External Audit Manager

About the role

Our client, a fast‑growing audit and advisory firm in Johannesburg, is seeking an experienced External Audit Manager (CA(SA)). The role involves leading audit engagements, ensuring high‑quality deliverables, and fostering strong client relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage audit engagements from planning through completion, ensuring compliance with auditing standards and firm methodology.
• Oversee audit fieldwork, reporting, file completion and review audit files and working papers.
• Prepare and review audit reports, management letters, annual financial statements, minutes and certificates.
• Perform audits, independent reviews and compilations in accordance with IFRS and IFRS for SMEs.
• Maintain quality control, risk management and drive continuous improvement of audit methodology.
• Oversee accounting function: prepare IFRS/SME compliant financial statements, GRAP‑compliant policies, adjusting journals and fixed‑asset registers.
• Ensure SARS compliance including income tax, provisional tax, VAT, PAYE and EMP501 submissions, handling objections and disputes.
• Build and maintain client relationships, present findings, prepare proposals and support advisory work.
• Manage work‑in‑progress, timesheets, fee collections and contribute to business development.
• Lead audit planning, resource allocation, staff scheduling, provide technical guidance, mentorship and conduct performance reviews.

Required profile

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field; CTA or Honours degree preferred.
• Proven experience leading audit engagements and managing audit teams.
• Strong understanding of IFRS, IFRS for SMEs and GRAP standards.
• Experience with South African tax compliance (SARS) and related filings.

Required skills

• IFRS and IFRS for SMEs reporting.
• GRAP accounting policies.
• SARS compliance: Income Tax, Provisional Tax, VAT, PAYE, EMP501.
• Audit methodology and quality management processes.
• Preparation of financial statements, adjusting journals and fixed‑asset registers.