Introduction

An established professional services practice providing audit and accounting services to a diverse client base. The firm operates in a close-knit environment where experienced professionals are expected to take ownership, build lasting client relationships and contribute to both service quality and the commercial growth of the practice.

Description

Senior Audit Manager | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Permanent

Take ownership of a portfolio of audit clients while playing a key role in strengthening client relationships and supporting the growth of an established professional practice. This is an opportunity for an experienced audit professional who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness and a genuine client-first approach.

The successful candidate will manage audit engagements from planning through to completion, lead and develop audit teams, review working papers and financial statements, and provide technical guidance on complex audit and accounting matters. The role is highly client-facing, requiring someone who is comfortable engaging directly with business owners, directors, partners and senior management.

This opportunity is particularly suited to someone who understands the dynamics of a small to medium-sized audit or accounting practice and is comfortable taking ownership of clients, people and engagement outcomes. Candidates who have previously owned, managed or run their own audit, accounting or professional services practice will be highly advantageous.

The client is an established professional services practice with a strong focus on delivering quality audit and accounting services while building long-term relationships with its clients. The environment suits an experienced professional who values accountability, personal ownership and close client engagement.

What You'll Do

• Manage a portfolio of audit clients from planning through to completion.

• Take full ownership of audit engagements and ensure quality delivery.

• Act as a key point of contact for clients throughout the audit lifecycle.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, directors, partners and key stakeholders.

• Manage client expectations, requirements, queries and concerns proactively.

• Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly and professionally.

• Lead audit engagements in accordance with applicable auditing standards.

• Review audit working papers and financial statements.

• Plan audits, allocate resources and monitor engagement progress.

• Identify audit risks and ensure appropriate audit procedures are performed.

• Provide technical guidance and support to audit teams.

• Review and resolve complex accounting and auditing matters.

• Manage, mentor and develop junior and intermediate audit staff.

• Ensure engagements are completed within agreed timelines and budgets.

• Monitor engagement profitability and resource utilisation.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen existing client relationships and support business development.

• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the practice.

What You Bring

• Proven experience at Senior Audit Manager or Audit Manager level.

• Strong experience within a small to medium-sized audit or accounting firm.

• Solid knowledge of auditing standards, financial reporting and audit methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple audit engagements.

• Proven experience leading, managing and mentoring audit teams.

• Strong client and stakeholder relationship management experience.

• Confidence engaging directly with clients at different levels of seniority.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of engagements.

• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.

• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Professional integrity and accountability.

A CA(SA) qualification is advantageous but is not essential. Strong practical audit experience and a proven track record within a smaller audit or accounting firm will be considered.

What Success Looks Like

• Audit engagements are delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed timelines and budgets.

• Clients experience consistent, professional and responsive service.

• Strong, trusted relationships are established with business owners, directors and senior stakeholders.

• Audit teams are effectively managed, mentored and developed.

• Technical and audit issues are identified and resolved appropriately.

• Engagement profitability and resource utilisation are effectively managed.

• Existing client relationships are strengthened and opportunities for further business are identified.

• The successful candidate becomes a trusted senior member of the practice and contributes meaningfully to its continued growth.