Senior Manager - Data, AI & Analytics in London

Senior Manager, Data, AI & Analytics Services

London, Sheffield, Birmingham or Manchester + hybrid working

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF. 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 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 (second line) functions, through the provision of 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.

A look into the role:

• 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.
• Providing subject matter expert input into engagements and overseeing fieldwork performed by more junior team members, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with Grant Thornton methodologies, that sufficient and appropriate testing has been performed, and evidence to support key decisions has been obtained.
• Presenting 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.

Knowing you’re right for us:

Joining us as a Senior Manager, (with a focus on data, AI and analytics), 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, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

• 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, 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 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.

Knowing we’re right for you:

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 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. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why 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 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. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

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. It’s how it should be.