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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Group Auditor Assistant

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

AuditFinanceAccountingCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

As a Group Auditor Assistant, you will be a vital member of our global internal audit function, reporting directly to the Group Audit Manager. Your primary mission is to support the planning, execution, and reporting phases of a diverse range of audit engagements. You will work collaboratively with senior auditors to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, identify risks, and ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulations. This role offers exceptional exposure to various business units and senior leadership, providing a unique platform to understand the business from the ground up and build a successful career in audit, risk, and compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent University Graduate (Accounting, Finance, or Business)
  • Junior Accountant or Staff Accountant from industry
  • Audit Associate from a public accounting firm (Big 4 or mid-tier)

Advancement To:

  • Group Auditor / Internal Auditor
  • Senior Group Auditor
  • Internal Audit Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Financial Controls Analyst
  • Risk Management Analyst
  • Compliance Officer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist in the planning and scoping of financial, operational, IT, and compliance audit engagements by gathering information and participating in risk assessment activities.
  • Execute detailed audit testing procedures to evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls over key business processes.
  • Perform substantive testing of financial statement accounts and transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.
  • Document all audit work performed, including process walkthroughs, control testing, and substantive procedures, in clear and concise workpapers that meet departmental and IIA standards.
  • Assist in the identification of internal control deficiencies, instances of non-compliance, and opportunities for process improvement during audit fieldwork.
  • Contribute to the preparation of draft audit reports by summarizing findings, quantifying potential impacts, and articulating observations for review by senior audit staff and management.
  • Conduct follow-up procedures on previously identified audit findings to verify the timely and effective implementation of management's corrective action plans.
  • Engage in interviews and walkthrough meetings with business process owners and key stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations and control environments.
  • Utilize data analytics tools and techniques to analyze large and complex datasets, identify anomalies, and provide data-driven insights to support audit conclusions.
  • Support the Group's Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program by performing testing of key financial controls and assisting with management's annual assessment.
  • Communicate audit progress, potential roadblocks, and preliminary findings to the in-charge auditor in a clear and timely manner throughout the engagement lifecycle.
  • Stay abreast of changes in industry regulations, professional auditing standards, and relevant accounting principles to ensure the audit approach remains current and effective.
  • Collaborate with the company's external auditors to provide support and documentation for their year-end financial audit, helping to streamline the process.
  • Participate in special projects, ad-hoc management requests, and investigative reviews as directed by the Head of Internal Audit.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to investigate potential risks or emerging issues identified by the business.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the internal audit department's methodologies, tools, and practices by providing feedback and suggestions.
  • Assist in the annual group-wide risk assessment process by compiling data and preparing materials for management workshops.
  • Help maintain the department's audit issue tracking repository, ensuring all findings are accurately logged and status updates are current.
  • Participate in departmental training sessions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the entire audit team.
  • Assist with administrative tasks related to audit planning, including scheduling meetings, coordinating travel logistics, and preparing engagement letters.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with auditees and stakeholders across the organization to foster a collaborative and control-conscious culture.
  • Support the onboarding and training of new audit interns or junior team members by sharing knowledge and providing guidance on departmental procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Strong knowledge of fundamental accounting principles (U.S. GAAP or IFRS) and financial reporting concepts.
  • High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced functions in Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables, complex formulas).
  • Familiarity with the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act and the COSO internal control framework.
  • Basic understanding of data analytics concepts and experience with or exposure to tools like Power BI, Tableau, ACL, or IDEA.
  • Knowledge of core business processes such as Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, and Record-to-Report.
  • Exposure to major ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics is highly advantageous.
  • Understanding of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical skills with a proven ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and think critically.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to various audiences.
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A high degree of professional skepticism and intellectual curiosity, with a desire to ask "why" and challenge the status quo.
  • Unquestionable integrity, objectivity, and professional ethics.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a diverse, global team.
  • Adaptable and coachable, with a strong willingness to learn new skills, industries, and business processes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field and/or progress toward a professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA, ACCA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration (with a concentration in Accounting or Finance)
  • Economics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-3 years of relevant experience in internal audit, external audit (public accounting), or a related accounting/finance role.

Preferred:

  • Internship or 1-2 years of experience at a "Big 4" or other national/regional public accounting firm is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience in a corporate internal audit function within a multinational company.
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