Audit Function Lead

About the Role

Seeking a seasoned Chartered Accountant to spearhead and establish the complete Audit & Assurance division at a growing professional services and advisory firm. This senior leadership role encompasses ownership of audit quality and methodology, statutory audits and signing processes, team growth, risk management, business development, and the financial outcomes of the audit function. It offers a clear pathway to Partner status.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the firm's entire Audit & Assurance operations.
• Create and standardize audit methodologies, including risk evaluation, materiality determination, sampling techniques, analytical steps, and thorough documentation.
• Develop audit programs, set working paper standards, and maintain quality review procedures.
• Ensure adherence to Standards on Auditing (SAs), CARO, Companies Act, and ICAI guidelines.
• Manage statutory audit planning, execution, in-depth review, and signing workflows.
• Handle audit independence matters, auditor rotation, conflict resolution, and engagement acceptance or continuance.
• Prepare the team for NFRA, QRB, Peer Review, and other regulatory inspections.
• Recruit and lead audit staff including articles, seniors, and managers.
• Design review frameworks, training initiatives, and succession strategies.
• Drive audit-related business development efforts including proposals, pitches, and client relationship management.
• Oversee financial and commercial aspects such as revenue, utilization, realization, work-in-progress, margins, and profit and loss.
• Mentor and retain top-tier audit professionals.
• Establish a scalable, technology-driven audit function with stringent quality and review standards.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) registered with ICAI.
• 12 to 18+ years of experience primarily focused on statutory audit and assurance.
• Active practice membership and eligible or willing to hold audit signing responsibility under ICAI attest framework.
• In-depth knowledge of SAs, CARO, Companies Act, ICAI pronouncements, and requirements on independence and auditor rotation.
• Familiarity with NFRA, QRB, and Peer Review processes.
• Proven track record in establishing or managing audit methodologies, review structures, and audit teams.
• Exceptional leadership and client/stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in securing or growing audit and assurance engagements.
• Strong commercial acumen including understanding audit P&L, utilization metrics, and margin management.
• Experience with owner-driven businesses, SMEs, family-owned enterprises or promoter-led organizations is desirable.
• Knowledge of audit technology, automation tools, and management information systems is preferred.

Additional Information

Work Location:
Gurugram, Delhi-NCR
Work Arrangement:
Onsite (Work from Office)
Working Days:
Monday to Saturday
Travel:
May require travel to various client locations.
Engagement Type:
Full-time senior leadership role with a Partner track.