Audit Manager

About the role

SFAI Malaysia is looking for an experienced Audit Manager to join and lead the growing Audit team. This is a hands-on managerial role where you will work closely with clients, your team and management while taking ownership of audit engagements from planning through completion. Strong Assistant Managers who are ready to step up are welcome to apply. This role offers a clear career pathway to grow into a full Audit Manager position with greater client, team and leadership responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

Audit Engagement Management

• Manage a portfolio of audit clients from planning through completion.
• Plan and oversee statutory audit assignments in accordance with applicable auditing standards.
• Review audit working papers, financial statements and audit reports prepared by team members.
• Ensure audit engagements are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Identify significant audit, accounting and internal control issues.
• Discuss key audit findings and recommendations with clients and management.
• Ensure proper documentation and audit evidence are maintained for each engagement.

Client Management

• Act as the main point of contact for assigned audit clients.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients.
• Coordinate audit timelines, information requests and outstanding matters.
• Communicate audit findings, accounting issues and recommendations clearly to clients.
• Handle client queries and resolve engagement issues in a timely manner.
• Escalate significant risks or sensitive matters to the Partner / Director when required.

Team Leadership & Review

• Lead and supervise Audit Seniors, Associates and Junior team members.
• Allocate assignments based on workload, experience and deadlines.
• Review team members’ work and provide practical feedback.
• Coach staff on audit methodology, documentation, accounting standards and client handling.
• Monitor team productivity, work quality and engagement progress.
• Assist management with staff performance evaluation and development.
• Encourage accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement within the department.

Audit Quality & Compliance

• Ensure audit work complies with applicable professional standards and internal procedures.
• Monitor engagement progress and identify delays or potential issues early.
• Maintain high standards of audit quality and documentation.
• Keep updated on changes in accounting standards, auditing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support the implementation and improvement of audit templates, procedures and working practices.

Management Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the Partner / Director on:

  • Audit engagement progress
  • Upcoming deadlines
  • Outstanding client information
  • High-risk or delayed engagements
  • Team workload
  • Client issues requiring management attention

• Assist in monitoring department productivity, utilisation and billable assignments where applicable.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of external audit experience.
• Ability to communicate in Mandarin will be an added advantage, particularly when dealing with Mandarin-speaking clients.
• Experience from an audit or accounting firm — strongly preferred.
• Experience managing multiple audit engagements and client portfolios.
• Strong audit, accounting and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience reviewing and supervising team members.
• Good client management and communication skills.
• Strong ownership of deadlines and work quality.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• ACCA, CPA, ICAEW, MICPA or equivalent professional qualification is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Annual leave
• Medical benefits
• Training & professional licence renewal support
• Group Life & Hospitalisation Insurance
• Company trip
• Performance incentive / bonus
• Salary increment
• Air Flight Corporate Fare Programme
• Career development opportunities
• Exposure to a variety of clients and audit matters

About us

SFAI Malaysia is an audit and professional services firm providing professional services to a diverse range of clients. This role offers you the opportunity to manage your own client portfolio, lead and develop a team, work directly with management, and contribute to the continued growth and improvement of the Audit Department.