Policy Specialist (Audits and Technology)

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of audit in the UK within a leading independent regulator for audit, reporting and governance at a pivotal moment of technological change. As a Policy Specialist, you will play a key role in developing policy and guidance on the use of emerging technologies, including AI - within audit and assurance. Working at the intersection of audit, regulation and innovation, you will help ensure technology is adopted in a way that enhances audit quality and supports economic growth. You will contribute to a high-profile and evolving policy agenda, translating complex technical developments into clear, practical guidance for the audit profession. This role offers exposure to international standard-setting bodies, senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams across the regulatory landscape. This position is ideal for candidates with a background in audit, accounting policy, or technology/AI policy who are keen to step into a forward-looking role where intellectual curiosity, writing ability and stakeholder engagement are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the drafting of guidance on the application of technology in audit, including AI and emerging tools
• Translate complex technical and policy concepts into clear, practical and accessible written outputs
• Engage with audit firms, technology providers, regulators and international bodies to gather insight and influence thinking
• Contribute to the development of UK audit and assurance policy in response to technological change
• Support and influence international standard setters across audit, assurance and ethics
• Collaborate across internal teams to ensure a consistent regulatory approach to audit technology
• Monitor developments in AI and other emerging technologies, assessing implications for audit quality and standards
• Build and maintain a strong professional network across the audit, regulatory and technology landscape

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Qualified accountant or demonstrable expertise in technology / AI policy
• Strong understanding of auditing and ethical standards in the UK or strong understanding of technology policy frameworks
• Knowledge of emerging technologies relevant to audit, particularly AI (including generative or agentic AI)
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across professional, regulatory or technical environments
• Ability to interpret technical material and distil underlying principles into policy-relevant outputs
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Experience within a regulator, standard setter, Big 4 firm or central policy function
• Understanding of how technology is applied in audit and associated policy challenges
• Experience contributing to policy development or standard-setting processes
• Exposure to international working groups or cross-border regulatory environments
• Interest in AI governance, AI safety or emerging regulatory frameworks

Person Specification

• Outstanding written communicator
• Intellectually curious, with a strong interest in emerging technology
• Proactive and adaptable, able to operate in a developing policy area
• Strong analytical thinker, comfortable working with nuanced and complex topics
• Confident engaging and influencing a wide range of stakeholders
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in a flat team structure
• Open to development and stepping into a growing, evolving policy discipline

The Team

You will join a high-impact policy function within a UK regulator, working at the forefront of thinking on technology in audit and assurance. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new and rapidly emerging policy area at the intersection of audit and AI, with significant scope for growth and professional development.

The organisation offers:

• A progressive and high-profile regulatory environment
• Opportunities to contribute to international standard setting
• A strong commitment to flexibility and work/life balance
• A collaborative and inclusive culture with clear public interest purpose