Job Description – Senior Associate (Statutory Audit)
Qualification Preference: CA + CISA with relevant experience
Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior Associate in Statutory Audit (SA) with a strong understanding of technology controls, information systems, and financial reporting to handle audit engagements for crypto trading exchange clients. The role requires experience in statutory audits, ITGC reviews, system-driven environments, digital asset ecosystems, and regulatory compliance assessments. The candidate will work closely with engagement managers and clients in evaluating financial controls, technology risks, cybersecurity environments, and audit readiness for crypto and fintech businesses.
Key Responsibilities
Statutory Audit & Financial Reporting
- Execute statutory audit assignments for crypto exchanges, fintech entities, and digital asset platforms.
- Review financial statements and disclosures in accordance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Evaluate revenue recognition, custody arrangements, wallet accounting, treasury balances, and crypto asset reconciliations.
- Perform audit procedures over digital asset transactions, exchange volumes, commissions, and settlement mechanisms.
- Assess internal financial controls over financial reporting (IFC/ICFR).
IT Audit & System Controls
- Evaluate IT General Controls (ITGC), including:
- User access management
- Change management
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Interface and application controls
- Privileged access monitoring
- Review exchange architecture, trading systems, APIs, wallet infrastructure, and automated reconciliation controls.
- Conduct walkthroughs of system-driven processes and identify control gaps or operational risks.
- Assess cybersecurity controls and information security frameworks relevant to digital asset environments.
Crypto & Blockchain Specific Areas
- Understand blockchain transaction flows, wallet movements, custody mechanisms, and exchange operations.
- Review hot wallet and cold wallet controls, private key governance, and multi-signature approval mechanisms.
- Perform blockchain-based verification procedures and reconciliation of on-chain vs off-chain balances.
- Evaluate AML/KYC compliance processes and transaction monitoring controls.
- Coordinate with technology teams for the extraction and validation of large transaction datasets.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify financial reporting, operational, technology, and compliance risks in crypto exchange environments.
- Support clients in strengthening governance and control frameworks.
- Review compliance with applicable regulatory and reporting requirements relating to virtual digital assets and fintech operations.
- Assist in the preparation of audit observations, management letters, and risk assessment reports.
Team & Client Management
- Independently handle sections of audit engagements and manage timelines.
- Coordinate with client finance, compliance, and technology teams.
- Guide junior team members and review working papers.
- Support managers and partners in client discussions and deliverables.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Qualified CA with CISA qualification preferred.
- 2–4 years of experience in statutory audit, IT audit, IFC testing, or fintech/technology-enabled audits.
- Exposure to crypto exchanges, fintech entities, payment platforms, or digital businesses would be an advantage.
- Strong understanding of:
- ITGC and application controls
- ERP/system environments
- Information security concepts
- Automated business processes
- Data analytics and system-based reconciliations
- Familiarity with blockchain concepts, crypto wallets, exchange operations, and digital asset ecosystems preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, audit tools, and data analysis techniques.
- Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
Key Attributes
- Strong risk assessment mindset
- Ability to work in technology-driven audit environments
- Detail-oriented with strong professional skepticism
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and tight timelines
- Strong stakeholder management and client communication skills
Preferred Exposure
- SOC reports / ISAE 3402 / SSAE reviews
- Cybersecurity or information security audits
- Blockchain analytics tools
- Automated control testing
- Regulatory compliance reviews in fintech or digital asset sector
ABOUT US
PKF Sridhar and Santhanam LLP is an independent networking firm and an exclusive member in India for PKF International, providing local expertise in accounting and business advisory services across the Globe.
LIFE AT PKF S&S LLP
We value our people with high regard and strongly believe in a One family approach with an inclusive culture and non-hierarchical environment. With some of the best minds in the industry from different walks of life, we believe in mentoring and building fellow professionals through constant training programs and by embracing a diverse frame of mind. As a part of PKF, you will have a chance to build the best professional version of yourself under the guidance of unique and established professionals, while we also count on your contributions to the constant firm-building activities.
