Assurance - Core Assurance - External Audit Associate/Senior Associate - Abu Dhabi, UAE

Line of ServiceAssuranceIndustry/SectorNot ApplicableSpecialismAssuranceManagement LevelSenior AssociateJob Description & SummaryPwC Global OverviewWith offices in 152 countries and almost 328,000 people we are among the leading professional services networks in the world. We help organisations and individuals create the value they are looking for by delivering quality in Assurance, Tax and Advisory services.PwC Middle East OverviewEstablished in the region for 40 years, PwC has around 7,000 people in 12 countries across the region: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.Our regional team, with its tailored solutions, brings international experience helping our clients meet the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the Middle East market and beyond.Line of Service OverviewOur Middle East Assurance practice includes over 2,300 people based in 12 countries across the region and is part of PwC’s global network that is operating worldwide. PwC Middle East’s Assurance practice combines the right mix of human-led and tech-powered solutions to provide our clients with quality audits and other risk services that create confidence and impact in our region and across society.What is expected from youAs an External Audit Senior Associate you will report to Managers and above, working as part of a team that helps clients build trust by solving complex challenges and proactively assisting in the management of several engagements. Your job duties will include but will not be limited to:Using your analytical skills to analyse the client’s financial statements and ensure they adhere to financial regulationsExamining financial and accounting records, other documents and tangible items such as inventory or plant and equipmentAsking a range of questions from formal written questions to informal oral questions to a range of individuals at our client organisationsTesting the client organisation’s internal controls and processesBuilding trust and credibility with the clients by understanding their expectations and delivering high quality servicesTaking accountability for researching and understanding key facts on the client’s industry information before the engagement beginsCommunicating with the Manager and/or Partner in a timely manner with respect to engagement progress, risks, issues and variances from plan in terms of time, budget etc.Taking full ownership of external file completionAnalyzing engagement economics of self and field staff and explaining variances from the budgetsReviewing the work of the associate level staff and providing them on‑job training, coaching and timely constructive feedback to help them grow in their careerEnsuring you are adhering to compliance with the risk, quality and independence mattersHaving an understanding of business development activities to help identify and research opportunities on new/existing clients along with building and maintaining strong relationships with clientsEngaging and dealing effectively with diverse teams from the planning through the completion phase of the audit as well as closely following up on the progress of the requested tasks to ensure meeting the timeline and the firm’s internal KPIsTaking part in the digital initiatives and upskilling areas which aligns most with your team’s business needsPerforming other procedures as necessary to support issuance of the assurance deliverablesWhat will you bringYou are ambitious and you utilise opportunities to grow and add to yourself in the following characteristics:A degree in accounting, finance or any other related academic majorCompleted or pursuing a professional qualification such as ACCA, CA, ACA, CPA (preferably)Progressive experience at the Senior Associate level working with a range of external audit clients in a Big 4 professional services firmExcellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills that allow you to thrive in a team environmentBilingual proficiency in Arabic and English (oral and written) is a plusBusiness development and client relationship building skillsWillingness to challenge the norms and to create a cohesive and effective working teamExcellent project management skillsKnowledge in any audit technologies and experience using data analytics tools is a plusCommitment to valuing differences and working alongside diverse people and perspectivesThorough technical skills and experience regarding applicable accounting reporting and auditing standards with demonstrated exceptional performanceExperience in the design of engagement procedures based on risk and materialityPrevious experience in coaching and leading engagement teamsStrong technical knowledge and the ability to research issues, present alternatives and conclusions to client/managerThe skills we look for in future employeesAll our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviors that help us deliver our business stra