At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of audit by developing policy on emerging technologies like AI.
- Company: Join a leading independent regulator at the forefront of audit and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a flexible work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and international exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role that blends audit with cutting-edge tech.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or expertise in technology/AI policy required.
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
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
Policy Specialist (Audits and Technology) in Birmingham employer: Hays Procurement Jobs
As a Policy Specialist in Birmingham, you will join a leading independent regulator at the forefront of audit and technology policy, offering a unique opportunity to influence the future of audit in the UK. With a strong commitment to flexibility, a collaborative culture, and a focus on professional development, this role provides an enriching environment for those passionate about shaping policy in a rapidly evolving landscape. Enjoy 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and engage with international standard-setting bodies while contributing to meaningful work that supports economic growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Specialist (Audits and Technology) in Birmingham
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Hays Procurement Jobs looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Specialist (Audits and Technology) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Hays Procurement Jobs. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Procurement Jobs
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Hays Procurement Jobs’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
