The Role
Associate Director – Credit Union Audit & Advisory
We are seeking an Associate Director to join our Audit & Assurance practice, with a leadership role across our specialist Credit Union portfolio. This is a senior, sector-focused position combining statutory audit leadership, credit union advisory, internal audit, and regulatory assurance, with responsibility for both delivery excellence and the continued development of our credit union offering.
The successful candidate will have ownership of a significant and complex portfolio of credit union audits, alongside a growing pipeline of advisory, restructuring and governance engagements delivered throughout the year. The role offers extensive exposure to regulators, boards and senior management within the credit union and wider financial services sector.
During the peak audit period (August–January), the role will focus on leading and overseeing the delivery of credit union audits at portfolio level. Outside of the audit cycle, the Associate Director will play a key role in leading and developing credit union advisory and consultancy engagements, while helping shape the future direction and growth of this service line.
Key Responsibilities
Audit & Assurance (Credit Unions)
Lead and oversee the delivery of a large portfolio of credit union statutory audits, including planning, execution, review and reporting.
Provide senior oversight across multiple engagements during peak audit season, ensuring effective resourcing, quality control and timely delivery.
Review audit files, financial statements and key deliverables in line with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Act as a senior point of contact for boards, audit committees and executive management.
Maintain a strong focus on quality, risk management and regulatory compliance across the audit portfolio.
Credit Union Advisory & Restructuring
Lead and deliver a wide range of credit union advisory engagements throughout the year.
High‑Level and Detailed Business Cases (HLBCs / DBCs).
Asset and loan book reviews.
Due diligence and financial assessments.
Merger financial projections and restructuring support.
Support Transfers of Engagements (mergers), including financial modelling, regulatory engagement and post‑transfer governance considerations.
Play a key role in developing and expanding GT’s credit union advisory capability, including shaping service offerings and delivery models.
Internal Audit, Risk & Governance
Lead risk‑based internal audit and governance engagements, including outsourced and co‑sourced arrangements.
Oversee governance reviews, assessing board effectiveness, oversight frameworks and committee structures.
Provide senior‑level advice on risk management frameworks, internal controls, SOX‑related controls and regulatory compliance.
Review and sign off on clear, practical reports for boards and senior management, outlining findings, risks and recommendations.
Support clients through regulatory inspections, remediation programmes and supervisory engagement.
Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with boards, senior management and regulators across the credit union sector.
Act as a recognised trusted advisor, providing commercially pragmatic and technically robust advice.
Collaborate with Partners and internal specialists across Audit, Advisory, Risk and Corporate Finance.
People Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor and develop managers and junior team members across audit and advisory engagements.
Support performance management, coaching and progression of team members.
Contribute to building a dedicated and sustainable advisory capability within the credit union portfolio.
Business Development & Practice Growth
Identify client needs and opportunities across the credit union sector.
Lead or support proposals, tenders and presentations for new and existing clients.
Actively promote Grant Thornton’s credit union audit and advisory services internally and externally.
Skills & Experience
Essential
8+ years’ relevant experience in audit, internal audit, risk advisory or financial services, either in professional services or industry.
Strong technical and practical understanding of the credit union and/or wider financial services sector.
Proven experience engaging with boards, regulators and senior executive stakeholders.
Relevant professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, PIIA, MIIA or equivalent).
Strong portfolio, engagement and people management experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including senior‑level report writing.
Commercial mindset with a strong client focus and leadership approach.
Ability to manage complex workloads in a highly seasonal environment.
Desirable
Experience leading credit union advisory, restructuring or merger engagements.
Internal audit or risk expertise in areas such as credit risk, treasury risk, ERM, AML/CTF or conduct risk.
Experience supporting regulatory inspections and remediation programmes.
Contribution to service line or sector development would be an advantage.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At Grant Thornton, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our culture. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.
Please follow this link (https://www.grantthornton.ie/careers/benefits/#faq_5953339_3) for information on our generous benefits package.
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