Senior Manager - Data, AI & Analytics in Birmingham

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals. Our Business Risk Services (BRS) practice focuses on helping organisations manage risk, improve operational processes and realise strategic objectives. Our BRS team provides clients with support on their internal audit and technology risk (second line) functions, through tailored, flexible and cost-effective solutions, that provide access to industry best practice methodology, value add insights and subject matter experts. Our BRS team focuses on clients in the FTSE 100 and international large and complex corporates.

The Data, AI & Analytics Internal Audit Lead is a pivotal role within BRS. Our team provides audit, assurance and advisory services to Grant Thornton clients in the UK and internationally. We help clients across a range of sectors to meet their data & AI obligations and drive efficiencies using data analytics and AI by providing practical, proportionate, business-relevant advice, assurance and audit services.

This role is responsible for providing specialized services in data management, AI Assurance and data analytics audits, and act as an SME on a wide range of client engagements including designing, assuring, and auditing compliance, AI and data standards across the organisations. You will also support the automation of internal audit processes, providing expert approaches, and driving efficiencies within the data audit function through use of AI and analytics.

The role demands a proactive, self-motivated individual with strong communication skills and the ability to forge and maintain strong relationships. The successful candidate will be instrumental in growing the function and significantly contributing to business revenue and sales.

We're happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we'll support you to balance your work and life.

Responsibilities

• Lead client engagements on data, AI and analytics internal audit / risk / governance, and manage a portfolio and relationships with clients.
• Lead on planning conversations with clients, and in the preparation of draft terms of reference/audit planning documents.
• Provide subject matter expert input into engagements and oversee fieldwork performed by more junior team members, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with Grant Thornton methodologies, testing is sufficient and appropriate, and evidence to support key decisions has been obtained.
• Present reports and findings to client stakeholders.
• Assist with the financial management of client relationships, including monitoring WIP, raising invoices, ensuring an adequate margin on engagements, and preparing budgets.
• Support business development activities such as presenting at events, webinars, networking, winning new clients and upselling services to existing clients.
• Support the creation of new services and propositions, ensuring the practice remains aligned with client and colleagues demand, industry standards, legal developments and technological developments.

Join as a Senior Manager with a focus on data, AI and analytics; minimum criteria include a professional qualification (CISA, AAIA, ACA, CA, ACCA, IIA etc.) with post-qualification experience and confidence managing large and complex engagements. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but development support is available if needed.

Qualifications

• Experience with using data platforms, programming languages and AI tools, such as Alteryx, Knime, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Tableau, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Informatica, Microsoft Copilot, Python and SQL, to deliver practical and impactful analytics assurances and solutions.
• Familiar with accounting systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.
• Experience of implementing and refining data and AI analytics tools to automate internal audit processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
• Experience of scoping, delivering, and reporting on internal audits, and presenting conclusions to relevant stakeholders.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Data Governance and AI Risk Management industry frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience of building extensive and active networks across geographical regions and client organisations.

Culture & About Grant Thornton

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people; we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at their best and realise their potential.

At Grant Thornton we do things differently—looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work-life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we are on an ambitious journey. We need the best people to help us achieve our potential, and with that comes the opportunity to redefine our industry and your career.

Our open and accessible culture means you'll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart are valued. We give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job, life is about balance. We’re happy to look at flexible working options for all roles and will always aim to keep your work and life in balance. The impact you can make here goes far beyond your day job, including secondments, fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, as part of our commitment to doing the right thing and our firm values.