Banking Audit Partner - Financial Services at BDO South Africa

The Role

The purpose of the Audit Partner is to act as prescribed by law relevant to signing powers and to sustain good business practices. The Audit Partner oversees and directs the activities of audit teams and have ultimate responsibility for signing off the audit report. They are responsible for ensuring that the audit is completed with appropriate rigour, on time and for signing off on the work completed. They also act as the key relationship contact with the client and ensuring that the client receives a high-quality service. This Partner's position is specific to the delivery and completion of Financial Services audits of registered Banks in South Africa. Partners typically have revenue targets and will be expected to lead audit proposals as well as engage in business development in their sector and for key client accounts.

Reporting to the Head of Financial Services: Gauteng, and ultimately the National Head of Financial Services, the Audit Partner will, inter alia, be responsible for:

• Effectively managing a portfolio of clients.
• Delivery of quality output to client timeously.
• Ensuring that all audit files comply with BDO policies, audit manuals and International Standards of Auditing.
• Managing budgets and work in progress and debtors.
• Winning new work/ Developing new client relationships to ensure business growth
• Mentoring and coaching of staff particularly during/after each audit assignment (ensure that this can be evidenced)
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge about company standards, policies and regulations
• Hiring new employees and selecting audit teams for client engagements.
• Overseeing and signing off audits.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of 10 Years post articles experience, within the Banking sector of Financial Services
• Minimum of 5 Years work experience as a signing Financial Services Banking Audit Partner
• Must have signed off the audit of at least 1 registered Bank in South Africa for at least 2 years

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills as he/she will need to interact with the clients as well as the auditing team from whom he/she needs to get the work done 
• An eye for detail
• An aptitude for math and should be able to resolve complex auditing issues in a timely manner
• Able to maintain and update the financial records, data and information by making use of the computers
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Should be comfortable working under pressure for long hours in a target driven environment
• Develop appropriate strategic solutions with the view to turning risks into value-creating opportunities
• Excellent verbal, written and negotiation skills
• Develop appropriate relationships and collaboration within the Firm
• Direct and drive management with Quality agenda

The successful candidate should be able to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to self-development and growth through research and attending courses relevant to role.
• Keep abreast of relevant changes on own field of work i.e. law amendments, new practice notes, attend technical meetings, etc.
• Identify areas of weakness and engage with National Head of Financial Services to upskill and improve through training and online self-development
• Mentor and coach junior audit team members and managers to upskill and improve them

Training:

• Advanced application of Microsoft office specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook 

The appointment will be made in terms of the firm’s Employment Equity Policy. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.