External Audit Associate

Job Summary:

The External Audit Associate is responsible for assisting in the execution of financial statement audits and other assurance engagements for clients across various industries. The role involves performing audit procedures, evaluating financial records and internal controls, preparing audit documentation, and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting and auditing standards.

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced audit professionals, gain exposure to diverse industries and client engagements, and develop technical expertise in public accounting. Successful candidates will also undergo structured training and mentorship, with the opportunity to support offshore audit engagements as the team expands.

Key Responsibilities:

Audit Engagements

• Assist in planning, executing, and completing external audit engagements in accordance with Philippine Standards on Auditing (PSA) and firm methodologies.
• Perform audit fieldwork, including substantive testing, analytical procedures, walkthroughs, and test of controls.
• Examine accounting records, financial statements, and supporting documents to verify the accuracy and completeness of financial information.
• Evaluate financial transactions and identify discrepancies, unusual items, or potential audit issues.

Audit Documentation

• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate audit working papers and supporting schedules.
• Document audit procedures, findings, and conclusions in accordance with firm quality standards.
• Ensure all audit documentation is completed within established timelines and engagement requirements.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Assist in reviewing financial statements for compliance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Verify financial statement disclosures and supporting schedules.
• Support the preparation of audit findings and recommendations for management.

Risk Assessment & Internal Controls

• Assist in understanding and documenting client business processes and internal control environments.
• Participate in identifying audit risks and evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Perform audit procedures to address identified risks and support audit conclusions.

Client Coordination

• Coordinate with clients to obtain audit requirements and supporting documentation.
• Respond to client inquiries and follow up on outstanding information requests.
• Maintain professional communication with client representatives throughout the audit engagement.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Audit Seniors, Managers, and Partners to ensure timely completion of audit engagements.
• Participate in technical training, coaching sessions, and continuous learning initiatives.
• Support other assurance and special engagement projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy.
• 1 year of external audit experience, preferably gained from a public accounting or professional services firm.
• CPA license is an advantage but not required.
• Basic knowledge of Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) and Philippine Standards on Auditing (PSA).
• Experience in preparing audit working papers and conducting financial statement audits.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Experience using CaseWare or similar audit software is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple audit engagements and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to clients from various industries through public accounting engagements.
• Experience in statutory financial statement audits.
• Familiarity with IFRS or Australian auditing standards is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to offshore audit engagements is a plus.

What You'll Gain

• Exposure to diverse local and international audit engagements.
• Structured technical training and mentorship from experienced audit professionals.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and assurance services.
• Career progression within a leading professional services firm.
• Potential opportunity to support and transition into Australian offshore audit engagements after successful completion of the firm's training and local audit integration program.