unique team-building activities and cultural initiatives that differentiate the firm's approach to talent development
Significant growth trajectory with over 750 employees and expanding operations, creating numerous internal advancement opportunities and new service line development

Career Growth

Progression to Manager level typically occurs within 2-4 years with strong performance, professional qualification completion, and demonstrated leadership capabilities

Potential Next Roles

Audit Manager positions within 2-3 years, leading larger engagement teams and taking responsibility for multiple client portfolios Specialized practice leadership roles in areas such as Financial Services, PCAOB, or ESG assurance Business development and client relationship management positions leveraging audit expertise International assignment opportunities within Grant Thornton's global network

Company Overview

Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton operates as one of the leading mid-tier professional services firms globally, with a strong regional presence in the Middle East and over 750 employees across the UAE, positioning it as a significant alternative to Big Four firms with more personalized service delivery and faster career progression opportunities.

Recognized as a market leader in Financial Services auditing and PCAOB engagements in the Middle East, with notable achievements including leading the region's first unicorn NASDAQ listing, demonstrating capability to handle complex, high-profile transactions
Serves as a key regional hub for Grant Thornton's Middle East operations, with Dubai's strategic location enabling service delivery across the GCC and broader MENA region, providing exposure to diverse markets and regulatory environments
Emphasizes collaborative team environment with 'we before me' philosophy, authentic leadership approach, and flexible work arrangements, creating a supportive professional development environment that balances growth opportunities with work-life integration
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