Overview

We are partnering with a long-established, London-based professional services firm with a strong reputation in audit, tax and advisory for international clients. As part of a growing China & East Asia Business Desk, the firm is recruiting Audit Professionals at multiple levels (Senior through to Manager) with solid UK audit experience and fluency in Mandarin, Japanese or Korean (at least one is mandatory).

You will lead or support audits for a portfolio of China, Korea, Japan and wider East Asia–linked clients, including UK subsidiaries of international groups, entrepreneurial businesses and fast‑growing companies. The role is client-facing, technically varied and offers the opportunity to build a niche in international, East Asia–focused audit work while working closely with tax and advisory colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

1. Audit Planning & Fieldwork

• Plan and deliver audit assignments in accordance with UK auditing standards, under the direction of senior management/partners.
• Perform risk assessments, identify key audit areas and design appropriate testing strategies.
• Lead on-site (or remote) fieldwork, supervising junior team members and ensuring work is completed to a high standard and within agreed timeframes.
• Test and document internal controls, substantive procedures and analytical reviews across key financial statement areas.
• Prepare high-quality working papers that support audit conclusions and are ready for review.

2. Financial Reporting & Technical Work

• Review client financial statements for compliance with UK GAAP (and IFRS where applicable).
• Address complex audit areas such as revenue recognition, related parties, group reporting, going concern and estimates/impairments.
• Assist with group audit reporting, including component auditor communications and reporting packages for overseas parent companies.
• Prepare draft audit findings, issues logs and summaries for manager/partner review.

3. Client Support – China & East Asia Focus

• Act as a key day‑to‑day contact for China, Korea, Japan and East Asia–linked clients during audit engagements.
• Use Mandarin, Japanese or Korean language skills to liaise with client finance teams, overseas parent companies and other stakeholders.
• Explain UK audit requirements, local regulatory expectations and adjustments in a clear, accessible way to non‑UK stakeholders.
• Help bridge cultural and communication gaps between UK teams and Asia-based management, ensuring smooth delivery of engagements.

4. Collaboration & Internal Support

• Work closely with tax, accounting and advisory colleagues to provide a joined‑up service to international clients.
• Share insights from audit work that may be relevant to other service lines (e.g. tax, corporate finance, advisory).
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing around China & East Asia–linked clients, including sector trends, common issues and best practices.

5. Leadership & People Development

(scope increases with seniority – most pronounced at Manager level)

At Senior level:

• Supervise juniors during fieldwork, providing on-the-job coaching and feedback.
• Assist with work allocation and day-to-day progress monitoring on audit assignments.
• Support the training and development of trainees and newly qualified auditors.

At Assistant Manager / Manager level:

• Lead engagements from planning through completion, including timetable setting, team briefing and review.
• Review work performed by Seniors and juniors, providing clear, constructive feedback and ensuring quality control.
• Manage budgets, WIP and billing for assigned engagements, escalating issues where necessary.
• Help refine audit methodologies, templates and internal processes within the international/China & East Asia desk.

6. Relationship Management & Business Development

(more prominent at Assistant Manager / Manager level)

• Build strong, trusted relationships with client finance teams and senior stakeholders.
• Participate in planning and closing meetings, clearly communicating audit findings and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to introduce additional services (e.g. tax, outsourced accounting, advisory) where they would benefit clients.
• Support partners and senior staff with networking, seminars and profile-raising activities targeted at the China & East Asia business community.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Solid external audit experience in an accountancy practice or professional services environment.
• Experience auditing SMEs, owner‑managed businesses and/or international groups.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and UK auditing standards; IFRS exposure is an advantage.
• Fluent or highly proficient in at least one of: Mandarin, Japanese or Korean (spoken and written preferred) – this is mandatory.
• Confident communicator, able to build rapport with both UK and overseas stakeholders and explain complex issues clearly.
• Organised and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment with evolving client needs.

Desirable

• Experience auditing UK subsidiaries of overseas parent companies (particularly with links to China, Korea or Japan).
• Familiarity with China, Korea, Japan or wider East Asia business culture and communication styles.
• Exposure to group audits, component auditor roles and multi-currency/group reporting environments.
• Experience in sectors commonly associated with cross-border investment (e.g. technology, manufacturing, trading, real estate, financial services).

Qualifications

• ACA / ACCA (qualified or part‑qualified for Senior; qualified for Assistant Manager/Manager) or equivalent.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to audit quality.