Associate Partner/Associate Director - Audit

Associate Partner - Audit - (Banking & Financial Services)
Qualification:
- Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory.
- Total Experience: Approximately 12-18 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
Background:
- Candidates should ideally have experience with: Big 4 / Global Accounting & Auditing firms, Large Audit & Assurance firms, or International Accounting / Consulting firms.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Audit Engagement Leadership:
- Lead and oversee statutory, internal and other assurance engagements for large and complex clients.
- Manage the complete audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, execution, review and completion.
- Ensure engagements are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.
- Review audit strategies, audit plans, risk assessments and significant audit matters.
- Review financial statements, audit reports and key working papers.
- Ensure compliance with applicable auditing standards, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
- Take responsibility for resolving complex audit and accounting issues.
- Provide technical guidance to engagement teams on complex and judgemental matters.

2. Banking & Financial Services Audit:
- The candidate should have substantial experience in auditing clients from the Banking & Financial Services sector, including: 1. Banks Private, Public and Foreign Banks, 2. NBFCs, 3. Housing Finance Companies, 4. FinTech companies, 5. Financial Institutions, 6. Microfinance Institutions, 7. Asset Management Companies, 8. Insurance companies, 9. Investment companies.
3. Client Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with CFOs, CEOs, Heads of Finance, Internal Audit, Risk and other senior stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor to key clients.
- Lead discussions on audit findings, accounting issues, internal controls and risk matters.
- Present significant audit observations and recommendations to senior management and Audit Committees.
- Handle client escalations and resolve complex issues effectively.
- Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and retention.
- Identify opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients.
4. Business Development & Practice Growth:
- Contribute actively to the growth of the firm's Audit & Assurance practice.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within the Banking & Financial Services sector.
- Build relationships with prospective clients and senior industry professionals.
- Lead or participate in proposals, tenders and client presentations.
- Develop new client accounts and expand existing relationships.
- Support cross-selling of relevant assurance and professional services.
- Participate in industry forums, networking events and client meetings.
- Contribute to the firm's market visibility and thought leadership in the BFSI sector.
- Work closely with Partners to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
5. Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead large teams comprising Managers, Senior Managers, Assistant Managers and Audit professionals.
- Provide technical and professional guidance to the team.
- Review team performance and provide regular feedback.
- Coach and mentor high-potential professionals.
- Develop the next level of audit leadership within the organisation.
- Participate in recruitment and talent-development initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate resource planning and utilisation across engagements.
- Promote a culture of professional excellence, ethics and continuous learning.
6. Audit Quality & Risk Management:
- Ensure compliance with the firm's audit methodology and quality-control framework.
- Maintain high standards of audit documentation and professional scepticism.
- Review significant audit risks and professional judgements.
- Ensure appropriate resolution and documentation of audit findings.
- Monitor engagement risk and independence requirements.
- Ensure compliance with applicable ICAI, SA, Ind AS, Companies Act and RBI requirements, wherever applicable.
- Participate in internal and external quality reviews.