EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

Role: Audit Manager
Location: Lusaka
Reports to: Associate Director – Audit
Department: Assurance
Type: Full-Time

Job Summary
The Audit Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients. This role combines technical expertise, strategic management, and client relationship management, contributing directly to the firm’s mission of delivering high-quality audit, tax, and accounting services. The Audit Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and finalizing audits in line with the firm’s policies, compliance requirements, and industry standards, ensuring seamless operations within the Audit team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Audit Engagement Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple audit engagements from start to finish.
• Develop audit strategies, define scope, allocate resources, and establish timelines in collaboration with audit teams.
• Review audit workpapers, financial statements, and other deliverables to ensure they meet firm and professional standards.
• Ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Standards on Auditing (ISA), and other regulatory requirements.
• Conduct final review and sign-off of audit engagements (when delegated).

2. Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary contact for clients throughout the audit engagement, maintaining a strong, client-centered approach.
• Identify client needs and propose solutions, supporting business development by identifying potential new services.
• Provide clients with strategic recommendations and guidance on financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Manage client expectations effectively and ensure client satisfaction throughout the audit process.

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and guide audit team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and support career development paths for team members.
• Coordinate with HR and senior management to ensure resource needs align with audit engagements.

4. Technical and Quality Assurance

• Monitor audit quality by enforcing internal and regulatory standards, identifying areas for improvement.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in accounting, auditing standards, and industry best practices, and share knowledge with the team.
• Evaluate internal controls of client organizations and identify potential risks, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Participate in internal and external quality reviews as required by the firm’s policies.

5. Budgeting and Resource Management

• Develop and monitor budgets for audit engagements, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Track and manage engagement costs, identifying any variances and adjusting resources as needed.
• Report project status and financial performance to the senior management team.

6. Business Development

• Identify potential business opportunities with both existing and new clients.
• Assist with proposals, presentations, and pitches to prospective clients to secure new engagements.
• Support the firm’s overall growth objectives by engaging in professional networking activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is advantageous.
  Professional Certifications
• Full ACCA qualification.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 6–8 years of audit experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role within an audit firm.
• Experience managing a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries.

Key Competencies

1. Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of auditing and financial reporting standards, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in audit software and familiarity with data analysis tools.

2. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify risks, and propose solutions.
• Skilled in managing challenging audit situations and resolving complex technical issues.

3. Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective team leader with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop a high-performing audit team.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex audit findings to clients and senior management clearly and effectively.

4. Client-Focused Mindset

• Strong commitment to client service and relationship management, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing client needs.
• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity, maintaining client confidentiality and trust.

5. Project Management

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and engagements simultaneously.
• Proficiency in managing budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.

6. Strategic Thinking

• A forward-thinking approach with the ability to anticipate and adapt to industry changes and client needs.
• Contributes ideas for process improvements and supports the firm’s long-term growth.

Performance Metrics

Success in the Audit Manager role is measured by:

• Timeliness and accuracy of audit deliverables.
• Client satisfaction and retention rates.
• Engagement profitability and budget adherence.
• Quality and compliance of audit work with firm and regulatory standards.
• Development and progression of team members under supervision.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for a skilled audit professional to advance their career in a leadership role while making a significant impact on the firm’s audit practice and client relationships.