AI Manager

AI Manager

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
CFA Institute

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AI-driven finance improvements and streamline processes using cutting-edge technology.
  • Company: Join Visa, a global leader in payments technology with a mission to uplift everyone.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on finance processes while working with innovative AI solutions.
  • Qualifications: Strong finance knowledge and hands-on experience with AI and data analytics required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

About Us Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale – tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world. Join Visa and do work that matters – to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description The AI Analyst / Manager will support the Finance (Controllership) organization by identifying, designing, and implementing process improvements using artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, and workflow optimization. The role partners closely with Accounting to Reporting, Client Incentives, Billing, Accounts Payable, Internal Controls, IT, and Data teams to streamline manual processes, reduce operational risk, enhance reporting quality, and improve decision‑making across Europe. The ideal candidate combines strong finance process knowledge with hands‑on experience in AI, automation/improvement, data analytics, and change management. They will translate finance business needs into scalable, well‑controlled solutions using generative AI, low‑code automation (e.g. Power Automate, Power BI with Co‑pilot, Excel Macros), business intelligence platforms, ERP enhancements, and advanced analytics. This role is based in the London (Paddington) office and reports directly to the Head of Internal Controls – Europe. This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in the office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

  • AI‑Enabled Process Improvement & Automation Assess Controllership processes to identify inefficiencies, manual activities, control gaps, bottlenecks, and automation opportunities. Design and implement solutions that drive standardisation, automation, and scalability across regional and global Controllership activities. Reduce manual and duplicative control activities through AI‑enabled workflows, reusable frameworks, and controls‑by‑design. Partner with Regional and Global Finance, IT, and AI Transformation teams to embed automated controls within ERP (e.g. Ariba, Oracle) and upstream systems. Shadow existing processes and teams to identify process improvement and automation opportunities. Ability to create low code/no code solutions to prove the concept for further scaling.
  • Data, Reporting & Analytics using Gen AI Analyse Controllership data to identify trends, exceptions, process issues, and improvement opportunities. Develop dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to monitor process health and outcomes. Support finance data quality initiatives, including validation, reconciliation, standardisation, and master data improvements. Use analytics and data visualisation to communicate insights clearly to Finance leadership. Define and track KPIs to measure automation benefits, including cycle‑time reduction, error reduction, productivity gains, cost savings, and improved control effectiveness.
  • Project Management & Implementation Support Controllership transformation initiatives from discovery through implementation and stabilisation. Document Controllership requirements, current‑state and future‑state processes, user stories, test plans, and operating procedures. Coordinate delivery across Finance, IT, Data, and external partners to implement Gen AI, automation, workflow, and reporting solutions. Support user acceptance testing, issue resolution, training, and post‑implementation support. Manage project timelines, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communications.
  • Controls, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure AI and automation solutions maintain appropriate financial controls, audit trails, segregation of duties, and approval workflows. Partner with Internal Audit, Compliance, Legal, and Risk teams to meet governance and regulatory requirements. Assess and mitigate risks associated with AI usage, including data privacy, model accuracy, bias, explainability, access controls, and over‑reliance on automated outputs. Document controls and procedures for automated and AI‑enabled finance processes. Support internal and external audit requests related to transformed processes.
  • Change Management & Training Enable Finance users through designing and running training on AI tools, automated workflows, dashboards, and redesigned processes. Allow staff to 'shadow' work to learn how process automations are implemented. Develop user guides, standard operating procedures, and best‑practice documentation. Drive adoption through workshops, demonstrations, and practical use‑case education ultimately leading to a successful go‑live. Act as a change champion, supporting teams transitioning from manual to digitally enabled processes. Gather user feedback and drive continuous improvement post‑implementation.
  • Stakeholder Leadership & Enablement Engage regularly with senior regional and global Finance stakeholders. Have a view on 'in‑flight' projects to the Europe region from global / other regions, maintaining cross‑regional contacts to similar internal organizations. Present outputs and insights to senior management, the Audit Committee, and external auditors. Operate with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement, balancing risk, control effectiveness, and cost‑benefit considerations. Act as a regional subject matter expert for AI‑enabled Controllership and internal controls.

Qualifications

  • Education & Professional Certifications Strong understanding of core finance processes, including month‑end close, reporting, reconciliations, AP, AR, billing, budgeting, and forecasting. Professional certifications preferred: CIA, CPA, CISA, CMA, CFA, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalent.
  • Technical & Analytical Skills Strong understanding of AI applications in finance, including automation, text summarisation, data extraction, and analytics. Advanced proficiency with generative AI tools (e.g., Power Automate (a 'must have') with Co‑pilot prompts, Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, N8N). Excellent analytical skills to understand and improve complex financial models and datasets, and present insights clearly through visualisations. Advanced proficiency in Excel, VBA, PowerPoint, and Power BI; working knowledge of SQL, Python, and other modelling tools desirable. Strong communication skills with the ability to support both commercial and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Knowledge & Experience Demonstrated experience applying enterprise AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Claude co‑work and generative AI solutions) to financial processes, process improvement, MI reporting, and analysis of complex commercial agreements. Proven ability to embed AI‑enabled automation and insight generation within governed finance environments. Experience with advanced analytics, Power BI (including AI capabilities), low‑code automation tools, and emerging AI use cases in deal modelling and performance reporting. Strong track record of delivering process improvement and automation in a finance or controllership environment.
  • Behavioural & Leadership Skills High integrity, strong ownership mindset, critical thinking and sound professional judgement. Detail‑oriented, highly iterative, resilient under pressure, and comfortable working to tight deadlines. Curious, innovative, and confident challenging the status quo to drive value. Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills.

Collaborative and effective Visa is an EEO Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

AI Manager employer: CFA Institute

Visa is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing employees with the opportunity to make a significant impact in the world of finance and technology. Located in the vibrant Paddington area of London, Visa offers a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility while ensuring professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to challenge the status quo and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance financial processes globally.

CFA Institute

Contact Details:

CFA Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AI Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their values and goals. We want to see you shine!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!

We think you need these skills to ace AI Manager

AI Applications in Finance
Automation
Data Analytics
Process Improvement
Generative AI Tools
Low-Code Automation (e.g. Power Automate)
Data Visualisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with AI, automation, and finance processes. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of tech, be sure to mention your proficiency with tools like Power Automate, Power BI, and any generative AI applications you've used. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the job description. We appreciate clarity and directness!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Institute

Know Your AI Tools

Familiarise yourself with the specific AI tools mentioned in the job description, like Power Automate and generative AI applications. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles or projects, showcasing your hands-on experience.

Understand Finance Processes

Brush up on core finance processes such as month-end close, reconciliations, and reporting. Being able to speak fluently about these topics will demonstrate your strong finance process knowledge, which is crucial for the role.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to implement process improvements. Think of examples where you've identified inefficiencies and successfully designed solutions, particularly using automation or data analytics.

Showcase Your Change Management Skills

Highlight your experience in change management, especially in training teams on new tools and processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven adoption of new technologies and gathered user feedback for continuous improvement.