AUDIT TRAINEE JOB DESCRIPTION

Entry-level audit work is harder than it looks. An Audit Trainee examines financial statements, gathers evidence, and tests whether reported figures hold up against International Standards on Auditing and applicable companies law - all while learning the craft under active supervision. The role sits within an engagement team, typically reporting to a Senior or Assistant Manager on each assignment. What makes it genuinely demanding is the dual obligation: meet client deadlines and regulatory expectations simultaneously, with accuracy that can withstand external scrutiny.

As the Audit Trainee, you will support engagement delivery across a portfolio of client assignments, applying developing knowledge of IFRS, auditing methodology, and statutory compliance to produce evidence-backed workpapers. You will work within a structured team hierarchy, receiving direct oversight from senior staff while building the technical foundation required for professional qualification.

Career Impact: Early exposure to multi-industry client portfolios and ISA-based audit methodology builds the technical credibility that underpins progression toward ACA, ACCA, or CPA qualification.

Business Impact: Accurate, well-documented audit evidence directly supports the opinions issued to clients and regulators - errors at this stage have consequences that flow through to published financial statements.

Growth Opportunity: Trainees who demonstrate strong workpaper quality and client communication typically advance to Senior Auditor within two to three years, gaining scope across more complex engagements.

• Execute audit procedures for assigned client engagements in line with International Standards on Auditing.
• Gather and document audit evidence sufficient to support conclusions reached under senior review.
• Review financial statement components for compliance with IFRS and applicable statutory requirements.
• Liaise with client personnel to obtain documentation, clarifying queries and escalating unresolved issues to the supervising manager.
• Monitor personal progress against engagement KPIs and report status to the responsible manager throughout each assignment.
• Maintain audit files in accordance with internal methodology and risk management standards.
• Complete structured training activities to develop technical knowledge in auditing standards, taxation, and applicable companies law.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• No prior audit experience required; exposure to financial reporting or bookkeeping in an academic or work context is beneficial.
• Working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and their application to financial statements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with client staff.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and numerical work.
• Proficiency in standard office productivity software, including spreadsheet applications.

• Active enrollment in or eligibility for a recognized professional qualification program such as ACA, ACCA, or AAT.
• Academic achievement at the upper range for the relevant qualification level, such as a 2:1 degree or A-level equivalents meeting minimum UCAS thresholds.
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to the client base served, such as Greek, Russian, or Ukrainian in Cyprus-facing practices.
• Prior experience in a client-facing administrative or financial support role that required independent judgment.

• Workpaper completion rate per engagement, measured against agreed milestone dates.
• Audit evidence sufficiency, assessed by senior reviewers before file sign-off.
• KPI adherence rate across assigned engagements, tracked by the supervising manager each reporting period.
• Feedback score from engagement leaders following each assignment, reflecting responsiveness and accuracy.
• Progress toward professional qualification milestones, including exam sittings and study completion targets.
• Typical tools: audit file management platforms (commonly CaseWare or similar); productivity suites (commonly Microsoft Excel, Word).

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 – $58,000 annually, depending on location and firm size.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5–10% of base salary, common in public accounting.
• Equity: Not typically offered at trainee level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm.
• PTO: 15–20 days annually, plus recognized public holidays.
• Common Perks: Professional exam fee sponsorship, study leave allowance, structured mentorship program.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment for all candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Audit Trainee delivers audit procedures for local and international clients under International Standards on Auditing and Cyprus Companies Law, supporting engagement completion and client relationship quality within the firm's accounting department. Working under ongoing manager oversight, this role shapes the accuracy of financial statement reviews and builds the technical foundation in IFRS, taxation, and companies law that audit engagements depend on.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct audit procedures for local and international clients across various industries in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and Cyprus Companies Law.
• Plan and execute audit completion in accordance with IFRSs and IASs.
• Communicate with clients and the office accounting department to collect information and documentation.
• Contribute to strong client relationships through positive interactions with client personnel.
• Check and review all audit documentation.
• Stay updated on work status and report to the manager on an ongoing basis.
• Develop knowledge in Auditing Standards, IFRS, Companies Law, and Taxation through assignments and continuous study.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Holder of a university degree with a sound academic record.
• Experience working across a variety of engagements and tasks.
• Knowledge of IFRS, IASs, Auditing Standards, Companies Law, and Taxation.
• Able to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRSs, applicable tax legislation, and Cyprus Companies Law, Cap.113.
• Computer literate.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; able to maintain good relations with staff and clients.
• Professionalism, dependability, integrity, trustworthiness, and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent command of English and Greek (oral and written); knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian is an advantage.

Embedded within an assurance practice, the Audit Trainee supports engagement leaders by providing administrative and investigative support to ensure effective assignment delivery in line with client, statutory, legal, and KPMG methodology. Working closely with colleagues and clients across engagements, this role builds the professional discipline and applied knowledge that underpin consistent, high-quality audit outcomes.

Core Functions

• Deliver timely, high-quality work with a focus on efficiency.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Develop understanding of internal and external processes and procedures.
• Proactively seek feedback and reflect on tasks performed.
• Apply knowledge gained through professional studies to work completed.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Mathematics, and 112 UCAS points or equivalent.
• A 2:1 degree or higher (if a graduate).
• Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office programmes.
• Able to work on own initiative, prioritise tasks, and adapt to evolving business needs.
• Accountable for own work and career progression.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Reporting to Senior and Assistant Managers, the Audit Trainee leads initial examination and audit of service charge accounts across assigned engagements, ensuring compliance with internal methodology and external regulatory requirements. Partnering with clients and the RSC Audit team, this role delivers documented audit evidence and supports the firm's training and development program as the trainee builds toward professional qualification.

Primary Duties

• Conduct initial examination and audit of service charge accounts dependent on scope of work.
• Obtain and document audit evidence to support opinions given, under supervision of Seniors and Assistant Managers.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit methodology, risk management, and external regulatory and legal requirements.
• Liaise with clients on arising issues, escalating to Assistant and Senior Managers as required.
• Ensure KPIs are adhered to.
• Undertake training and development coordinated by the RSC Audit team.
• Participate in group, stream, and firm-wide activities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Level 3 AAT, or 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at grades A*–C excluding General Studies and Extended Projects.
• GCSE grades 9-4 in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
• Studying towards a professional qualification where relevant.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong time management and organisational skills with ability to prioritise.
• Motivated team player able to work autonomously at a high level of quality.