Business Risk Services, Senior Manager - Data, AI & Analytics in Birmingham

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.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Our Business Risk Services (BRS) practice focuses on helping organisations manage risk, improve operational processes and realise strategic objectives. Our team brings together a range of skills and experience across sector specialisms. Our BRS team provides clients with support on their internal audit and technology risk functions, through tailored, flexible and cost-effective solutions, that provide access to industry best practice methodology, value add insights and subject matter experts.

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.

As a Senior Manager within BRS, you will:

• 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.
• Present reports and findings to client stakeholders.
• Assist with the financial management of client relationships, including monitoring WIP, raising invoices, ensuring an adequate margin is achieved on engagements, and preparing budgets.
• Support on 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.

Joining us as a Senior Manager, the minimum criteria you’ll need is a professional qualification (CISA, AAIA, ACA, CA, ACCA, IIA etc.) with post qualification experience, and to be confident managing large and complex engagements. It would be great if you had some of the following skills:

• 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 among others.
• 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 in 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.

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential. Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm.

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance. The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.